Anthony Champaco Obituary

Uncle Tony,
It's been one month, five days, and 45 minutes today since I told you "It's okay to go, go and be with Jesus". However, I find it so hard to move on these days without your presence here. I miss your telephone calls and hearing your voice. But I know that you are filled with so much happiness in Heaven now, living the glorious life you have longed for so many months. Just the other day I found the receipt for our dinner we shared on your birthday. It made me realize that this year I will not be getting a my birthday hug and kiss, or even laughing with you about getting old, even though we have that special blessing from God of looking young. This thought brings sadness to my heart which only time can heal.

I want to thank you for loving me so much and sharing your wisdom, your kindness, your sense of humor, and most of all the great times you spent with me. Although we no longer can sit and have a conversation over coffee on the patio anymore, I will still bring my coffee when I visit your resting place and tell you about my day or what that latest is with my life because your spirit and voice is always with me in my heart. Celine Dion sang a song with the words I found so true about you.....so I dedicate this song to you from me....."Because You Loved Me".

I love you and miss you and will be forever grateful for everything you shared with me and the twins.......Adios, until we meet in Heaven.

Dear uncle tony,
It is crazy the amount of lives you have touched. I am just one and even still cannot fathom the impact you have had on my life. you were around for so long it seems.... but so short at the same time. I watched you share your love with so many and yet keep so little for yourself. I can only dream to aspire to be a person with such selfless compassion and I know you are now surrounded with people that carry the same amazing heart that still lives on. I wish I could have learned more from you because I know there is so much more you could have taught me. I love you and am grateful to have had my life graced with your presence. You will never be forgotten.

Requiem Aeternam.
Grant them rest eternal.

To the Champaco family, I worked with Tony at C.A.P. my thoughts and prayers are with you, Tony always had a great laugh and a kind heart we will miss him and all the great work he did. GUY

Dear Champaco Family,
My thoughts are with you at this time. I grieve with you at our loss of Tony. I was lucky enough to work with him at CAP in the 90's and excited to see him again when he returned. He truly was a kind soul, a peaceful presence to all those who knew him. Thanks to you, Phil and Valerie, for helping with the 2006 AIDS Walk along with Tony. Please know that we are all truly saddened at Tony's passing.
Athena from CAP

To Tony's Family -
Thank you for sharing him with the Colorado AIDS Project. We were honored to have him work beside us, humbled to have his guidance and will miss his cheery smile we all see in the picture you published. Our community has lost an advocate and supporter of people whose lives are a struggle. Tony - I hope you're smiling down on all of us now!

Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Fountain Valley Senior Center during your tenure there. You touched the lives of many "seniors" and made a difference to the Fountain Valley/Security/Widefield community.

Uncle Tony,
It is with profound sadness and an empty feeling that I write this message. The world has lost one of its best at much too early of an age. I will miss your potato salad and barbecue and your pushing me away from the grill when you arrived at our house to help cook. Your never-ending sense of humor and your wonderfully infectious laugh brought life to any family gathering. You were truly a godsend to your family and friends and all the lives you have touched throughout your way too short journey on earth. Your caring for others and wanting of nothing in return is a lesson to us all. I am thankful our family is blessed with wonderful memories that you have left us to treasure in our hearts. May your kind hearted soul truly rest in peace. With much love, your nephew Uncle Phil.

To my Uncle Tony,
Words cannot express how I feel knowing that you are no longer with us. I smile when I think of you and laugh out loud when I think about all the great family times we shared. I have been truly blessed to have had such a wonderful, intelligent, kind and generous uncle. You inspired me to give back to others and to continue to work with today's youth.
I have a beautiful son now that I wish could of met you. But your strength and spirit will always live on in the memories I share about you.

We love you Uncle Tony! I know you are at rest and at peace.

Love,
Deb & Your Nephew Isaiah

EULOGY-Sept 14, 2007
Colorado Springs Colorado
Holy Family Church


When we think of words that would best describe our Uncle Tony – guardian, mentor, advisor and LOVE are just a few that come to mind. He was a big brother that took care of us when we were growing up, as adults we turned to him for advice in our professional as well as our personal lives. He had a huge heart; he was an intelligent, well-educated man - someone we looked up to.


In the earlier years of his life, he enjoyed gymnastics, playing tennis, and jogging and he was into fashion. He helped my mom in raising us, and worked at our community store. When we moved from Guam to Colorado, he taught us to survive at a very young age. One specific memory that comes to mind is one day during the winter season; we were released early from elementary school because of a snow storm. Unfortunately, because we were newcomers to the area, we had no idea about snowstorms. On that day, we were wearing our “sandals” and thin “mu-mu” dresses. It had to have been a Friday because we carried the tradition of wearing these dresses on that day. Needless to say, we did not have any winter clothing…..our eyes spotted a purple car with a rope tying the trunk down, and we knew in all our hearts that was Uncle Tony….and with our last ounce of energy we tried to get his attention, running and yelling toward the purple car, “Uncle Tony, Uncle Tony, stop!” “We need a ride home, pick up us”…….but he kept on driving, he didn’t even turn his head……our choice was either keep walking or become popsicles. That was our first lesson of survival.

Although we remember that day fondly, Uncle Tony was incredibly generous. His generosity, of course, went beyond material things. He blessed us with his sense of humor, his time, his support and his wisdom.


Uncle Tony was someone each one of us could easily talk to because he made us feel comfortable to be ourselves. In the years that we were privileged to have Uncle Tony with us, he shared his passion for football, and we knew he LOVED the DENVER BRONCOS!

He taught us how to cook our favorite Chamorro dishes, that in itself is a priceless inheritance. He was always there to satisfy our appetite for learning more about the Chamorro culture.
When we think of Uncle Tony, we are reminded of his great sense of humor at our family gatherings. There was laughter, fun, lots of food and music. He enjoyed listening to the guitars being played by family members. Uncle Tony was never the one to miss an opportunity to brag about the talented singers and musicians in our family.


We will always appreciate the time he took to listen when we were going through our personal struggles. His wisdom and understanding nurtured us. He felt great satisfaction and personal pride in our achievements. We learned from him that life is not always fair and sometimes we may get hurt, but as Uncle Tony would always say “Oh, it will be okay, just let it go”.


Everyone here definitely has their own special memories of Uncle Tony. However, the Uncle Tony I knew was a very humble and content man who never asked for much and he did settle for less without any complaints. It was not in his nature to say “No”, although he was a very intelligent man. He not only contributed a great deal of his wisdom to his family, but he also devoted his talents and skills as a professional. His expertise within the Human Services field positively impacted people and various organizations.

We know Uncle Tony is in a better place—yet, we're going to grieve. But he would not want our grief to continue without an endpoint. He would want us to get on with our lives. It was a privilege and a blessing for many of us to have shared his life. We will miss him dearly.
Jackie(Julaton)Santos
Lynette(Julaton) Martinez
Daniel Julaton

I may not know you but being a social worker I feel a certain void knowing that we need more of your kind. As people of faith, we are consoled because now that you are in the bossom of our Good Shepherd, you continue to be helpful to us in a manner that you know best. I am genuinely edified by who you are in your lifetime based on the write up.

I praise God for you and remember you in my humble prayers and masses. May the perpetual light shine upon you and your soul rest in peace.

Dear Uncle Tony, I woke up and felt you with me this morning, a sense of calm in the room saying it’s going to be ok. I am missing you so very much and longing to give you one last hug. I want to thank you for everything and tell you that I love you with all my heart. You were there for me as a big brother, a father, and a friend. Know that you will live in my heart forever. Your loving niece, Jeannie

To my Uncle Tony’s friends and to the family, my prayers are with you and yours. “May you find comfort in the thought that sorrow and grief and anguish is sometimes sent into our lives to help our souls to grow; for through the depths of sorrow comes understanding what it means to love.” Helen Steiner Rice

I met Tony at Deb's graduation. He was such a happy and lively person and I liked him very much. He was my dear friend that first day we met. He will be missed by families and friends. May God bless his soul.

Uncle Tony,
We met only briefly and I only remember joy in the short time we spent having fun. Although, I did not get the opportunity to know you better, I know you where a great man, that did many wonderful things. I know this to be true because of the way everyone here misses you. Godspeed and my prayers are with you in your new life.....we all miss you!

Champaco Family,
It is with great sadness that I sign this book. Tony will forever be the driving force in my life. He started me on my path of helping Guam's youth and I continue to do so with a passion. He will live on in my heart and in my works. May you continue to find comfort in your memories and Know that you are all in my prayers.
With Lots of Love from Guam,
LiZa Ortiz

Uncle Tony,

We've met years ago during a family gathering. It was finally nice to have the wonderful pleasure of meeting you and Auntie Mamaling. I felt the warmth welcome of being part of the Champaco Family as I have felt when I first met Martha. For years, she has made me feel as if I were a daughter of her own and a person I was able to call MOM.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I'm here for you like a daughter.

God be with them in this hour of need and comfort them. You are in my prayers.

May the hearts of the Champaco Family mend and the memories stay strong,

Metta

My loving Uncle Tony,

Loving and supportive are just the few words that describe you. You will always be remembered for the many hearts that you have touched as well as healed. You have been an inspiration and a true blessing to many. You always knew how to brighten a person’s day through your vibrant sense of humor and laughter. Thank you for all the love and support that you have given to me and my family. I will always cherish the fond memories that I have of you, which will never be forgotten. I know that you are in a better place now watching over us like an angel. May you be at peace. I love and miss you Uncle Tony…
Love, Christy Kris & Kieralyn

Uncle Tony,

When I joined this family by marrying your neice, Mary Ann, you were so quick to accept me and make me feel like a welcomed member. I will remember fondly your unfading smile, your infectious laugh, and your ardent acceptance. You have touched many lives. May you rest in Peace.

I was saddened to hear about the death of Tony Champaco who I knew well as a fellow professional colleague and friend. Tony was active in the social work community and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Sanctuary Program as a former executive director. He truly exemplified what it meant to serve clients in need.

Dearest Uncle Tony,
I know you are resting now. Although you only walked this earth for too short a time, you walked a million miles by giving so much of yourself to others in need. You are admirable in all of your accomplishments. You are also very much loved and missed. Thank you for always being candid while still being humorous. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

To my Uncle Tony,
I am so glad we got to meet up this past New Year and spend some time together! I will forever miss you, your laugh, your cute dimples and all the funny things you use to say! Everyone just loved you. I know you are in a better place, rest in peace Uncle Tony. Until we meet again...
We love you,
Mando, Jan, Kev&Ave

To my Uncle Tony:

I guess I can't even fathom just yet the idea that you're gone. Needless to say, you served as an inspiration for me through the years, and watched me grow up from a boy to a man who will in a few months earn a degree from a major mainland school just like you said I would someday. Why you had to leave us so soon, I'll never know. But at least you're now resting with nana and grandpa Malesso now. I'll miss you, Uncle Tony.

Dear Champaco family: I am so sorry to hear of Tony's death; please accept my condolences and prayers. I knew Tony when he was Director for Sanctuary, Inc. Wishing you all God's blessings. - Bobbie S.N. Benavente

Uncle Tony,
I miss you so much! Holding back tears (as I write to you), I ask for your watchful eye from up above, as I struggle with an array of emotions. I am filled with grief that you are no longer with us on earth and yet I am happy that you are finally at peace in Heaven with the Lord.
Thinking back, I remember the wonderful gatherings we had. Most people say "Never bring work home," but we ( the family) were proud of you for bringing your work home (the Sanctuary family). You were my role model, I really wanted to be a social worker after watching you at work. Everyone loved you as much as we loved you.
Uncle Tony, I just wish there was that ONE more moment in which we could have another beautiful gathering, a joyous reunion.
You will always be my inspiration and will forever remain in my heart. Hu guaiya hao (I Love You) my sweet dear uncle. Until we meet again, Adios,
Camela Roxanne

I have warm memories of Tony's compassion, leadership and support of social work education as Sanctuary's executive director. Many individuals and communities have been blessed by his service. My thanks to his family and friends for supporting Tony in his mission to serve.

Peace be with you all,

To the Champaco Family and especially to you my Dearest Friend Martha. My prayers are with you, may the Good Lord give you comfort at this time of sorrow. Anthony is now in the hands of God.
With Love and Prayers,
Bernie T. Perez

Dear Verna and Family
You are in my thoughts and prayers during the very difficult time. Uncle Tony touched many lives and we where lucky enough to have him on this earth for a short 50 years. Cindi Nagai

Each of you have been in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Please know that you will continue to be a part of our Novenas to the Sacred Heart. With our Love and Prayers. The Sisters, Sylvia MacDowell and Shirley Santistevan