ACCESS TO THE MEMBER’S AREA CONTENT IS FREE: You can now read any news, and view all the shows from around the world inside the News & Show Reports sections!
Friday, 08 July 2022

MR RAFAEL DE SANTIAGO

Featured Written by Our Dogs Vince Hogan

OUR DOGS is sorry to record the passing of the former president of the FCI, Mr Rafael de Santiago.

Rafa was due to judge a number of breeds at the world show but was unable to carry out any judging. It is understood that he was taken ill in Spain at the World Dog Show and passed away in hospital in Barcelona.
In a statement released on social media, the FCI said, 

‘The FCI wish to convey the very sad news, of the passing earlier today, of Rafael de Santiago. Rafael has served the FCI General Committee for decades in various capacities such as Treasurer, Vice President and also as President from 2013-2019. 
‘Our heartfelt condolences to all who mourn the loss of this great man, who has dedicated his life and tirelessly served the world of Cynology and the FCI faithfully and with passion. 

‘As per his last wish, please do not send flowers, but instead make a donation to the UKU fund in Rafael's memory.

‘May he Rest in Eternal Peace.’

FCI President Tamás Jakkel said in a statement, ‘In this hour we have a great loss both in professional and personal levels. I hope that his soul finally can fly free. 
‘Please, Rafael keep giving us your clever, human advises wherever you are now.

‘Rafael's last will was NOT to send any flowers, but remembering him by sending a small donation to the FCI Fund helping the UKU. 
‘My condolences go to his family and friends.’

In 1972, in partnership with Roberto Vélez-Picó, Rafael founded the world famous Radesa line of Afghan Hounds. This launched them onto international dog show circuit both as exhibitors and breeders showing their dogs in the United States, Europe and Latin America.
Rafael was an FCPR International All Breed judge, since 1984. He judged in six continents including at 20 FCI World Dog Shows, the Supreme FCI Champion of Champions Show in Switzerland, Westminster in New York, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship and the Eukanuba World Challenge. 

He judged the Best in Show at the World Dog Show in his home city, San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1997. Professionally, he was president of an advertising and public relations firm.
Mr. de Santiago’s relationship to the FCI began in 1979 when he got the Kennel Club of Puerto Rico recognised as member of the FCI.  

In 1991, was elected as member of the Standard Commission and serve two terms. At the 1999 FCI General Assembly, de Santiago was elected as member of the General Committee and appointed as Treasurer of the FCI. He occupied this position until 2011 when he was re-elected to the General Committee and appointed as Vice-President of the FCI.

In May 2013, in Budapest, Rafael de Santiago was elected as President of the FCI by a great majority of votes becoming the first non-European person to be elected as president by the General Assembly of the Federation Cynologique Internationale. In his speech before the General Assembly, Rafael, presented the FCI Plan for the Future, a very comprehensive plan to take the World’s most important dog organization to the next level of excellence, with innovation, technology, research and teamwork.

OUR DOGS Managing Director Vince Hogan added, “Our condolences to Rafael’s partner Roberto, and family, friends and colleagues. Rafa was a popular ambassador for the world of dogs…. he was always willing to be interviewed and was easy to talk to and had a keen sense of humour. I will miss him around the international shows as I am sure will many others”
 

Read 580 times Last modified on Friday, 08 July 2022
More in this category: « FCI and WCF sign an agreement

Advertise

Latest Shows

  • World Dog Show 2023 Review
    World Dog Show 2023 Review Best in Show at the World Dog Show 2023, held in Geneva Switzerland, was the Portuguese Water Dog, Aquafortis Robel The One, owned by Runi Kristiansen. Handled by Marta Flores…
  • Split BIS 2023
    Split BIS 2023 BIS BISS CH Dream Meadows Spellbound ‘Bentley’ is 4 years old and bred by Ben Weikert & Owen Weikert & Terri Collins ( USA) Bently is owned by Alexey &…
  • European Dog Show in Denmark 2023
    European Dog Show in Denmark 2023 Best in show at the European Dog Show in Denmark was the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, EUJW21 Kiti’s Band Road Runner Superbird– Owned by Adam Ostrowski, Poland. 

Partners Shows

Digital Editions

Purchase Our Dogs

Newsletter Signup!

ODi Sponsors

Unique shampoos and conditioners

 

Our Clients

Links

Newsletter Signup!

For a weekly newsletter packed with the latest and newest dog relating info, show reports, and up and coming shows. Plus offers and other information. Subscribe below

cloudMore about Our Dogs International

This dedicated international dog-showing website is brought to you by Our Dogs one of the most respected dog media brands in Europe today. Features; up & coming dog shows in our partners section, plus show reports and photos after the shows have finished!

You will be able to view a vast range of photos taken at the shows by our top dog photographers, as well as show results from the shows & judges' reports and write-ups from leading contributors.