ROY FLORES

(b. November 19, 1943 – d. March 12, 2013)

Bridge Generation Filipino American

Thoughtful, joker, dapper, inspirational, sports buff, eldest, father, son, grandfather, brother, activist, Filipino American, Bridge Generation, Young Turk – these were just a few descriptions the large grieving crowd uttered in memorial services for Roy Flores on March 20-21.

I met Roy in 1970 shortly after our move to Seattle at Fred and Dorothy Cordova’s home. Roy was one of a unique group of Bridge Generation Filipino Americans who were there to organize support for a fellow Pinoy who sought public office. I didn’t know it at the time but this was the birth of the Filipino American Young Turks of Seattle, a close-knit, politically savvy group of 14 Filipino Americans who would become my life-long friends as well as fellow activists. Roy had recently been appointed as the first director of the new Ethnic Cultural Center at University of Washington. Just 26 at the time, he impressed me with his mature, thoughtful insights in the group’s ensuing discussion. Roy’s thoughtful demeanor was a characteristic that would prove to be important in the activist Young Turks subsequent success in bringing the Filipino community into Seattle’s sociopolitical mainstream.

Roy lived in Seattle’s Rainier Valley/Seward Park area down the road from me, as did most of the Young Turks. Our proximity to one another also led to numerous social get-togethers over the years. At these social events, Roy would morph into a fun-loving, teller of corny jokes — often at his friends’ expense. And always, he would be dressed impeccably in the latest style – the group’s Dapper Dan. An avid sports fan, Roy would travel far and wide to watch Washington Husky games. He was also a chronicler of Filipinos in sports and could quickly rattle off the names of every Pinoy or Pinay that ever participated in pro and amateur baseball, football, basketball, and the Olympics. Perhaps his crowning sports achievement was in organizing, playing, and coaching the Pinoy softball team that won numerous city league championships against more physically imposing teams.

As is often the case for the eldest son in Filipino families, Roy was the trailblazer and role model for his siblings. He matriculated at Catholic schools in Seattle attending St. Teresa School and O’Dea High School, and graduating with a Master’s in Adult Education at Seattle University. After his stint as director of the Ethnic Cultural Center, he worked for the State of Washington for 10 years as Assistant Director, State Board of Community College Education. In 1984, Roy went to North Seattle Community College as Vice President for Student Development Services – where he served until his retirement in 2009. During his final year, he also was the Acting President of the college. Students, faculty, and staff at North Seattle Community College described Roy in inspirational terms, often pointing to his consistent emphasis on racial/ethnic diversity and fairness in his educational leadership.

Preceding Roy in death was his father Severo and brother David. Roy is survived by his loving wife, Angie; daughters Shawna, Dina, and Marisa; grandchildren Nathan, Marius, Makai, and Miguel; mother Josephine (Bining); siblings Larry, Linda, and Teresa; and numerous relatives and countless friends. Among his many grieving friends were the Filipino American Young Turks of Seattle. Roy was the group’s second member to pass away, four years after the death of Terri Jamero.

Roy’s legacy is of immense pride for all Filipino Americans. May we always remember his professional accomplishments and cherish his memory as a man and proud Bridge Generation Filipino American. “Roy, you will be missed.”