Eulogy Delivered by Mel Castillo at the Funeral of Albert Ansay
I’d like to say a few words of tribute to Albert, my cousin, almost a brother to me, my friend. Albert’s death was sudden like a tide that swept us into a wave of grief. When I got the news, I could not understand what I was hearing on the phone, ALBERT WAS GONE! I felt like time stood still, I wanted to scream, wake up from a very bad dream. In anguish I could only utter, “God, why would a kind soul such as Albert had to depart this early?” He was young and at the prime of his life yet, why?”
But then I slowly realized that as what God would have destined for him; Albert’s journey on this earth was over and he had to heed the call of the Almighty. Albert is in heaven now among the angels and saints, and we are here on his funeral to say our final good bye. This is a moment of sadness for all of us, but it’s also our time to celebrate his life, a life lived without regrets.
At this moment when we are about to lay his body to rest, let’s all think back and remember how Albert touched our lives; how he made us laugh, what a good person he was… and how well loved he was, not only here in Chicago but in Toronto and surely back in Cavinti as well. And as we ponder on the good memories we shared with him, we can look back at his life from different perspectives which I can personally relate to: Albert, Al or Ambet to many is a Friend, Son, Brother, Uncle, Father and Husband.
To his friends he is kindhearted, generous, and compassionate. He would not hesitate to share with them not only material things but also what was in his mind of which he had many: his experiences and the challenges he faced while serving in the military, at work and even in his private life. He would listen to them and empathized when they opened their hearts out to him.
As a son and a brother Albert was a pillar of strength for Ate Virgie, Darwin, Ding, Grace, Adora and the entire family; he’s a doting uncle. His family valued his opinion and advices for he was the voice of reason so to speak. A devoted family man; I remember how his face brightened up at the mere mention of his three boys: Allen, Andrew and Marc.
Albert was a proud father who dreamt big for his sons. He wanted them to grow up God loving, respectful, wise, educated and successful; and he did achieve those dreams. A loving and dedicated father as he was, Albert understood his sons so well and so much closed a companion to them and to his wife Nellie.
And if he was proud of his sons, Albert was on the other hand very passionate of Nellie, the love of his life. His face exuded fondness, love and affection when talking about Nellie. He had been a caring husband who was always at her side providing support and tender loving care. To Albert, his family was his passion… his treasure.
Nellie, Allen, Andrew and Marc, you will miss Albert as we all will, but time should bring comfort in the fond memories of your many good years together. Let the thought of a life well spent be your consolation now.
Albert, we know you are looking down upon us from heaven; we will never forget you and the memories we shared together.
You had touched so many lives in a good way and did many good things here on earth. We’re sure you will do much more in heaven. Goodbye Ambet, my cousin, almost a brother to me… my friend.
Related Posts:
- Albert’s Final Journey
- Final Rites For Albert A. Ansay
- Albert A. Ansay March 8,1949 – March 26, 2009
