Kenneth Rafal Obituary

I just saw this. He was my Dr as a kid. He was also my childrens' Dr. as well. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great Dr.

I was sitting home tonight watching Denver playing the Giants when I thought about Kenneth. We were class mates at Carolton Oaks School (now known as Norfolk Collegiate). I decided to look him up on the internet and was really shocked to hear of his passing. The last time I saw Kenneth was at a class reunion around 1986. He was always the smart one. Everything came so easily to him. In 1972 we were playing in the championship basketball against Norfolk Catholic and he made a last-minute basket which helped us to win the game and the Tournament. His shot was the talked of the school for weeks on end. I must say it was more luck than skill. I only wish that we kept in touch.

To the Rafal family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working for Dr. Rafal for many years. His family always brought him great joy, and he couldn't wait to get home to you all. Take care and God bless.

I knew Ken in Medical School. He was always a positive individual who always added joy to those around him. I will always remember him fondly...

Vandi I did not know you lost your husband until today and I am so sorry. I have thought of you often over the years and still cherish our friendship. I know through the lord you will find comfort and I am praying for you. I would love to talk with you so please contact me by email. God bless you and yours and I hope to hear from you. Much Love, Beth (Holbert)

I never met Dr Rafal in person but I worked at his answering service for the last 3 1/2 yrs.I was very sad when I heard of his passing as he was one of the most pleasant Dr's that i have worked with he was always kind and took the time to say hello and ask how i was was when ever i talked to him, my heart goes out to his family ,God Bless

I had the opportunity of working with Dr. Rafal for almost five years and I am deeply saddened by his passing. What a wonderful doctor he was to all of his patients. He always will be remembered. Vandi, my prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Vandi, Whitney, Piper, Chase and Gregor,

I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of your dear husband and father. It's been awhile since our riding lessons, but you all will always have a special place in my heart. Cherish all of your wonderful memories. Kenny was a terrific person and will be missed by many.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Very sincerely,

Leslie Hutchins

Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Rafal family at this time of great loss.

We were saddened to hear of his illness of body, but never his special spirit. It was indeed a privilege to have known such an honorable, admirable man. He touched our family's lives both professionally and personally and will be deeply missed.

God bless. Respectfully, Jacque

Tony, Mark & Audrey Brandon

Dear Rafal Family,



I join with others in shock, sadness and sorrow at the news of our beloved pediatrician passing away. Dr. Rafal was the most caring and compassionate doctor. A comment at the funeral was so perfect, “He was born to be a pediatrician.”



We first became acquainted with Dr. Rafal in June of 1983 where he was a pediatrician with the Colorado Springs Medical Center. Our then 3-yeard old son, Brian had bumped up next to a very hot gas barbeque grill and severely burned his shoulder. Our former pediatrician would not see Brian because it was a burn and he “didn’t do burns.” Little did I realize what a blessing that was. We never even considered going back to the doctor that would not care for a child with a burn. Dr. Rafal became our pediatrician.



My doctor was also with the medical center. One January afternoon in 1984 I was going in for an appointment when Dr. Rafal walked by the waiting room. He stopped and I asked him if he knew what had happened. In his very sympathetic and caring voice, he said that he did as he offered a very comforting hug. He then told me that our stillborn daughter, Cheryl, was the first patient of his that had died and that he has there when she was delivered.



In 1985, I had an emergency c-section and the last thing I remember was Dr. Rafal coming by to let me know that he was there before they began the procedure. How comforting and reassuring it was to know that he was there for Craig and a couple of years later for Laura when his face again was last I saw before the scheduled c-section in 1987.



On every phone call or visit with Dr. Rafal, I know he knew exactly who I was, my history and that I was not just another patient or revenue generator. I would ramble on about something and he would always respond in his kind and gentle voice, “Is there anything else?”



We were also fortunate enough to have Dr. Rafal care for the next generation as he cared for Brian’s son, Johnny.



I simply cannot find words to express my sorrow for the passing of such a wonderful person. I am overwhelmed when I hear of his impact on the lives of so many people in the community. I knew he was a super pediatrician for my family and I had the individualized care that he obviously provided that to many patients during the years.



The community has lost a truly incredible pediatrician and compassionate person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dr. Rafal was a wonderful person. He was always so friendly, kind and gentle with my 3 children. We will miss his smile and kindness. He is one of the best doctors we have ever been in contact with. He will be sorely missed by us.

Dr. Rafal took care of both of my children since the day they were born. I met him nearly 16 years ago shortly before my son was born. He was an incredible man. His compassion for his patients and their parents was quite evident. He made each and every one of us feel special. He always had a smile and great sense of humor, even when he was not feeling well. We will miss him very much.

Dear Rafal Family:



I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Rafal's passing. Dr. Rafal had been both my children's (Justin 23 and David 20) doctor since they were born. Although for a few years we had to switch doctors for insurance purposes, we always came back to him. He was always a bright light in our lives whenever we visted with him. I was very sad a few years back when my youngest son had his last visit with him since he was becoming to old to see a pediatrition anymore. I had always hoped I would run into him around town sometime and thank him for all his kind words and caring for our family. He will be greatly missed in this community by our family and others. Our prayers our with your family through this difficult time.

The Barile Family

Vandi and children

It's been a long, long time - too long - since we last saw each other. You and Dr. Ken were about to be married. I remember you saying you wanted 4 children - and that you and Dr. Ken did! I am so, so very sorry for your loss. After reading about him, I am so happy that God chose you to be his life partner. How blessed and enriched your lives were to have shared them with each other. Looking at the years gone by...wow, the changes life has presented us. Know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. I have thought of you, your mom and dad, Valerie, and Vicki often. I am so sorry, Vandi, and pray that God gives you the strength and peace through His power and grace. Call or email me any time - any time at all. Your cousin, Gail Wilson Smith

We were so sad to the loss of Dr Rafal. He is the reason we went to the clinic with our kids. He was always a breath of fresh air even in the middle of a sometimes unpleasant appointment. We miss him and the clinic isn't the same without him. He was a rare person and hope that GOD grants you the peace to deal with this loss. Our sincere prayers go to your family.

I know you do not know who I am but I did transcription for Dr. Rafal for about a year and a half. It was a pleasure and honor to have known him. He was never too busy to take the time to say hello to me in the office and even in his dication he would say a note of thanks to me and hoped I was doing well. Alot of doctors really don't care that much about their transcriptionist but I felt he truly cared. I know that goes back to his faith and being who God would want him to be. I am a believer also and found him to be a great man of integrity. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God would be your strength and carry you during this very difficult time in your life. God is the only One who can give you the supernatural joy even in the midst of your sorrow. I have been praying for you and your family.

Dear Rafal Family:

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr Rafal was Zachary (5) and Noelle's (3) pediatrician from birth. Even when we moved clear to the other side of town, he was well worth the drive! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as your mourn the loss of the wonderful husband, father and man that God blessed your lives with. May His peace which surpasses understanding guard your hearts and bring you comfort.



Much Love,

The Drake Family

Stephen, Jennifer, Zachary & Noelle

Dear Rafal family,



We are so saddened to learn of Dr. Rafal's passing. He cared for all 3 of our children from the day they were born, through shots and ear infections, rashes and fevers, with such compassion and kindness. We will miss him. You have our heartfelt condolences for your loss. He was truly a wonderful doctor and person.

To Dr. Rafal's Family,

I pray as you read these messages of condolences you will be struck as I am...How the Lord can use one life given to Him to impact so many people. Dr. Rafal was the pediatrican for my four children and two of my grandchildren. We always knew he cared for our whole health, physical, emotional and spiritual. He will be remembered always in our family with respect and love.

Dr. Rafal was our children's pediatrician for the last 10 years, and we will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with his family and friends. He was a wonderful man.

Vandi and kids -



While at the funeral and reading these messages, I was struck by the numerous people who have been touched by Kenny's life as a physician. And even though he did touch Bethany's and my life in that capacity, we will always think of him first simply as a kind, exceedingly generous man who went out of his way to bless us. While not perfect (as none of us are), he was, I think, a terrific example of "Jesus with skin on" to many, many people. What a great legacy.



Love,

Lori, Matthew, Timothy, and Bethany

All of us who knew Ken while a Resident at Akron Children's send our deepest sympathy to his family.

Robert T. Stone MD

Associate Chair Department of Pediatrics

Akron Children's Hospital

Thank you Lord for giving us a Dr. Rafal and his gift of healing. We know he is with you and will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched.



God bless.



The Shannon Family,

Kevin, Kate, Lauryn, Kaylie,

Matthew and Jenny

Dr. Rafal was my doctor from the time I was born until the day he did my physical for college and told me I was too old to come back and see him; that day I was heart broken but I understood. Unlike most kids I was ok with going to see my doctor, because i always thought he was so cool, it wasn't scarey rather informational, I always learned something new. As I got older and started to seriously think of what I wanted to do with my life, I was enspired by my childhood Pediatrician to go into medicine, which is a dream I am currently working hard on completeing. Dr. Rafal will be missed deeply, I am truley happy I was blessed to have had such a great opportunity to have someone so amazing part of my life for so long.

Dear Dr. Rafal Family,



Dr. Rafal was our pediatrician for all three of our daughters. For years he checked their eyes, nose, throat, ears, bellys, lymph glands, heart beats, lungs, muscles, etc. We have been praying for him as a family. From the mouths of children to God's ears. We look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Thank you for giving us such a kind, caring, doctor for the 12 years. We will always have fond memories of Dr. Rafal.

Dear Rafal Family:

Our hearts are truly saddened by the news of Dr. Rafal's passing. For 23 years he was a source of compassion, understanding and infinite knowledge of children. He truly had a gift, and we were blessed to have known him. It was always such a pleasure to visit his office, he always had a story to share of his children, which made his whole space light up as he spoke. He must have been a true treasure to have as a father. I cannot even imagine your sorrow. With sincere and heartfelt sympathy,

The Palazzolo Family

Dear Rafal Family,



We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Rafal was our pediatrician for only 2 years and we loved him. He had such a strong faith and reminded us to take care of our marriage after our daughter's birth. What an awesome man and doctor. He will be missed by so many but we look forward to seeing him again in heaven. We pray for you all every day and ask that God's peace be with you. God Bless You All!

Dear Rafal family,



I would be remiss if I did not tell you of the special memories my family has of Dr. Rafal and express my deep and sincere sorrow at hearing of his leaving this earth.



In all my years of mothering my eight children, I have never encountered a Dr. with such compassion and love. The act of kindness he showed my oldest daughter was amazing.



At age 9, Heather had almost died from a ruptured appendix and had become very depressed and wanted to die. Dr. Rafal talked to her about the Lord's will for her to live and showed to her such love. He also brought for her 10th birthday a cake with Minnie Mouse which read "We're glad you're here!" From that time on, she started to feel better. She is married with two darling little daughters now and I firmly believe that Dr. Rafal through the Holy Spirit's leading, altered the course of her life.



Since those were the days of HMO's and our insurance had changed we were forced to change doctors and eventually my family moved back to the midwest, but we continued to speak of Dr. Rafal often and with much love and respect.



God Bless you Vandi and your children with the knowledge of your husband and father's tremendous life well-lived.



We rejoice in knowing that one day we will all be joined together with our wonderful Lord and Savior and with those who have gone on ahead into glory!!!



With much love,



Julie Meyer and Heather Boldra

Dr. Rafal was our Grandchildren's doctor and friend. He knew them well, and had nicknames for each of them. His was a life of blessing and we are grateful for the time God gave us with him.

May you all be comforted by the knowledge that he touched so many lives and that in that touch the Lord moved and brought great joy.

Rafal family;



Ken was one of our fine doctor

graduates at Children's. You have my

my sincere condolences and prayers.



Joseph E. Kastelic, M.D.

Vandi,

I just heard about the loss of Kenneth. I was surprised and very much saddened. I admired both of you greatly as I watched you raise your family and participate in so many of their activities. What a special relationship you were blessed with. My prayers are with you and your family. The loss will be felt by all who knew and loved him.

Dr. Rafal

You will be deeply missed!!

Dear Vandi,

Although it has been many years, I fondly remember working with you in NICU and attending your wedding. It was obvious even then what a special relationship you had. If I remember correctly you met the love of your life over an isolette! My prayers are with you and your children. What a difference Kenny made in so many lives.

The Rafal Family,



Dr. Rafal was our children's doctor for the past 12 years. We feel so honored to have known him. He was a wonderful person and an exceptional doctor. My family, especially my children, are deeply saddened by his passing but we know that he is with the Lord and one day we will meet again. Bless you and may God give you peace during this sad time.

What a wonderful doctor/person Dr. Rafal was. He was our children's doctor from toddlers to the age of 18, but he was also kind, compassionate, caring and fun to be around. He will be missed! Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family and community as we mourn the loss of a wonderful man. THANKYOU Dr. Rafal!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My daughter was very sick from the day she was born and Dr Rafal was always there no matter what. He always had comforting words when I was scared or worried about what was going to happen next and what test was going to be run next. He is the best pediatrician I have ever had for my kids. He was always there as a doctor and a friend. He will be missed, but I will always have fond meemories of him.

We are heartbroken to hear of Dr. Rafal's passing. My two girls will miss him terribly but with the assurance of seeing him again someday when they are called home. Dr. Rafal was always caring and generous and tender in his care of my two girls. He was a wonderful man.

Vandi, We lost touch many years ago but all of you have been in my thoughts often. Kenny and you were an important part of our lives for many years. Abby would not be with us if not for his loving touch and caring ways. He was a wounderful man and will be missed by many of us. We will keep you and the family in our prayers. I know with the love of family and friends you will find strength.

Vandi and Family


You are in our prayers


Jerry, Mary, Colleen & Cathleen


Kelley

Dear Rafal Family,




We are so saddened by the passing of Dr. Rafal. He was a part of our family for the past 15 years caring for our son and daughter. We were in such great care from such a wonderful doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.









Sincerely,




The Highland Family




David, Diane, Michael and Clare

Vandi - We are saddened to hear about the loss of your husband. Know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

Vandi, Its been many years since we have seen each other, and seeing your name today brought back many warm memories. While it was wonderful to read what a tremendous man your husband was, I was very saddened to read of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Please accept our sincere sympathy in the death of Dr. Rafal. He was a wonderful physician and man. He was present at the birth of our daughter, Heather, over 23 years ago, and was the pediatrician for both of our children. He will be missed, but he certainly left a wonderful legacy for his own children.

Mike and Karen Wilson

Dear Rafal family,



There are no words to describe our sadness right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all so, so much. Dr. Rafal felt like a member of our own family. He showed above and beyond kindness, compassion and love to our entire family. We will miss him terribly and think of him always, for Dr. Rafal has a very special place in all of our hearts. May the knowledge that his soul rests with The Lord be your comfort and strength now and always.



By His Grace

Dianne, Steve, Emily and Olivia Perea



P.S. Our 4 year old daughter, Olivia, drew and cut out the most beautiful, vibrant yellow heart and placed it next Dr. Rafal's picture in a little book that she keeps by her bedside. That beaming, yellow heart will forever remind us of Dr. Rafals infectious smile and radiant spirit, and how by just walking into a room he instantly made people feel better.

Rafal Family,



Just a small note to let you know how grateful I will always be to Dr. Rafal. He has taken care of my two children since 1997 and calmed me during my worries of raising them. He had a very reassuring demeanor and would tell me stories of his own children. One of the best stories is when my son was born he had red marks on his forehead above his nose. I was a little concerned and Dr. Rafal told me "That's just where the angels kissed him when he was born." He told me about his daughter having the same "angel kisses" when she was born. All I can think now is that the angels are kissing him and his family. Thank you, Rafal Family, for helping your Dad be the man he was.

Dearest Vandi,

I know we have only met briefly and usually conversations were of not so polite thoughts of the opposing team. My heart truly aches for you and the kids. My only prayer is that your family will find peace and strength in one another and that God will guide you. I'll be thinking of you often..God Bless

Dear Vandi and Children,



We knew you briefly several years ago and considered your husband and father to be a man passionate for the best for his family and patients.Our deepest sympathies and prayers.



May God lead you through this journey of grief and give you comfort and strength daily.



Sincerely,



Marty & Phil Meinert

Sunnyside Christian Church

Grief support facilitators

Dear Vandi,



Your sister Vicki told me about your husband. I've been praying for you and will continue. I am so sorry that you have suffered the loss of your husband.

With my deepest sympathy,

Kari "Miller" Solosky

Our family is so sorry for your loss. Dr. Rafal was a wonderful doctor for our children for the past 11 years, we will miss him alot!

May your memories bring you joy and your faith bring you peace.



The Schofield Family

(Dave, Paula, Bryan and Lauren)

Vandi and family



We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Rafal. We know that he is in a better place and you will soon see him again. We have many fond memories of working with him during 4-H horse shows. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. If you need anything please give us a call. Randy, Gwen and Danelle Sanger

Vandi, Whitney, Chase, Piper and Gregor,



May the lord bring you comfort in this sad time. We will miss Dr. Rafal greatly. My first daughter was born with Down Syndrome and Dr. Rafal was wonderfully supportive with her and me! My daughters loved being tickled by him! A trip to the doctor was never a scary thing. I am blessed with two happy and healthy daughters in large part due to him.



With deepest sympathy,

Kathy, Kelsey and Kimmie Cara

We have never met a doctor like Kenneth Rafal. A relaxed, competent and caring physician who guided us with our young child and our newborn in a new country. May his family know how loved he was by his patients and their families.

Dan and Jennifer, Canadians

To the Rafal Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you - Your husband, father, son, etc. was a honorable man - Dr. Rafal has been my kids doctors since 1989 - when he first deleiver our first son and then the other two after that - He will be greatly missed - my heart breaks for your family and we will be praying for God's healing touch for the days, weeks, months and years to follow - WE LOVE YOU DR. RAFAL!!!

Vandi, Whitney, Chase, Piper and Gregor,

Our hearts are breaking for you, for your profound loss and sadness. We cannot believe the best doctor in the world is now the best doctor in heaven; Kenny was and is the BEST! It is overwhelming to think that it was 23 years ago Kenny became Tyler's doctor, then along came Ashlyn and our families became friends. We will never forget the fun Halloween parties at your house, the numerous birthday parties, ice skating lessons and playdates that Whitney and Ashlyn shared. Our hearts are with you and we will cherish the memories until we meet up with Kenny in heaven. Much love to you all.

The Forsters - Lori, Tom, Tyler and Ashlyn

Vandi, Whitney,Chase,Piper and Gregor:My heart aches for all of you. I pray you will feel his love and soul around you always!

I too, had a son who was one of Kenny's first patients, 23 years ago. Since then 4 more have been blessed by being called 'Peanut'on their first visit. I don't believe I have ever admired a family, or a man, as much as your Husband and Father. He shared so much love, and he shared it unconditionally along with his wisdom and humor. 1000's of children and their parents have truly been blessed by him. His smile was contagious, his heart kind and strong. What a gift he was to our city. He will be thought of fondly always, and only a thought away. May You feel the love and support around you during this tough and trying time.

Please accept our condolences at the news of Dr Rafal's passing - he was a wonderful doctor to our two sons, Kevin and Keith. May God comfort your family.

Dr Rafal was the greatest physician I have ever meet. I started taking my 2 year old son to him 11 years ago. Dr. Rafal was graciously gifted with children and their sometimes paranoid parent. He was always caring and showed concern over every issue. After he moved his office and I also moved, out east, I still traveled 15 miles to continue having the best care for my son. Colorado Springs has lost a very special man. He and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time. He will be missed.!

Kim & Corey

I am shocked and saddened by Dr. Rafal's passing. He was my first child's pediatrician in 1985, and was very good with both her and me (as a brand new parent!). He was a very personable and knowledgeable physician who was exceptional in his field.



My deepest sympathies.

I offer my sincere condolences to Dr. Rafal's family. He was pediatrician to my two children and my grandson. May God Bless You.

Dr Rafal was a special man - I enjoyed working with him at PSFMG both before and after the transition. He was a wonderful pediatrician to my daughter and we will miss him; but know he has gone to a better place

Vandi, I'm so sorry to hear of Kenneth's home going. Won't it be grand to united with him in heaven. I always enjoyed working with Kenneth and my kids always enjoyed him as their doctor. My son Scott was one of his first patients when he first began practice at the Colordo Springs Medical Center. My prayers of comfort are with you at this time.

Our hearts are breaking for such a loss but we are forever grateful for the wonderful care Dr. Rafal gave our son, Oliver. We will miss you and God Bless

Our hearts are breaking for such a loss - but we are forever grateful for the wonderful care Dr. Rafal took of our son, Oliver. God bless