Paraguayan artist Delfín Roque Ruiz Pérez, better known as Koki Ruiz, passed away early this morning after a long battle with cancer. President of the Republic Santiago Peña expressed deep sadness, stating, “Paraguay has lost one of its greatest artists.”
“With deep sadness, the Ruiz Fretes family announces the passing of Koki Ruiz, an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather, who left us today surrounded by love and peace,” reads the statement released by the family this Friday.
Koki dedicated his life to art, culture, and the values that enrich us as a society, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. The statement continues that his creativity, humility, and love for Paraguay have touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
President Santiago Peña echoed the news, expressing his profound sadness. “I have lost a great friend, and Paraguay has lost one of its greatest artists,” he emphasized.
“Koki Ruiz has left us. It is a comfort to know that his work remains a legacy and his example of setting no limits to what we aim to achieve—a source of inspiration for our nation forever. My condolences to his family and friends,” the President stated on social media.
It is worth noting that in March of this year, President Peña awarded Koki Ruiz the National Order of Merit in the grade of “Gran Cruz” during a ceremony held at the Government Palace.
Ruiz was the creator of the Tañarandy project; However, in a 2018 interview, he stated that the altar dedicated to María Felicia de Jesús Guggiari, better known as “Chiquitunga,” was the most important work of his life due to its profound emotional significance for him and his family.
