“Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.”
After getting to know Roy Santos through my research for the 2,996 Project, I can think of no better words to give tribute to his life. Roy loved life. That much was plain to see. At 37 years old, he was living his dream and his everyday actions reflected on his happiness.
His career in computers took him all over the world. He started as an Industrial Management Engineering graduate of a prestigious university in Manila, Philippines. From there, he moved to Vancouver, Canada to be a Systems Analyst of then Andersen Consulting. In 1996, he moved to New York, New York and worked as a Computer Consultant of Accenture.
Roy loved New York and lived there for nearly six years. During that time he touched the lives of everyone he met. I found that throughout all the guest books, websites and tributes, everyone had similar things to say. He was bright, organized, funny, well-liked, ambitious and kind. Not to mention how wonderfully infectious his smile and laugh was.
Roy was quite popular and enjoyed playing the role of tour guide when someone came to visit him. He also loved every bit of parties and all the glitter that made the city famous. With his zest for life, he was especially fond of Broadway shows. His mother, Aurora, even describing him as “a Broadway addict.” He was first in line for tickets to all the latest shows and went to see them again and again.
Never straying from his roots, he was always in touch with his family. He regularly shared his excitement that the fast-paced life his job provided him with his siblings and parents. On all memorial sites, his family members shared their fondest memories of Roy and what a genuinely great person he was.
I’m happy that I was given the chance to share Roy’s memory with you, and I hope you feel a little bit closer to knowing a man who lost his life in one of our greatest tragedies. Obviously, I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I can say with confidence that the world is a little less brighter without Roy’s smile.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That was simply lovely. Thank you so much for the research and introducing us to Roy Santos. I will not forget him.
.-= Cathy’s last blog ..Hot Fun =-.
Wonderful tribute. Mine are up now also.
.-= Donna W’s last blog ..Remembering Derek James Statkevicus =-.
Dear Binary Blonde: I don’t know if you will see this comment as it’s 2020, 14 years after you first posted this article, but I just wanted to let you know it’s Roy’s birthday today, Feb. 19, and my friend Nanette and I, good friends of Roy when he was still with us in New York, are visiting the 9/11 memorial today to commemorate his birthday (which we have been doing every year for many years). For some reason I decided to google him today and found your post. He is everything you said, and more, and he is sorely missed. And as you noted, the world is a little less brighter without his smile, which always warmed the hearts of every person who met him. Thanks so much for letting the memory of his love of life live on through your blog. We really appreciate it. God bless you.