Renato S. Roxas

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Renato S. Roxas. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Renato was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Renato was born in hiding during WWII in Cordon, Isabela. He was the son of Benigno and Mercedes Roxas. Renato was raised in Pandi Bulacan Philippines. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Renato was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Renato's personality throughout his life.

Though Renato was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Renato was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Renato worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Renato was raised with one sibling. He had older brother Venustiano. Renato and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

For Renato, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Renato was also adept at details. Renato was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Nueva Ecija High School in 1957. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Renato graduated as High School Valedictorian, President of the Student Council, and Editor of the School Newspaper.

College can be a challenge, but Renato appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around his. Renato had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Renato enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Bachelor of Science for the University of the Philippines and he also became a Medical Doctor. His favorite courses were sciences. Renato was an Entrance Scholar 1957 - 1960, University Scholar, President UP Pre Med Association, President UP Medicine Class 1965, President UP Medical Council, News Editor, UP Medics Newsletter, Executive Council Mu Sigma Phi.

Renato was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Renato cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. In 1965 Renato married M. Cristina Guttierez in Manila, Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Renato worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Renato and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Renato was blessed with four children, Tricia, Mercedita, Angela, and Renato. Renato was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Renato was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Renato would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Renato, and he expected the same from those around him. Renato was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Renato was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Renato handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was a Pediatric Anesthesiologist. He was employed for over 29 years at Children's Hospital of Michigan. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Renato to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Renato did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn't shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Renato was a member of the Medical Education Director, Dept. Of Anesthesia Wayne State, President PMA in MI 1972-1973, Member of the Board of Directors International Institute, Executive Vice President Movement for a Free Philippines, Assistant Chairman Dept. Anesthesiology, Delegate section at Foreign Medical Graduates MI State Medical Society, Philippine Honorary Consul to MI, and contributor to the Pediatric Board of Surgery. In college, Renato joined the Mu sigma Phi, Newsletter.

Renato was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees for the Asian American for Justice, ACLU, and Amnesty International.

Renato was a good man and a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a dog named Pizzaro , who was a best friend for 14 years. This is the type of man who really cared. Since it was easy for Renato to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old day. Since he was practical and cost effective, Renato was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1995. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. Even in retirement, Renato stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Renato was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Renato was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Renato S. Roxas.

Renato passed away on February 1, 2012 at Kindred Hospital. He is survived by his wife Cristina, his children and his grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.