Michael Navarro Roxas

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Michael Navarro Roxas who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Michael was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Michael knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Michael was born on August 23, 1950 at Holy Trinity Hospital in Manila, Philippines. His parents were Jose and Aida Roxas. Michael was raised in the Philippines. Even as a youngster, Michael learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Michael was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Michael was raised with eight siblings. He had four younger brothers, Jose, Frank, Johnny, and Alexander, and four younger sisters, Evelyn, Rebecca, Emily, and Edna. Michael had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Michael, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Michael was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Michael came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Amado Castro, Jesus Crisologo, and Cesar Guerzon. Later in life, he became friends with Amado, Joey Mendoza, Sonny, Nash, Manny, May, Cris Magsino, Doc Santa Maria and Leo Canlas, and Jose Luna.

An objective and conscientious individual, Michael reveled in the security of his family. On July 3, 1973 Michael exchanged wedding vows with Perlita Buenaventura Alcantara at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Olongapo, Philippines. One of Michael’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Michael was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Michael would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Michael was blessed with two children, two daughters, Michelle and Janice. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Phoebe Jade, Alayna Noelle, Kai Zane, and Tallulah Blue.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Michael was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Michael was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Michael upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a Sales Associate. He was employed for twelve years with Nassco, ten years as a business owner of the Asianside Variety Store, and thirteen years with Walmart. Michael was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Michael approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were bowling and target shooting. Michael was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Michael to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included bowling and target shooting. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, football, and bowling.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Michael could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Michael; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included first place in a shooting competition and bowling a 300.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Michael used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Michael had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Italy, and Alaska.

Michael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Michael’s favorites were Rottweiler’s Shadow and Hazel. They were best friends for ten years. His family was rounded out by his pug, CeCe, and two angel fish.

Michael passed away on September 16, 2018 at Centennial Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael passed from a sudden heart attack. His wife, Perlita, children, Michelle and Janice, grandchildren, Phoebe, Alaya, Kai, Tallulah, his siblings, Frankie, Johnny, Sandy, Evelyn, Rebecca, Emily, and Edna. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael was laid to rest at Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew him would agree that Michael was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Michael Navarro Roxas did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.