Eulogy for PVP Roy Golez

Fellow Rotarians, friends, good afternoon.

To Sp Naty and family, allow me to convey the condolences of my club, the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila, and my personal condolences and deepest sympathy and also that of my wife, Lyndia. This is a difficult time for you, as well as for all of us, Roy’s fellow Rotarians and friends.

Someone said that when a person who has touched your life and who you care for passes away, a part of him remains with you and a part of you goes with him. This is exactly how I feel with the passing of Roy and I am sure all of you feel the same way too.

Life is indeed so fleeting. It was only last May 30, barely two weeks ago, during the Handover of outgoing President Jimmie Policarpio to incoming Centennial President Susing Pineda, that I last met Roy. He was seated at the table next to us. He took time to exchange pleasantries and talk about the beautiful rendition of the couple who entertained us. We had no time to talk as much as we usually do because the program was about to start. The last long talk we had was last December in Greenhills. As usual, our talk revolved around common friends in Rotary, about Rotary activities and of course, his passion and advocacy, the West Philippine Sea.

I first met Roy in RY 1984-85 When I was DGN and he was a Director of RC Manila. He received the Presidential Award of Merit from then President Santi Dumlao. We worked together closely in RY 1985-86 when I was the Disrtict Governor and he was the Vice-President of RC Manila, with Romy del Rosario as Club President. Roy was in charge of Youth Service with several committees namely the Rotaract/Interact, Career Guidance, Newsboy Sports Project with Director Buster Arrastia as Chairman, and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, a project introduced by RC Manila in the Philippines with then Director Frankie Roman as Chairman. The club had 7 Rotaract Clubs. He revitalized 4 Interact Clubs with Joe Laic as Chairman. His term saw the spawning of new Rotaract Clubs.

PVP Roy also encouraged the exchange of Rotaractors with their matched club in Tsuyama, Japan, District 259 during RY 1985-86 which was successfully implemented. In March 22 to 23, 1986, through the leadership of PVP Roy, District 3810 held the first ever Rotaract Club Convention which was also very successful. He invited me to some Rotaract activities which I obliged when my schedule permitted and since then had become friends. At that time, he was already a very prominent national figure.

The Career Guidance Committee chaired by Rotarian Manny Blanco gave lectures in many high schools and distributed books printed by RC Manila.

Roy will be remembered for his foresight and dedication to his duties. He held many positions in the government, corporate world and non-government organizations. He has done so much for our country and our people as a Soldier, as a Scholar, as an Educator, as a Public Servant, as a Civic Leader, and as a Patriot. He is a dye-in-the-wool Rotarian adhering to the time honoured motto of “Service Above Self.”

Roy, we know you still have many plans for our communities, our people and our country. No one will ever be able to fill your shoes, but you have paved the way and we hope, for our sake, someone will continue in your footsteps. Definitely, you are an inspiration.

Allow me to share with you as printed in the Daily Tribune, what Roy twitted in his Tweeter account at 5:11 am last June 11 shortly before he passed away.

“Philippines, My Philippines, Beautiful Philippines Oh, Captain! Go now and sail into the horizon. Tell the Admiral above: the current is strong, the torrents are rolling, the tide is high, the waves are colossal, and we are drowning”

Farewell our dear friend Roy. May you rest in peace.