John Rey Tubo R.I.P.

We visited Rey's crash site the Thanksgiving weekend and also the weekend before his death anniversary. Manoy (Joe), Julie and Jaz and some of Rey's rider friends came by on Thanksgiving weekend to visit the crash site and for Manoy to clear up the crash site for the next weekend when we were to put the cross. Then on the weekend of his death anniversary (Sunday, December 7th), we had a mass for Rey and visited the crash site again. This time to put the cross. It was pretty emotional for me and the rest of the gang to see the site again.

On December 9th (his death anniversary), I sent out an email of some of the things I remember about Rey. I have posted the email I sent out as well as the responses that everyone sent. It's very comforting to know the many things that we remember about Rey. It helps keep his memory alive.

A few things I wanted to add to their comments is just to reiterate what Julie, Jaz, Marie and Ali had commented about what a good father and family man he was. He was my younger brother, but I learned some things from him about being a parent. There was this one time when we came to San Jose to celebrate Jaz's birthday. Jaz was playing with some of her friends and Seleena (my daughter) didn't know anyone, so she just played by herself. I noticed Rey pulled Jaz over and told her "Jaz, you have to make sure you play with Seleena and ALL your friends, ok? Not just some." He always made sure that Jaz did the proper thing. Another thing I remember was when he told me that he wants to make sure Jaz knows how to take care of herself. He gave me an example of when Jaz told him that there was a bully in her school. He wanted real bad to go to that bully and take care of it. But he said he just asked Jaz first if she wanted him to talk to the kid or the school. Jaz said no and that she's fine. Rey told me that he wanted to give Jaz the option because it'll teach her how to be able to take care of herself.

So here is the email that I sent out and everyone's responses:

~~
There are a lot of things I remember about Rey.

I remember the time when we just got here in the US. We used to reminisce about our childhood in the Philippines and he and Gerger drew the map of where we used to live and just talk about the things they used to do.

I remember he always gets mad if we don't take his money. He always says "if you don't take it, we won't come back here in sacramento next time". He always makes sure no matter how broke he was, that he would leave money for mama after leaving Jazzy for her vacation stay with her.

I remember how he loves his cars and his bike. He would tell David how he can relate to him about talking to the cars and bikes. He would say that his cars get jealous when the other gets more attention.

I remember partying at Obie's house and we got all wasted and started teasing Manoy and Obie's sister, Cookie. I remember Obie getting really wild and crazy. Then we started singing songs.

I remember how he loves his football games and his Warcraft games. How he even taught Jaz how to play it. How he got Jaz and Julie annoyed by it once he got hooked on it because he's always playing it and they never get to use the computer.

I remember Christmases and Thanksgiving day holidays. I remember the time on Thanksgiving at mama and Lorin's condo in Concord. When we hung out and made those village houses. How we were all trying to compete who got the best.

I remember him singing the songs, "Sweet Child o Mine" by Guns n Roses or Aerosmith (one of those). I remember I was surprised because I didn't think he likes the heavy metal kind of songs. I also heard a song yesterday and surprisingly made me think of him singing the song. I think he sang it and also knew the words. It was Free Bird by Lynard Skynard. It made me cry because he is a free bird now. Doing what he wants....'and this bird will never change'.

But most of all today, the thing that I remember and want to remember most is his laugh.....I can still hear it now. I hope I'll never stop hearing it. Of all the things mentioned above, during all those times, there's always his laughter. That's the one thing that's keeping him alive in me. When I think of Rey, I think of his laugh.......I sure miss you, Rey.

~

I remember he helped me with all my projects i had to for school - Jazzy

~

I remember Rey buying me roses for no reason when we first met and on special occassions.

I remember Rey doing his howling around the campfire on our first whole Tubo family camping trip at Lake McCumber.

I remember Rey taking me and Jazzy to watch motorcycle racing at the racetrack. That when I started to know some of the motorcycle riders names when they race.

I remember Rey on weekends that he would plan on outings as a family time such as driving down L.A. and visiting most of the beaches.

I remember Rey and us driving down to Santa Cruz every weekend to see the surfers surf. (This was suppose to be his other sport he'd always wanted to learn and he actually had bought some surf boards to encourgage him to learn.)

I remember Rey BBQing every summer at our place and listening to Bob Marley music.

What I really will miss is his kindness and generousity to everyone and his family. No matter if he has money or not he is still willing to offer to pay. There are some many things I remember about Rey that I can't list them all. He will be dearly missed and he will always be in me and Jazzy's heart always.

We miss you, Rey!

Julie

~
I remember John always remembering his god-daughters Bday, Easter and Xmas.

I remember John stopping by the shop in his Red Ducati with decal sticker that read "Papas n Beer"

I remember his funky helmet that had the dreadlocks attached and Alyssa asking how come Ninongs hair is long with his helmet on and then its short when he takes it off =)

I remember John being a family man and always taking his beautiful wife n daughter everywhere he went

I remember John being the most GENEROUS person.

WE MISS JOHN and will NEVER forget him!!!

MarieChrist
~

From: Datu, Aries

I remember he always text me for every Sunday rides with a word "hardcore rydah" I really missed him soooo much......

~
I remember how Rey always had a smile and a generous heart for everyone, no matter the situation. I love that Jazzy has his wonderful smile too.

Ali (his brother Ger's wife)

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I remember when Rey and the whole Tubo clan would all come down from Oregon and stay with us in Antioch and we'd spend several days straight drawing and playing D&D late into the night.
I remember when Rey would 'babysit' Wayne and I, playing Axis & Allies and Panzer Command while the parents would go to Reno.
I remember all the times back at Auntie Nina's house in Walnut Grove, before the Internet and all the new fancy games and gadgets, when we'd have fun just making our own toys and games out of whatever we'd find around the house (or at "Breuners"). These times always remind me that happiness isn't about how much you got but how creative you can be with what you already have...

We miss you, Rey, and we will remember you always...

Walter
~
I remember Rey every time there was a party at Auntie Rosa's house. He would invite my family and I to join their party. He would make us feel like part of the family just like Auntie Nena did. He was always nice and kind to us. My mom was telling me that she remembered Rey when she gave birth to my brother John john. Auntie Nena and my mom couldn't wake Ger ger up cause he is a heavy sleeper. So, Rey volunteered to go with my mom to the hospital. He will always be remembered and will never be forgotten. He will always hold a spot in our hearts. We will always love you and miss you Rey.

Marian Ramos & Family