Rafael Jose Campos

Campos, Rafael Jose

Saginaw, Michigan

Our beloved Rafael, age 24, was welcomed home by our Heavenly Father on Sunday, alongside his dear cousins Laura and Mariano, on June 5th, 2022. The Lord graciously gifted this world with his presence on July 1st, 1997, born in Bay City, Michigan to Maria Anita Galindo Esparza. 

Rafael had a passion for sports, family, and friends. He was a big fan of Michigan State University football and basketball. Rafael loyally cheered them on whether it was a winning or losing season. He enjoyed tailgating and attending games with his older brother. 

Rafael loved writing his own music. He was gifted with an artistic soul that so many will remember him for. 

He was very family-oriented and loved hosting barbecues with family and friends. His friends will remember him for his big smile and ability to light up a room. He loved making other people feel great about themselves and always knew how to cheer people up. Rafael was a great cook and griller. He united friends and family this way. He expressed his kind-heartedness by entertaining and feeding others. Rafael had a heart of gold. His family would refer to him as a “big teddy bear”. 

He was very motivated to make the most of his life and change for the better. He had a bright future ahead of him. He would discuss joining the military or becoming a pastor. Regardless, many knew Rafael was only getting started and would succeed with anything he pursued. 

Rafael will be remembered as a man of courage, strength, and love. He will be missed by his family, friends, and co-workers. His legacy will live on through the many uplifting stories that his friends and family have about him. 

Rafael was especially close with his best friend Jacob, who predeceased him, and his cousin, Jose (Tito). These two had a big impact on his life. They knew the true value of friendship and were always learning from one another. 

He is survived by his parents Maria Anita Galindo Esparza and Marco Esparza Sr., grandparents Baldemar (Gracie) Galindo, sister Teresa (Tesa) Buendia, brothers Alexander Buendia and Marco Esparza Jr. (Markitos), half siblings Jasmin Herrera Campos, Ernesto Rafael Campos, aunts Juana Amelia (Manuel) Buendia, Azaneth (Thomas) Galindo, Elizabeth (Oracio) Licea, uncles Ivan (Elizabeth) Galindo, Jose (Sandra) Galindo, and cousins Sandra, Mauricio, Veronica, Erica, Crystal, Raymond, Fernando (Nano), Marisela, Miguel, Abraham, Nevaeh, Jonathan, Cassandra, Timothy, Lisa Marie, Joshua, Rebekah, Jose, Jorge, Juliana, Priscilla, Aubrianna, Isabella (Bella), Vanessa, Marissa (Pumpkin), Lilliana, Mauricio Jr. (Wichito), Aaliyah, Sanelly, Isaiah (Papas), Eliana, Jonathan Jr. (JJ) and miracle baby cousin Rosalina, all whom he showered with love and was loved by dearly.

He was predeceased by his grandmother Maria Teresa Campos Galindo, great-uncle Juan Campos, great aunts Emma Vallejo Campos, Juana Arreola, Martha Riojas, and Cousin Esai Campos. 

Rafael knew the importance of family and made sure to keep the family connected. On his final days, he was sure to let them know how much he loved them and gave them peace and assurance that his life was now the Lord's. "I love you, but Jesus loves you more," his grandma, before her passing, would remind him. Rafael was sent too soon on his journey home to be with the Lord but is now reunited with his loved ones. He will be missed by so many. 

A Life Celebration will be held at 6:00 P.M. Sunday June 12th, at the Cederberg Brietzke Funeral Home, 403 N. Michigan Ave, Saginaw MI, with Pastor Mary Garcia officiating the family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 P.M. until time of service.

Arrangements made with Cederberg Brietzke Funeral Home.

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