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| Anthony Sanchez |
He was 54.
His death was confirmed by his brother, Simon Sanchez, former senator and Consolidated Commission on Utilities chairman.
Tony Sanchez was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing, said Clifford Guzman, a longtime friend and former colleague.
"He passed very peacefully," Guzman said.
Tony Sanchez was an advocate for preserving the Chamorro culture so that the younger generations will draw inspiration from their heritage, Guzman said.
"There were many facets of Tony, but most importantly his heart was about Guam -- everything was about Guam," Guzman said.
"He had his own vision of what Guam should be. We needed to be deeply rooted in our ancestors," Guzman said, to be guided as a community in looking to the future.
Simon Sanchez said his brother also was known for supporting local artists by producing films about Chamorro legends as well as producing local songs.
He once produced a song called "Guam Native Son," which was sung by the likes of former Gov. Camacho, Simon Sanchez and others.
Tony Sanchez's involvement with the local government spanned decades and various roles.
He was administrative director for the Superior Court, then-Gov. Felix Camacho's chief of staff and senior adviser, spokesman for the local courts in the early 1990s, and a spokesman for Guam Power Authority in the 1980s.
Tony Sanchez had been ill for months, said Simon Sanchez.
The two brothers are the children of former University of Guam President and former Sen. Pedro "Doc" Sanchez.
The Sanchez siblings' grandfather, Simon Sanchez, was Guam's superintendent of schools in 1940, Pacific Daily News files show.
Tony Sanchez was a member of the Father Duenas Memorial School high school class of 1976, with such classmates as Gov. Camacho, Chief Justice Robert Torres and former Sen. Tony Blaz.
Despite his illness, Tony Sanchez continued his weekly culture and history column with the Pacific Daily News, providing a link between today's Guam and the Guam of more than a half-century ago.
In a May 2012 column, Tony Sanchez wrote about legendary Chamorro figure Juan Mala, who, according to Tony Sanchez, "played many pranks and jokes on Spanish governors and Spanish soldiers who occupied Guam for more than 300 years before the American administration."
In drawing inspiration from Juan Mala, Tony Sanchez wrote in one of his last columns: "Our language and our culture will persevere."
Speaker Judith Won Pat said Tony Sanchez "will be remembered by many as a well-spoken, intelligent man who was loyal to those whom he called friend."
Source: http://www.guampdn.com/article/20120418/NEWS01/204180333/Guam-historian-Sanchez-dies-54
Ki’ne’ne’ I ki’lis’yånu’ ni’e’ Yu’os-ta’. He was taken by our Creator. It was once said that our Creator takes them young to ease their (the deceased) earthly burdens… I’m not quite sure how to take this, as Tony had still “so much to offer.” Words escape me again, leaving so little to say at this point.
ReplyDeleteWhat is true is that Señot’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by many on and off island. He shall be missed by all whom he has passed his words of wisdom onto, but alas, his memory and legacy will still remain with us in spirit.
Our sincerest and deepest condolences go out to the family.
Saina’ Ma’åse’.