The Honorable Frank Flores Blas (March 20, 1941-August 1, 2016), former Lieutenant Governor of Guam, passed away at the age of 75 years.
Mass of Intention was offered at 6:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 pm in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna. On Sunday, Rosary was recited at 6:30 pm followed by the Mass at 7:00 pm. Last respects were paid on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna beginning at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2:00 pm.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Death and funeral announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Message of appreciation as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 19, 2016, on page 37.
Anniversary rosary announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 27, 2017.
Guam World War II Survivor commemorative photo as it appeared in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on July 2, 2019, on page 6.
*****
"Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas dead at 75"
By Steve Limtiaco
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, died Monday evening, according to a family spokesperson. He was 75.
Blas is the father of current Guam Republican lawmaker Frank Blas, Jr.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas passed away tonight, surrounded by his loved ones," his family stated. "The Blas family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support and they ask for privacy at this time."
Details regarding funeral services will be announced at a later date, according to the family.
The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a dedicated public servant," Gov. Eddie Calvo said in a statement Tuesday. "Former Lt. Gov. Frank Flores Blas' passion for serving the people of Guam was not only obvious in his roles as a senator and as a lieutenant governor; it was demonstrated in everything he did throughout his life."
The elder Blas was a senator in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th Guam Legislatures.
He attended Father Duenas Memorial School and graduated from St. Augustine High School, in San Diego, California.
He graduated from the College of Guam in 1962, with an associate's degree in accounting, and from the University of Portland in 1965, with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
He has two children — Frank and Lynette — from his first marriage, to Lydia Blas, who died in 1970.
Blas married his second wife, Tina, in 1971, and they have three children, Paul, Yvette, and Y'buena, news files state.
In a 1990 interview, Blas said his primary role was to be Gov. Joseph Ada's right hand and support him. He also described himself as a liaison between the administration and lawmakers.
Blas made a failed bid for the governor's seat in 1994, with Simon Sanchez as his running mate. They lost in the Republican primary to Tommy Tanaka and Doris Brooks. During one of the debates before that primary, Blas said he received great satisfaction from serving the people of Guam and wanted to continue the tradition of honesty started during the Ada administration.
Since leaving elected office in 1995, after two terms as lieutenant governor, Blas owned and operated Frank Blas & Associates, in Barrigada, which is an insurance brokerage firm.
Former Guam Gov. Felix Camacho released a statement Monday evening, offering prayers and thoughts to Blas' family and calling Blas a "treasure to our island" that will be missed.
Blas and Camacho served together in the administration of Gov. Joseph Ada. Both were mentors and encouraged him to run for governor, Camacho said of Ada and Blas. Camacho served as governor from 2003 to 2011.
Blas served as Camacho's campaign chairman, he said.
"Over the years, I spent much time with him and talked about the contribution of public service and its importance to growing our young island democracy," he said in his statement.
Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo also released a statement Tuesday, saying she worked with Blas during her time in the Legislature and later during their terms as lieutenant governor.
Bordallo served in the lieutenant governor position from 1995 to 2003, after Blas' term.
"He always demonstrated thoughtful consideration of legislation and the policy proposals we considered and did what was best for our island," Bordallo said in her statement. "In my role as Guam's delegate to Congress, I appreciated the firm advocacy and support that he, and his son Sen. Frank Blas Jr., had for recognizing Guam's World War II survivors."
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 2, 2016.
*****
Frank Blas served as Guam's lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995 under former Gov. Joseph Ada. Blas, also a five-term island senator, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 75 years. The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place. Blas is the father of current Sen. Frank Blas, Jr. (Pacific Daily News file photo)
*****
The abundance of floral arrangements and photos that filled the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica were far outnumbered by the multitude of people who came out to pay their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas during his funeral service in Hagåtña on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
*****
"OUR VIEW: Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas leaves legacy for Guam"
Island residents paid their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, a man known just as much for his compassion as for his accomplishments.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.
Blas, who died Aug. 1 at the age of 75, was a five-time Republican senator before serving as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995.
A dedicated public servant, Blas was known for getting the job done in the Guam Legislature and in the governor's office.
Former Gov. Joseph Ada recently recalled being able to count on Blas as his right-hand man.
"I lost a best friend and a very, very loyal lieutenant governor who always made sure the government of Guam ran smoothly," Ada said.
Blas exemplified a political leader who cared about ensuring a bright future for the next generation. He even brought sunshine into dark days for children when, in 1988, he founded the Guam chapter of Make-A-Wish. The organization says it grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
"I've attended some of his Make-A-Wish (events)," Ada said. "People are very touched to make a wish come true for a child."
Blas will be remembered for touching the lives of children and other community members as a true son of Guam.
"The outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming and reminds us that our dad has such a positive influence on the lives of so many people," Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said.
We appreciate the former lieutenant governor's contributions in making the island a better place to live and to raise a family.
In helping to turn so many dreams into reality, he left an impressive and inspiring legacy.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 9, 2016.
Mass of Intention was offered at 6:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 pm in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna. On Sunday, Rosary was recited at 6:30 pm followed by the Mass at 7:00 pm. Last respects were paid on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna beginning at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2:00 pm.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Death and funeral announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Message of appreciation as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 19, 2016, on page 37.
Anniversary rosary announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 27, 2017.
Guam World War II Survivor commemorative photo as it appeared in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on July 2, 2019, on page 6.
*****
"Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas dead at 75"
By Steve Limtiaco
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, died Monday evening, according to a family spokesperson. He was 75.
Blas is the father of current Guam Republican lawmaker Frank Blas, Jr.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas passed away tonight, surrounded by his loved ones," his family stated. "The Blas family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support and they ask for privacy at this time."
Details regarding funeral services will be announced at a later date, according to the family.
The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a dedicated public servant," Gov. Eddie Calvo said in a statement Tuesday. "Former Lt. Gov. Frank Flores Blas' passion for serving the people of Guam was not only obvious in his roles as a senator and as a lieutenant governor; it was demonstrated in everything he did throughout his life."
The elder Blas was a senator in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th Guam Legislatures.
He attended Father Duenas Memorial School and graduated from St. Augustine High School, in San Diego, California.
He graduated from the College of Guam in 1962, with an associate's degree in accounting, and from the University of Portland in 1965, with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
He has two children — Frank and Lynette — from his first marriage, to Lydia Blas, who died in 1970.
Blas married his second wife, Tina, in 1971, and they have three children, Paul, Yvette, and Y'buena, news files state.
In a 1990 interview, Blas said his primary role was to be Gov. Joseph Ada's right hand and support him. He also described himself as a liaison between the administration and lawmakers.
Blas made a failed bid for the governor's seat in 1994, with Simon Sanchez as his running mate. They lost in the Republican primary to Tommy Tanaka and Doris Brooks. During one of the debates before that primary, Blas said he received great satisfaction from serving the people of Guam and wanted to continue the tradition of honesty started during the Ada administration.
Since leaving elected office in 1995, after two terms as lieutenant governor, Blas owned and operated Frank Blas & Associates, in Barrigada, which is an insurance brokerage firm.
Former Guam Gov. Felix Camacho released a statement Monday evening, offering prayers and thoughts to Blas' family and calling Blas a "treasure to our island" that will be missed.
Blas and Camacho served together in the administration of Gov. Joseph Ada. Both were mentors and encouraged him to run for governor, Camacho said of Ada and Blas. Camacho served as governor from 2003 to 2011.
Blas served as Camacho's campaign chairman, he said.
"Over the years, I spent much time with him and talked about the contribution of public service and its importance to growing our young island democracy," he said in his statement.
Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo also released a statement Tuesday, saying she worked with Blas during her time in the Legislature and later during their terms as lieutenant governor.
Bordallo served in the lieutenant governor position from 1995 to 2003, after Blas' term.
"He always demonstrated thoughtful consideration of legislation and the policy proposals we considered and did what was best for our island," Bordallo said in her statement. "In my role as Guam's delegate to Congress, I appreciated the firm advocacy and support that he, and his son Sen. Frank Blas Jr., had for recognizing Guam's World War II survivors."
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 2, 2016.
*****
Frank Blas served as Guam's lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995 under former Gov. Joseph Ada. Blas, also a five-term island senator, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 75 years. The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place. Blas is the father of current Sen. Frank Blas, Jr. (Pacific Daily News file photo)
*****
The abundance of floral arrangements and photos that filled the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica were far outnumbered by the multitude of people who came out to pay their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas during his funeral service in Hagåtña on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
*****
"OUR VIEW: Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas leaves legacy for Guam"
Island residents paid their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, a man known just as much for his compassion as for his accomplishments.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.
Blas, who died Aug. 1 at the age of 75, was a five-time Republican senator before serving as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995.
A dedicated public servant, Blas was known for getting the job done in the Guam Legislature and in the governor's office.
Former Gov. Joseph Ada recently recalled being able to count on Blas as his right-hand man.
"I lost a best friend and a very, very loyal lieutenant governor who always made sure the government of Guam ran smoothly," Ada said.
Blas exemplified a political leader who cared about ensuring a bright future for the next generation. He even brought sunshine into dark days for children when, in 1988, he founded the Guam chapter of Make-A-Wish. The organization says it grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
"I've attended some of his Make-A-Wish (events)," Ada said. "People are very touched to make a wish come true for a child."
Blas will be remembered for touching the lives of children and other community members as a true son of Guam.
"The outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming and reminds us that our dad has such a positive influence on the lives of so many people," Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said.
We appreciate the former lieutenant governor's contributions in making the island a better place to live and to raise a family.
In helping to turn so many dreams into reality, he left an impressive and inspiring legacy.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 9, 2016.
The Honorable Frank Flores Blas (March 20, 1941-August 1, 2016), former Lieutenant Governor of Guam, passed away at the age of 75 years.
Mass of Intention was offered at 6:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 pm in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna. On Sunday, Rosary was recited at 6:30 pm followed by the Mass at 7:00 pm. Last respects were paid on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna beginning at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2:00 pm.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Death and funeral announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Message of appreciation as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 19, 2016, on page 37.
Anniversary rosary announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 27, 2017.
Guam World War II Survivor commemorative photo as it appeared in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on July 2, 2019, on page 6.
*****
"Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas dead at 75"
By Steve Limtiaco
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, died Monday evening, according to a family spokesperson. He was 75.
Blas is the father of current Guam Republican lawmaker Frank Blas, Jr.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas passed away tonight, surrounded by his loved ones," his family stated. "The Blas family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support and they ask for privacy at this time."
Details regarding funeral services will be announced at a later date, according to the family.
The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a dedicated public servant," Gov. Eddie Calvo said in a statement Tuesday. "Former Lt. Gov. Frank Flores Blas' passion for serving the people of Guam was not only obvious in his roles as a senator and as a lieutenant governor; it was demonstrated in everything he did throughout his life."
The elder Blas was a senator in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th Guam Legislatures.
He attended Father Duenas Memorial School and graduated from St. Augustine High School, in San Diego, California.
He graduated from the College of Guam in 1962, with an associate's degree in accounting, and from the University of Portland in 1965, with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
He has two children — Frank and Lynette — from his first marriage, to Lydia Blas, who died in 1970.
Blas married his second wife, Tina, in 1971, and they have three children, Paul, Yvette, and Y'buena, news files state.
In a 1990 interview, Blas said his primary role was to be Gov. Joseph Ada's right hand and support him. He also described himself as a liaison between the administration and lawmakers.
Blas made a failed bid for the governor's seat in 1994, with Simon Sanchez as his running mate. They lost in the Republican primary to Tommy Tanaka and Doris Brooks. During one of the debates before that primary, Blas said he received great satisfaction from serving the people of Guam and wanted to continue the tradition of honesty started during the Ada administration.
Since leaving elected office in 1995, after two terms as lieutenant governor, Blas owned and operated Frank Blas & Associates, in Barrigada, which is an insurance brokerage firm.
Former Guam Gov. Felix Camacho released a statement Monday evening, offering prayers and thoughts to Blas' family and calling Blas a "treasure to our island" that will be missed.
Blas and Camacho served together in the administration of Gov. Joseph Ada. Both were mentors and encouraged him to run for governor, Camacho said of Ada and Blas. Camacho served as governor from 2003 to 2011.
Blas served as Camacho's campaign chairman, he said.
"Over the years, I spent much time with him and talked about the contribution of public service and its importance to growing our young island democracy," he said in his statement.
Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo also released a statement Tuesday, saying she worked with Blas during her time in the Legislature and later during their terms as lieutenant governor.
Bordallo served in the lieutenant governor position from 1995 to 2003, after Blas' term.
"He always demonstrated thoughtful consideration of legislation and the policy proposals we considered and did what was best for our island," Bordallo said in her statement. "In my role as Guam's delegate to Congress, I appreciated the firm advocacy and support that he, and his son Sen. Frank Blas Jr., had for recognizing Guam's World War II survivors."
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 2, 2016.
*****
Frank Blas served as Guam's lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995 under former Gov. Joseph Ada. Blas, also a five-term island senator, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 75 years. The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place. Blas is the father of current Sen. Frank Blas, Jr. (Pacific Daily News file photo)
*****
The abundance of floral arrangements and photos that filled the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica were far outnumbered by the multitude of people who came out to pay their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas during his funeral service in Hagåtña on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
*****
"OUR VIEW: Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas leaves legacy for Guam"
Island residents paid their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, a man known just as much for his compassion as for his accomplishments.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.
Blas, who died Aug. 1 at the age of 75, was a five-time Republican senator before serving as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995.
A dedicated public servant, Blas was known for getting the job done in the Guam Legislature and in the governor's office.
Former Gov. Joseph Ada recently recalled being able to count on Blas as his right-hand man.
"I lost a best friend and a very, very loyal lieutenant governor who always made sure the government of Guam ran smoothly," Ada said.
Blas exemplified a political leader who cared about ensuring a bright future for the next generation. He even brought sunshine into dark days for children when, in 1988, he founded the Guam chapter of Make-A-Wish. The organization says it grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
"I've attended some of his Make-A-Wish (events)," Ada said. "People are very touched to make a wish come true for a child."
Blas will be remembered for touching the lives of children and other community members as a true son of Guam.
"The outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming and reminds us that our dad has such a positive influence on the lives of so many people," Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said.
We appreciate the former lieutenant governor's contributions in making the island a better place to live and to raise a family.
In helping to turn so many dreams into reality, he left an impressive and inspiring legacy.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 9, 2016.
Mass of Intention was offered at 6:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 pm in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna. On Sunday, Rosary was recited at 6:30 pm followed by the Mass at 7:00 pm. Last respects were paid on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna beginning at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2:00 pm.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Death and funeral announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) from Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, 2016.
Message of appreciation as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 19, 2016, on page 37.
Anniversary rosary announcement as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 27, 2017.
Guam World War II Survivor commemorative photo as it appeared in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on July 2, 2019, on page 6.
*****
"Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas dead at 75"
By Steve Limtiaco
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, died Monday evening, according to a family spokesperson. He was 75.
Blas is the father of current Guam Republican lawmaker Frank Blas, Jr.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas passed away tonight, surrounded by his loved ones," his family stated. "The Blas family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support and they ask for privacy at this time."
Details regarding funeral services will be announced at a later date, according to the family.
The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a dedicated public servant," Gov. Eddie Calvo said in a statement Tuesday. "Former Lt. Gov. Frank Flores Blas' passion for serving the people of Guam was not only obvious in his roles as a senator and as a lieutenant governor; it was demonstrated in everything he did throughout his life."
The elder Blas was a senator in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th Guam Legislatures.
He attended Father Duenas Memorial School and graduated from St. Augustine High School, in San Diego, California.
He graduated from the College of Guam in 1962, with an associate's degree in accounting, and from the University of Portland in 1965, with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
He has two children — Frank and Lynette — from his first marriage, to Lydia Blas, who died in 1970.
Blas married his second wife, Tina, in 1971, and they have three children, Paul, Yvette, and Y'buena, news files state.
In a 1990 interview, Blas said his primary role was to be Gov. Joseph Ada's right hand and support him. He also described himself as a liaison between the administration and lawmakers.
Blas made a failed bid for the governor's seat in 1994, with Simon Sanchez as his running mate. They lost in the Republican primary to Tommy Tanaka and Doris Brooks. During one of the debates before that primary, Blas said he received great satisfaction from serving the people of Guam and wanted to continue the tradition of honesty started during the Ada administration.
Since leaving elected office in 1995, after two terms as lieutenant governor, Blas owned and operated Frank Blas & Associates, in Barrigada, which is an insurance brokerage firm.
Former Guam Gov. Felix Camacho released a statement Monday evening, offering prayers and thoughts to Blas' family and calling Blas a "treasure to our island" that will be missed.
Blas and Camacho served together in the administration of Gov. Joseph Ada. Both were mentors and encouraged him to run for governor, Camacho said of Ada and Blas. Camacho served as governor from 2003 to 2011.
Blas served as Camacho's campaign chairman, he said.
"Over the years, I spent much time with him and talked about the contribution of public service and its importance to growing our young island democracy," he said in his statement.
Guam Del. Madeleine Bordallo also released a statement Tuesday, saying she worked with Blas during her time in the Legislature and later during their terms as lieutenant governor.
Bordallo served in the lieutenant governor position from 1995 to 2003, after Blas' term.
"He always demonstrated thoughtful consideration of legislation and the policy proposals we considered and did what was best for our island," Bordallo said in her statement. "In my role as Guam's delegate to Congress, I appreciated the firm advocacy and support that he, and his son Sen. Frank Blas Jr., had for recognizing Guam's World War II survivors."
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 2, 2016.
*****
Frank Blas served as Guam's lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995 under former Gov. Joseph Ada. Blas, also a five-term island senator, died on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 75 years. The governor's office declared a state of mourning on Tuesday and ordered all U.S. and Guam flags be flown at half-staff until burial services take place. Blas is the father of current Sen. Frank Blas, Jr. (Pacific Daily News file photo)
*****
The abundance of floral arrangements and photos that filled the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica were far outnumbered by the multitude of people who came out to pay their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas during his funeral service in Hagåtña on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
*****
"OUR VIEW: Former Lt. Gov. Frank Blas leaves legacy for Guam"
Island residents paid their last respects to former Lt. Gov. Frank F. Blas, a man known just as much for his compassion as for his accomplishments.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.
Blas, who died Aug. 1 at the age of 75, was a five-time Republican senator before serving as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995.
A dedicated public servant, Blas was known for getting the job done in the Guam Legislature and in the governor's office.
Former Gov. Joseph Ada recently recalled being able to count on Blas as his right-hand man.
"I lost a best friend and a very, very loyal lieutenant governor who always made sure the government of Guam ran smoothly," Ada said.
Blas exemplified a political leader who cared about ensuring a bright future for the next generation. He even brought sunshine into dark days for children when, in 1988, he founded the Guam chapter of Make-A-Wish. The organization says it grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
"I've attended some of his Make-A-Wish (events)," Ada said. "People are very touched to make a wish come true for a child."
Blas will be remembered for touching the lives of children and other community members as a true son of Guam.
"The outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming and reminds us that our dad has such a positive influence on the lives of so many people," Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said.
We appreciate the former lieutenant governor's contributions in making the island a better place to live and to raise a family.
In helping to turn so many dreams into reality, he left an impressive and inspiring legacy.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 9, 2016.
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