Bienvenido Reyes Gonzales' Obituary
Bienvenido Reyes Gonzales passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024 at the ripe age of 100 years and 4 months. Born on April 12, 1924 in the Philippines to Gavino Gonzales and Blasica De Los Reyes, Bienvenido’s life was marked by dedication, service, and love. He was known by those who knew him as Bindoy, Bien, daddy, and granpa.
Bien’s life was hallmarked by service. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces of the Far East at the height of World War II. Throughout his 3 years as a Guerilla Fighter for the Philippines and United States, he demonstrated bravery and resilience, even when held as a Prisoner of War. His experiences during the war shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of duty and patriotism. He was truly proud to be a Filipino-American World War II Veteran.
After his military service, Bindoy entered into the field of education, where he found his true calling. He began as a teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion with countless students. His commitment to education and his students’ success led him to become a distinct supervisor the Isabela province, where he continued to inspire and guide educators and students alike. His work as an administrator paved the way for a complete 6-year elementary educational program that is still in existence today. His colleagues knew him as a visionary and a leader with a passion to serve their students as best as they possibly could.
While education was his passion, it was also coupled with a love for sharing his agricultural expertise with all he came in contact with. Bien was an avid gardener, so much so that he completed a Master of Arts in Educational Agriculture. Bien understood the importance of caring for God’s creation, so much so that he used his hands to cultivate and till the earth so that it would bear much fruit. Whether it be mangos, pomegranates, olives, or rice, he knew what to do to ensure his plants thrived.
Upon retiring from education, Bien and his wife Josefina moved to the United States to care for their daughter, Marinette and grandchildren, Nathaniel-Mark and Narciso Matthew. In the 30+ years he resided in the United States, he never forgot his Filipino roots. Bien was a president of the Philippine-American Senior Association in Fremont, CA where he cultivated relationships with other seniors in the San Francisco-Bay Area. He loved his frequent walks and bus rides to CVS, Island Pacific, Seafood City, and Raley’s so that he could meet other Fil-Ams and prepare delicious food for his family. Bien’s life of service was the way he expressed his love to all he met.
At the heart of his life was his faith in Christ. Whether it was going to Mass, praying before sleeping at night, or simply looking at the image of the Divine Mercy in his room - which gave him comfort and solace - his life of love was an extension of God’s love for the world. We are grateful to God for blessing us with Bien’s life: a loving husband, a caring father, a proud grandfather, a true model of service.
He is survived by his wife Josefina, daughter Marinette, son-in-law Narciso, his grandchildren Nathaniel-Mark and Narciso Matthew, his great granddaughter Natalia, and so many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. His memory will be lived on forever, in his garden, in his loved ones, and in the countless students his life has touched.
+Eternal Rest Grant Unto Bienvenido, O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. May Rest in Peace. Amen.
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