David Delos Reyes Tan

David Delos Reyes Tan

David was born on January 21, 1932, to Tan Chi Wha and Gregoria Delos Reyes, at the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. He was a sibling to four brothers: Alfonso, Manuel, Quintin, and Oseas; and one sister: Elsie. Hardworking and persevering, he held his first job at the very young age of 14, as a market vendor. This led to a fulfilling career in the world of sales and marketing, which he enjoyed and excelled at his entire working life.

David was an avid reader and enjoyed learning. Though he was not able to finish school in his younger days due to limited resources, he always dreamed of it, and finish, he did! In 1991, the same year his youngest daughter graduated from college, David graduated from Business Management at the University of the East -- a dream come true!

David was a strong leader, at work, in his community and at church. He was an active member of the Manila Divisoria Lions Club and was elected President for 2 terms. He was an elder of the church for many years and was honored to have taken part in building the Chinese Seventh Day Adventist Church in Santa Mesa, Manila and in spearheading the church school, Three Angels Adventist School, opening the doors of the church to the community.

David retired and joined his family to live in the United States, but took opportunities to travel the world with frequent stays between the US, Canada and the Philippines to spend time with his family. During those years, he fulfilled another lifelong dream of taking his bride to tour Europe, a highlight of many trips whether for work or pleasure, when he made it a point that they would be together wherever he went. Amidst all his accomplishments, it was his greatest joy and pride to enjoy life with his wife of 57 years, Zenaida, his 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

David will always be known to his family and friends as a man of strong faith. In 1996, tragedy fell on his second son, Arnold, who died in a car accident, leaving behind 4 children. In 2001, David had an open heart surgery and was hospitalized for almost 3 months before he recovered. Then in 2003, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment. In 2006, he suffered brain hemorrhage due to a car accident and had to undergo brain surgery and another extended stay in the hospital. In 2007, his cancer returned and lingered. Through it all, David has kept a vibrant spirit, trusting in the Lord for his provision and care, providing inspiration and hope to everyone around him, enjoying every moment of his life, and thankful to the Lord for his blessings. His wife, Zenaida, persevered by his side, giving him the love, care, and support he needed.

David left behind a wonderful legacy to his family: unwavering faith, steadfast hope, unlimited grace, unfailing love, and cherished memories. His presence, his laughter, his funny and often corny jokes, his guidance, his wisdom, all of these and more, will surely be missed. Yet looking forward to that glorious day, when Jesus comes again, his family and friends grieve with hope in great anticipation to unite with him in the clouds of heaven, to spend eternity with his maker, Lord and Savior. This was his desire, his prayer, his hope!