Ruben “Ben” Bagayawa
Obituary for Ruben “Ben” Bagayawa
September 1, 1943 – May 5, 2026
It is with deep sadness and love that the family of Ruben “Ben” Bagayawa announces his passing on May 5, 2026, at the age of 82. He passed away at Cartier House Seniors Residence in Coquitlam, British Columbia, following a sudden heart attack, after living with Parkinson’s disease for several years.
Ruben was born on September 1, 1943, in Cavite City, Philippines. He is now reunited with his parents and siblings Enriqueta, Ernesto, Rosalinda, Antonio, Edwina, and his twin brother Roberto.
He is remembered by his wife Thelma; his brother Manuel (Cristy); and his children Eddie (Zuzana), Karen (Steve), Kimberly (Mike), and Stephanie (Patrick). He is also remembered by his grandchildren Hanna, Jacob, Sienna, Jaxon, and Eve.
Ruben will be remembered as a hardworking and creative man who spent much of his life reading, building, fixing, and learning. He took pride in practical projects and enjoyed understanding how things worked, often taking on new challenges with determination and curiosity.
He had a natural sense of humour that many will remember. He enjoyed joking around, telling stories, and bringing laughter to those around him, especially during family gatherings.
Ruben began his studies in Mechanical Engineering and Criminology in Manila before accepting an opportunity to work abroad in South Vietnam as a telecommunications trainee with the United States Air Force as a civilian employee. After returning to the Philippines, he married and later immigrated to Canada with his wife, beginning a new chapter in Toronto and later Cambridge, Ontario.
In Canada, he worked with Northern Telecom before building a long career as a machinist with Babcock and Wilcox Canada and General Electric. Later in life, he stepped back from work and moved to British Columbia, where he had a long-standing wish to be closer to nature and the outdoors. He often spoke about wanting a simpler life near hiking trails surrounded by nature.
In his final years, Ruben lived at Cartier House Seniors Residence, where he was cared for with compassion and dignity.
Ruben’s life included both joyful and difficult chapters. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, individuality, and for the many roles he carried throughout his life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
A Funeral Service will be held at: Coquitlam Alliance Church (2601 Spuraway Avenue Coquitlam, BC V3C 2C4) Phone: 604-464-6744, cachurch.ca
A private family inurnment will follow at: Robinson Memorial Cemetery, Robinson Street Coquitlam, BC.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Cartier House Seniors Residence for their care, kindness, patience, and compassion.
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