Remembering Beto

I lost a most loving and caring brother-in-law last weekend. The family is devastated. Rene Roberto Garcia, ‘Beto’ to those close to him, was a man you could truly rely on; a pillar of strength, a solid support who’s singular focus was on providing for and ensuring the best for the family and the circle of influence he had, whether it was at home, at work or in his own community. Beto will always be remembered for his generosity, his caring nature, his fierce loyalty to the family, and for the humility and quiet countenance he brought in his mission in life.

In one of my last meet-up with Beto, we talked at length about our preparations if and when we die. He was a practical man, and he impressed on me the need to work on the land titles and other properties, etc. He asked me to ensure that these are prepared early on to rid the family of any problems or issues that may arise later. He ventured tips and wise advice on the needs of the task at hand. Perhaps it was a premonition of sorts, as it was the first time he had discussed this matter with me in such great detail.

Beto has always played the big bro among the Manila-based Garcias, and he embraced the role effortlessly. He would organize activities for his kids and their cousins, and he always expressed his appreciation for the precious bonding times with the Garcia clan. Whenever he visited the Garcia home base in Davao, he always found time to organize family get-togethers to try to get everyone closer to each other. Beto was a big stickler for family. He will always be the big bro to us all, and he will be remembered with much love, much respect and gratitude.

Thank you, Bets, for the friendship and love you showered us. Thank you for teaching us about life’s many challenges, making sure that we are able to navigate through them as painlessly as possible. And thank you for touching our lives with so much positivity and grace.

For a closer look, just click on the pics. Pics courtesy of the Garcia clan.