Alvin Sudo Cruz

Alvin Sudo Cruz, was born in Yona, Guam April 22nd 1950 to Margarita Baza Sudo Cruz & Cristobal Quitigua Cruz. Alvin was one of 6 children and the eldest son. Alvin grew up and went to school in Guam, Hawaii, Mississippi and later graduated from high school in Rhode Island. He also pursued further education beyond high school and briefly attended Marquette University in Michigan.

In 1968 he met Catherine Edith Sablan, whom he later married in 1970. They shared an undying love for each other for almost 53 years. He devoted himself to her and their three daughters, Christina, Anita and Natalie. One thing many people have said about Alvin is that he cared about family in every sense of the word. He always would say "Family First." He was the patriarch of the family after both of his parents passed away. His siblings and family looked to him as their pillar of strength that never wavered. He loved family dinners every month, especially with his siblings and other family. He even opened his home to many others over the years for family and holiday dinners, especially when they didn't have any other family around or were single airmen so that they wouldn't be alone or even if they needed a temporary place to stay or visit. He was also a father figure to so many others as well, offering a listening ear, shoulder to cry on, advice when asked for and more. He loved being a father, but he loved being a grandpa AKA "Tata" to his grandchildren even more.

Alvin had many other passions besides his family. He had a passion to serve; not only to serve others through his faith, but he also chose to serve our country by enlisting in the US Air Force in 1970. Alvin had a lengthy career in the Air Force which allowed him to be a part of the Vietnam War, Falkland War, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was stationed in many places such as Vietnam, Iceland, England, Spain, Okinawa, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. He worked in many different squadrons such as AGE, FTD and FMS squadrons, immersing himself in aircraft maintenance and field training, on such aircraft as F111s, F16, B52s and B1 bombers.

Anyone who knew Alvin, also knew he had a passion for sports. He wasn't allowed to participate in sports while in high school. He later found out that he could excel in almost everything he participated in. He became very skilled at volleyball, softball, golf, table tennis, bowling and even football. He not only participated on numerous base and squadron teams, but he also later coached and officiated as well. If he wasn't in the gym somewhere, he was in bowling centers, on a baseball or football field or on a golf course. He even won several USAFE and USAF Mediterranean Region Championships in volleyball. He had a tenacious competitive spirit in all that he did, both on and off the field.

In 1996, Alvin retired from US Air Force and settled in Las Vegas, NV. Alvin then began working as a security officer for Sante Fe Gaming and later became employed with Station Casinos. There he opened Sante Fe Station, Red Rock Resort, and Aliante Station. He continued to work in security and loved being around his regular guests.

To the complete stranger, Alvin initially seemed stern. However, once they got to know him, they quickly learned that he was quick-witted and quite the jokester. He was hard working, driven, strong, independent, proud and stubborn, loyal and honest. His integrity was held in high regard. They also learned that he would do anything for the people he became friends with. He would give the short off of his back, just to help someone out. If he became friends with you, you were friends for life.

Ten months ago, Alvin was diagnose with Stage 4 - Glioblastoma brain cancer. When told what he would be facing, he stated "I'm ready to fight. Everything is in God's hands and God has a plan for me." Dad fought with courage, humility and faith. It was difficult for him to give up all of the control he had for all of his life. We thank all of the medical staff, specialists, oncologists, neurosurgeons, technicians, therapists, case-workers, nurses and more for all that they did to care for Alvin. We are truly grateful and blessed for all you did to help care for him. Thank you to all of the family and friends who also helped us care for Dad.

We love you all.

Alvin would say, just like his dad did, "Don't worry, be happy." "I have served here on earth and now God has called me home." "Please just continue to take care of Cathy and the girls." "I love you."