[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1822-E1823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RONALD FLORES RIVERA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, each of us in our own way adds to the 
history of our community; some people make history conspicuously, with 
flamboyant deeds and actions; others do it subtly, with powerful words 
quietly spoken. If a history maker is one who contributes significantly 
to the social, political or economic evolution of a community, then we 
in Guam are laying to rest a history maker, my good friend and 
confidant, Ronald Flores Rivera.
  On September 27, 2001, the people of Guam lost a dedicated advocate 
who was steadfast in his political beliefs, free with his thoughts, 
judicious with his words and gentle in his manner. Ron Rivera, the son 
of Fay Naputi Flores and Francisco Afaisen Rivera, earned the respect 
of many on our beloved island. Born in Tamuning, Guam, on October 9, 
1953, he grew up and attended grade school in the southern village of 
Inarajan. Ron graduated with honors from John F. Kennedy High School at 
age 16.
  While an employee of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ron 
was selected for training and education by then federal consultant at 
the University of Guam, Wally Kearns, with whom he shared a lifelong 
friendship. Ron was sent to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson 
where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degree in 
Rehabilitation. Ron was a very intelligent and motivated individual and 
was often sought by his peers for his counsel. He was admired by his 
colleagues not only for his in-depth knowledge within his realm of 
expertise, but also for his ability to understand and absorb vast 
amounts of information in many other areas.
  While away for his studies, Ron never forgot his home island of Guam. 
His good natured character, determination and perseverance emanated 
with the love and commitment to return to the island and continue 
working for the benefit of the people of Guam. As with his early 
educational endeavors and the desire to return home, Ron managed to 
complete his educational program and earn both degrees in less than the 
average time expected for such specialities.
  In addition to his rehabilitation work, Ron also got involved with 
Guam's tourist industry, selling handicrafts both in Guam and Saipan. 
He eventually went into business full-time for himself, operating 
Ronsan Beach House, a recreational rental business on Tumon Bay. 
Running his own business allowed him the freedom to devote time and 
energy to his political activities.

[[Page E1823]]

  Passing away just a few days shy of his 48th birthday, Ron left 
behind a body of work that would have taken the average person several 
lifetimes to accomplish. With his trademark Panama hat, Ron gained 
prominence and respect as a Chamorro Rights' activist.
  As the status of the former Trust Territories was being addressed in 
the last 1970s and early 1980s, Ron became involved with Guam's search 
for its own political status. He shared great concern for the Chamorro 
people--the indigenous inhabitants of Guam, who had never been offered 
the opportunity to decide their own political fate. Delving into the 
matter, Ron was introduced to a committee on non-self-governing 
territories within the United Nations that received regular reports 
from the United States on its administration of Guam. Always a man of 
action, Ron began to work towards voicing perspective and aligning 
himself with the Organization of People for Indigenous Rights (OPIR). 
Through OPIR, Ron requested and later gained approval to make 
presentations for Guam at the United Nations, together with similarly 
situated political jurisdictions that were working toward ending their 
colonial relationships with their administering countries. Ron believed 
that the United Nations' forum offered a reasonable and objective way 
to focus upon the Guam-United States relationship.
  Whether it was in congressional hearings, presentations at the United 
Nations, village meetings in Guam, or simply talking with tourists on 
the beach, Ron's friendly manner and quiet dignity never faltered. He 
was sure and proud of his heritage and sincere in his advocacy of the 
Chamorro people. He never waivered in his sentiments and he always 
impressed friends and opponents alike. His name, his approach, his 
ideas will be written into the history books of Guam whenever there is 
a discussion about the political development of Guam's people.
  Ron's commitment to his family was beyond reproach. He was a loving 
husband and father. He recognized the connection between his political 
advocacy, the well being of the people he came from, and the family 
which sustained him. His maturity, his dignity, his gentlemanly 
approach to dealing with difficult situations made him the anchor of 
his family and a highly regarded member of his extended family. His 
wife, Annie; his daughters Andrea, Faye, Cara, and Vanessa; his 
grandchildren, Erica, Aaron, Connor Reid, Taylor Raye, and Evan Reece 
have so much to be proud of and are very lucky to have shared his 
presence in the short time that he was with us. I know that his 
parents, his siblings, his aunts and uncles and cousins all share in 
this pride. I extend to all of them my most sincerest condolences.
  Mr. Speaker, I can't begin to describe my deep sense of personal 
loss. He was a very close friend, a mentor, a supporter, and a brother. 
I join his family and the people of Guam in mourning this great loss 
and, at the same time, celebrating the life and work of a devoted 
husband, dutiful son, loving father, great friend, and staunch advocate 
of the Chamorro people. He will be greatly missed. Adios, Ron.

                          ____________________