Miguel Reyes

It is with heavy hearts that the Reyes family announces the passing of our dad, Miguel Reyes, on March 5, 2025, at his home due to cancer, at the age of 74.

Miguel is predeceased by his partner Jo and his sister Agnes. He is survived by his sisters (Marietta, Carmelita, Alicia, Aida, Solita, and Felicitas), his brothers (Reynaldo and Apolonio Jr.), his sons (Jan-Michael, Mark-Lester, and Sean-Marlo), his daughters-in-law (Aby, Nicole, and Jennifer), and his grandchildren (Jalen, Olivia, Riley, Mia, Malia, and Tyson).

Miguel was born on July 31, 1950, in Rizal, Philippines, to Apolonio Reyes and Soledad Capistrano. From 1969 to 1975, he attended Far Eastern University in Manila, studying at the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts. In 1979, Miguel immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which became his final home.

From 1980 to 2000, Miguel worked for Dayton & Knight Ltd. Consulting Engineers as a design draftsman, utilizing his vast skills in arts and architecture. His drafting work was of the highest quality and included structural concrete layouts, mechanical and piping layouts, utility plan and profile drawings, electrical single-line and schematic diagrams, and report layouts. In 2001, Miguel joined Swissport Canada at YVR Airport, where he continued to work until his passing.

Miguel enjoyed various hobbies. He was a lifelong enthusiast of cars and planes, especially Mustangs and F-14 fighter jets. Music was another language to Miguel—one he spoke fluently through the strings of his beloved guitars. He loved to play guitar and sing for his grandchildren. Additionally, Miguel was a devoted San Francisco 49ers fan. He cherished spending Sundays watching football with his sons. As an active and passionate sports lover, Miguel enjoyed bowling, running, cycling, softball, and basketball. He shared his love of sports with his sons, taking them to games and instilling in them the same passion.

Above all, it was Miguel’s family that gave his life meaning. Time with his children and grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He could always be seen at his sons’ high school basketball games, sitting in the bleachers with his camcorder, or taking them camping when they were young. Most importantly, Miguel was always there for his family, doing whatever he could to bring joy to others—including the annual tradition of dressing up as Santa Claus for his grandchildren at Christmas.

In 2013, Miguel was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was given less than a year to live. During this difficult time, filled with treatments and medications, he showed unwavering strength, courage, determination, and resilience. In the face of adversity, Miguel was able to live another twelve years, creating lasting memories with his family and friends. One of the highlights was our first family vacation to Hawaii in 2023—a trip filled with laughter, love, and happy tears.

Miguel will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.