Edgar Diaz Reyes

Edgar Reyes, age 83, passed away on February 26, 2022. For a humble man, Edgar Reyes led a colorful life. Born in Cavite City, Philippines to a pharmacist\homemaker and shipyard pattern maker, he was the third born of 7 kids, 5 brothers 2 sisters.

In grade-school, Edgar developed a passion for boxing and entered matches in local fiestas. By high school, he played center for his club basketball team. In college, he was 6 months away from graduating with an Engineering degree, but finished a 2 year course before enlisting into the US Navy. He served in the Vietnam war on the USS Sanctuary hospital ship. During his time-off, he married his sweetheart Julieta. In 1977, the family moved to Bremerton.

After he retired in 1986 from active duty, he brought in the first Mahjong cardroom at E&J Reyes Café on 4th and Naval, which later became E&J Reyes Restaurant on Sheridan Rd. For long-time patrons, they have seen it morph into a Karaoke, cardroom, casino. Outside of the restaurant, he was a loving husband and father, a gentle Dad and Grandpa, with a compassionate heart. He would offer rides and work to random folks.

Edgar is survived by his wife Julie, his children Maria Dina, Judie, Joyce, Joann, and Edson, his sister Paz, and a plethora of grand and great grand kids.

A Celebration of Life will be held for him on 2pm, March 20th at the Filipino-American Community Center on Sheridan Rd. Details are posted here: https://www.facebook.com/events/518866456338807/?ti=ls.

Anyone wishing to honor Edgar’s life, the family suggests charitable donations to Saint Jude’s Children or KC HELP (https://www.facebook.com/kchelpwestwa/).