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Joel Berdon deGuzman
1961 - 2011
Joel Berdon deGuzman
1961 - 2011
Obituary
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Joel deGuzman Obituary
Joel was born October 23, 1961 in Quezon City, the Philippines. Before settling in Texas, he grew up in California, Dhahran in Saudi Arabia, and graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. At the Hill, he enjoyed sports, especially lacrosse, and singing with an a cappella group. Joel graduated from Texas A&M University, class of '83, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He developed his love for lacrosse. While in the Aggie Field of Honor, he will always have a clear view of Kyle Field, Texas A&M.
After graduating, he enjoyed working in the field of communications for several private and non-profit organizations, including Public Broadcasting Service, and educational organizations, including St. Edwards University and the Texas School for the Deaf, and as an American Sign Language interpreter. He later developed a keen interest in and studied mortuary science and funeral directing. In 2007, Joel completed studies at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston. He envisioned supporting the Bastrop community as an owner and operator of a funeral home and crematory. When not working, Joel enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, African drums, and Doberman dogs. On weekends, he could often be found riding his road bike or on the lacrosse field both as a player and later as a referee.
Joel is preceded in death by his sister Cheryl deGuzmán of Quezon City. He is survived by his parents Valentin and Fernanda deGuzmán of Houston, sons Joshua and Zachary deGuzmán of Austin, brother and wife Melvin and Cynthia deGuzmán of Ellicott City in Maryland, brother James deGuzmán of Houston, nephews Brian, Daniel and Marc deGuzmán, and friends Elizabeth Pruitt, Janet deGuzmán, Walt Goff, Linda Carter, Denise Guthrie and many others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
Memorials may also be made to the following organizations in honor of Joel:
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (T.O.S.A.)
www.donatelifetexas.org
Bastrop County Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 484
McDade, TX 76850
www.BCASFriend.org
Southwest Transplant Alliance
San Antonio Eye Bank
8122 Datapoint Dr. Suite 325
San Antonio, TX 78229
www.tbionline.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 29, 2011
Joel, you made me laugh the first day I met you, I've always loved your sense of humor. I miss you very much already. I hope you are up in heaven playing Lacrosse and making the other angels smile. I'll miss you Sven, Jamie
Andy Motz
January 26, 2011
May God keep you in His care Joel..and comfort your family with His touch!
George Webb
January 24, 2011
I had the privilege to know and work with Joel as a colleague in officiating, and to enjoy his company on the field. As others have noted, his boundless enthusiasm was a joy to be around. I will miss him.
Matt Matthews
January 24, 2011
Sincere condolences to Joel's family.
Webster's defines "Esprit De Corps"� as the spirit existing in the members of a group, inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong regard for the honor of the group.
Joel will always be a great contributing part of the early Texas A&M Lacrosse Esprit De Corps. As some of us know "...a spirit that can ne'er be told..."�
Here Here to Esprit DeGuzman!
And to all that have gone before him.
Joel blessed us all with his wit, his spirit, his humor and his camaraderie.
God bless Joel.
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Guy Grosgebauer
January 24, 2011
Joel was a great guy with a positive attitude in everything he went after. I remember the last time we visited at a lax tourney in the zebra tent. Joel was talking to a high school player about the positive impact the corps made on his time at A&M.
Bob Moss
January 23, 2011
Joel was a great teammate and positive person. He was funny and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed
Rodney Starnes
January 22, 2011
It saddens me to hear of Joel's passing. I enjoyed playing with him and knowing him as a friend. He was a great guy, with a huge heart and wonderful wit. He will be missed.
Nate Kreuter
January 22, 2011
Joel, I'm sorry I won't be able to make it from North Carolina for the services in your honor. I'll remember officiating with you, and in particular your always cheerful attitude. Rest well, friend.
Chuck Newell
January 21, 2011
Joel taught me a lot and we had many good games refereeing lax, Thanks.
Denise Guthrie
January 21, 2011
my darling Joel...
my BFF...
how will I ever make it without you in my life?
thanks for all those incredible memories.
remember..."no worries"
Stephen Mathiason
January 21, 2011
Joel was a great guy and a great teammate. He will be dearly missed.
Beth and Ron Malcolm
January 21, 2011
So sorry to hear of this. Enjoyed many a Bowie Lacrosse Game with Joel. Really enjoyed giving him a hard time on the field when he was reffing (in good fun of course). He had a great sence of humor and was always willing to help out our Lacrosse Program at Bowie. It was also great to see him working the college games, and at summer league with his homemade (cut off armed) ref shirt! We will be praying for God's comfort for son Josh and the rest of Joel's family and friends.
January 21, 2011
Deepest condolences from all of us Former Studs from Texas A&M Lacrosse. -Tom Creeden '89
Rick Cody
January 21, 2011
Joel was the "tank" on defense. Remember a tx game where he cleared the ball the length of field to Desadier or Grosgabauer for a score. Always a postive and cheerful guy. We need more like Joel.
Peter Plough '84
January 21, 2011
Best is to remember the best of times those will live forever.
Tim Sullivan
January 21, 2011
I will always rememebr the great times we had on the Lacrosse field.
January 21, 2011
Condolences from the Texas A&M Lacrosse Family.
Bill Johnson '79
Kevin Broerman
January 21, 2011
I will always miss the Panda... He brought us so many laughs and kindness. The special times are really too numerous to count and recount. Kevin K. Broerman Phoenix AZ
Walter Goff
January 20, 2011
Thanks for the fun times. The times that we didn't know what we were doing but some how came out ok. Thanks for sharing your time with me. Thank you for being the panda man.
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