We celebrate the memory of Reuben Santos a loving father, husband, grandfather and a stalwart of the Filipino community in Montreal. Reuben was born in Manila, Philippines on May 19, 1932, and called to the side of our Lord on September 17, 2024. He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Ronald Santos, Rommel Santos (spouse Diane Burke), Candice Santos -Brassard (spouse Martin Brassard), grandchildren Maegen Santos, Taylor Santos, Charlotte Brassard, Catherine Brassard, and Nolan Barnes (step).
Reuben was drawn to the sea at an early age. With the support of his parents Pedro and Rufina, he embarked on a plan to travel the world, and he enrolled in The Philippine Maritime Academy where he graduated with full honors in 1952.
While he was a fledgling junior officer, he met Carmen Faustino in 1956 through mutual friends in the Manila neighbourhood of San Juan. They married after a short courtship. Hard work and persistence paid off and he rose through the ranks, and in 1962 he earned the rank of “Captain”. He took his first command, the “Emilio Rosario”, a 165,000-ton cargo vessel with 25 crew on board.
While at sea Reuben visited every major seaport and was immediately drawn to Montreal with everything it had to offer. According to him, Montreal was the best city when compared to all others in Europe, North America and South America. He absolutely loved Montreal.
In 1961 Carmen gave birth to Ronald, then to Rommel in 1963, and Candy in1968. Reuben and Carmen moved the family to Canada in 1970 determined to provide a higher education for their children. Education was a family virtue. Today, all three kids hold bachelor’s degrees or post-graduate degrees from various Universities.
In 1971 Reuben assumed the position of Fleet Captain of Cast North America, one of the worlds largest shipping container companies, tracking the movement of thousand of containers worldwide. It was at Cast North America that he implemented rudimentary computer processes by using punch cards fed to a room-sized computer to help keep track of the thousands of containers coming and going from the Port of Montreal.
Corporate life wasn’t his thing, and he wanted to be with his fellow Mariners again. Leveraging his knowledge of ships operations, he started his business: Sea Stores Ltd, where he provisioned merchant ships and retailed personal goods to ship’s crews. At the time Avon was a very popular international cosmetic brand which he sold to every Mariner calling on the port, and he become one of Avon’s top Quebec reps. Yes, Reuben was an Avon Lady!
In September of 1980 he met Lydia Cayabyab, and they married soon after, on June 1981. Together they enjoyed a wonderful life of travel, dinner parties with friends, tennis matches and hundreds of community activities over four decades of community involvement. Lydia sadly passed on September 2014 leaving a gap in his heart.
Reuben found sports late in life and he became a competitive tennis junkie in his 40’s. He was a passionate member o the Filipino Tennis Association where he played several matches weekly, and spent hours watching professional matches commenting on strategy with Lydia by his side.
What defined him the most was his community involvement. Reuben was highly regarded and a major benefactor of the Filipino Chess Association where he donated trophies, cash, time, and food for Association gatherings. Always present at Association events, he is best known for fund-raising activities, delivering keynote messages and giving inspirational talks.
Never losing touch with his Maritime roots, he supported Mariner’s House, a charity that helps thousands of seafarers visiting the Port of Montreal each year. His generosity was endless as he donated food, cash, clothing, and at times opened his door to temporarily displaced Mariners that find themselves in desperate need.
At the final stages of life he provided incredible inspiration by remaining active physically, mentally and spiritually. He fought hard and he never, never gave up.
He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Condolences will take place at Côte-des-Neiges funeral home on Saturday September 28 from 9am to 11am ; 2pm to 5pm ; 6pm to 9pm and Sunday September 29 from 9am to 11am follow by a service in the chapel of the funeral parlor.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
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