Hugo Murillo

Hugo Murillo of Winston-Salem died Sunday, 11/15/20 after a prolonged, valiant battle with chronic illness. Last month, Hugo was able to celebrate his 88th birthday with loved ones while observing social distancing protocols thanks to the kind support of the skilled caregivers at Brookridge Retirement Community. His family expresses their gratitude for the attentive care that made his final weeks more comfortable. Hugo – ‘Opa’ to his grandchildren and those who knew and loved him – was born in Cartago Valle, Colombia. Enduring the devastating loss of both his parents by the age of 8, Hugo relied on the companionship of his siblings and the power of education to better his life. Hugo attended university studies in South America before moving to the US where he met Jantje ‘Jane’ Bosscher, originally of the Netherlands, while attending an English course. They were married over 41 years. The couple embraced a spirit of cheerful welcome, never meeting a stranger, and sharing whatever they had, happy to widen their circle of community. Hugo believed in hard work, attention to detail, and meticulous craftsmanship. He worked diligently to support his family, becoming a technical draftsman and injection molding engineer who retired from AMP, Inc.

Hugo was preceded in death by his dear wife, Jane, and devoted brother, Abel. He is survived by countless family and friends including his sister Violeth as well as the Murillos’ three beloved children: Maria (Bill Waterson) of Huntersville; Hugo M. of Winston-Salem; and Richard (Sabi Ardalan) of Watertown, MA. The light and joy of Opa’s life were his four grandchildren: Michael (Blue) Murillo; Rebecca Waterson; Lillian Murillo; and Layla Ardalan-Murillo.

Hugo expressed his zest for life through gardening, swimming, painting, salsa dancing, cheering soccer matches, watching movies, riding bikes at the beach, and spending quality time with dear ones. He supported causes he believed in, such as volunteering at the RiverRun Film Festival and Baptist Hospital. His inquisitive nature manifested as a fascination with how things worked and what gave life to those he loved. Hugo relished a good laugh, a great meal prepared with care, stimulating conversation, and sharing stories of what he learned from his childhood and travels. A soul that could be both feisty and delighted, Opa was quick to express his thoughts or share a chuckle. On a Thanksgiving walk years ago, he admired a sunset and pondered aloud how best to capture the colors he observed. Lately, he encouraged loved ones that if there is anything you want to do and still can, “Do it now.” He has passed a torch: to live our lives with loyalty and gusto, to count our blessings, and always tell our dear ones: ‘I love you’.

Hugo was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church; his ashes will be interred with Jantje’s in the parish columbarium in a small family service. A celebration of life is being planned for summer 2021 when his loved ones hope to gather safely together to share good food, uplifting music, and swap stories of the wonderful man we were privileged to know. For those who feel inclined, a contribution may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: msfocus.org/Donate

Vaya con Dios, Hugo. Que la luz perpetua brille sobre ti.