Virgilio Cena Enriquez

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Mr. Virgilio Cena Enriquez. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Virgilio was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Virgilio was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on September 22, 1942, Virgilio showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Virgilio came into this world at Manila Health Center in Punta Santa Ana Manila, Philippines. His parents were Venancio and Fortunata Enriquez. Virgilio was raised in Punta Santa Ana Manila, Philippines.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Virgilio promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with four siblings. He had three younger bothers, Ernesto, Exequiel, and Edison, and one younger sister Angelina. Virgilio was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Virgilio interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Virgilio had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. In his spare time he liked swimming, basketball, singing and cooking. Virgilio's memorable achievements included basketball championships.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Virgilio was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Rodriguez High School in 1958. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

Virgilio's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. Virgilio became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his degree from the Vocational Trade School of Manila.

Virgilio was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On October 19, 1963 Virgilio exchanged wedding vows with Rebecca Vinluan Basa at Mandaluyong Catholic Church of Manila, Philippines.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Virgilio was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Virgilio was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Virgilio was blessed with six children, one daughter, Melanie and five sons, Edelbert, Verlie Jr., Patrick, Glen and Jefferson. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Andrew, Robert, Richard, Brandi, Anthony, Marissa, Iree, Alyssa, Jackson and Aidynn.

Virgilio projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Virgilio was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Virgilio could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was a Ramp Service Agent. He was employed for 25 years by Pan American Airlines.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Virgilio was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Virgilio took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were making home videos of his kids and grandchildren singing karaoke. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Virgilio was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school and college, Virgilio played basketball and swimming. Virgilio was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was basketball.

Because Virgilio was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Virgilio was an active member of the Binalonan Association of Southern California.

Virgilio possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Philippines, Guam, Germany, Hawaii, London, Paris, Bangkok, New York and Thailand.

Virgilio was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Virgilio's favorites was Capone, a American Pitbull. They were best friends for 11 years.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Virgilio accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1995, and Virgilio was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing bingo with Rebecca, cooking and singing karaoke.

Virgilio passed away on July 27, 2010 at St. Rose Hospital in Henderson, Nevada. He is survived by his wife Rebecca; his children Melanie, Verlie Jr., Patrick, Glen and Jefferson; his grandchildren Robert, Andrew, Brandi, Richard, Anthony, Alyssa, Iree, Marissa, Jackson and Aidynn; his brothers Ernesto, Exequiel and Edison; and his sister Angelina. Services were held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Though he could be a private person at times, Virgilio was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Virgilio carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Mr. Virgilio C Enriquez shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Virgilio for the strength of his convictions.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Green Valley Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.