We miss Cesar and his contributions to understanding, research, and learning for all cultures. He was a partner in our research team (SAIT-based project) a colleague in our learning and a friend. Our continued work and any future publications from this work are dedicated to his work and memory.

Memoire: The uncle who looked up to his nephew as a role model.

Andoy is the reason my family and I are here in Canada. It all started in 1992 back in Manila when Ate Gina Suva (Andoy’s aunt) gave me a call to say “Andoy is arriving for vacation, he’s your age and you have to get along so go figure it out.” I’m not sure if Ate Gina wanted me to be a tour guide - or a babysitter. As a teenager I didn’t know any better but to tag him along into my world raw. Back then, I was an Art student at the University of the Philippines and Andoy instantly fit right into my world of Art, Culture, Music, and Sports. Andoy’s ability to adapt and connect with the locals was very impressive and so humbling. Impressive; at an instant my circle of friends became his friends, humbling; because this Canadian is trying to be more Filipino than the rest of us who are trying to be Americans.

Notably, Andoy and I connected through music. This one time I was able to force him to play at our university fair concert as one of the opening acts or filler before the other bands could play including the now famous Eraseheads which Andoy later became obsessed with. Back then the Eraserheads just started and was just a campus band, they were also just my dorm mates and drinking buddies who would play for free. Andoy performed his heart out at that show with his solo act. Andoy’s genuine passion and aptitude for music was crystal clear but sounded too refined for the mediocre masses, but what blew me away was his bold confidence. I guess he got the Mountain Province warrior genes from Uncle Domeng. I was worried that show had ended his vacation with a traumatic experience, but I was wrong; a few years later he came back to the Philippines, and he planned to stay for good.

In 1998 Andoy was a full-time student at Ateneo Law school, and I was working as an Art Director for a chain of hotels. I didn’t hesitate at all to distract him from his demanding studies because my resort living privileges were too good to be passed up. On few occasions, Andoy came with me to Caylabne Bay, an exclusive resort south of Manila. Coconut trees, white sand beaches, blue skies, two guys in their 20’s – what could go wrong? We were always active outdoors and indoors. Andoy championed all recreational activities from swimming, kayaking, to hiking, but scuba diving was Andoy’s favorite, and he got addicted to it right away. We were living the dream, staying at penthouse suites, passing out in roof top jacuzzies, pigging out on seafood buffet, and dancing the night away on wild cayote open bars. We partied harder than we could handle. As the saying goes, what happens in paradise stays in paradise, fortunately all these took place before the dawn of social media. Thankfully Andoy’s mature and calm composure kept us all grounded. He always acted as an older brother who would go out of his way to keep us all on check. We had a few close calls but like a true diver Andoy doesn’t crack under pressure and will always find a diplomatic solution and made sure we learned our lessons. For the record, it was my colleague Jonathan Chan, who was Social Director of the resort who later became Andoy’s business partner who was the bad influence and party leader not me.

Early 2000’s finally we matured as a result, I married my college girlfriend Paula where Andoy was one of my groomsmen, then soon enough Andoy met Elaine and they got married. Then it was my turn to be a groomsman together with Jonathan, Noel Ison and Raffy as the best man. Occasionally we still partied but different in a way family stuff, politics, economics, global warming were mixed into the cocktails except Jonathan our dear forever bachelor who would woo us otherwise. Andoy cooked for us once, he said he invented this appetizer, and all Canadians love it. For a while Paula and I had a small side business called "cafehon" where friends and family usually hangout and stayed to help clean up. One night after the last paying costumer has gone home and everyone was tired and exhausted from cooking, drinking and serving guests. Andoy volunteered to cook something for everyone to eat and recharge. The kitchen was open, so he fried potato wedges took a jar of gravy and grated quickmelt cheese. It was the most horrendous looking dish we have ever seen... but woow it tasted miraculously legit so the next day, it made its way to the menu board.

Oftentimes Andoy resonates his passion for music naturally, Paula who worked for the music industry and was well connected into the local band scene paved a way for Andoy to commingle among the rockstars and was successful enough to have played in bars and was able release a few singles. Shinji Tanaka one of the country’s best recording engineers was his drummer for the hit song “friends”. I hated their band name back then, once he asked me what I think about the name “JACKET” I replied yuck!!! so he never asked me again, then one day “BOG” it is.

I bit my tongue out of respect but now everybody knows, peace Shinji!, good thing Andoy came to his senses and pursued a Ph.D.

I was intrigued by how Andoy carried himself and thrived in Manila. Like everyone else I was conflicted by the idea of why he would like to be here while Canada is amazing. Andoy radiated a profound consciousness, a modern philosophy I deeply admired and was challenged to understand, so 2006 before Ulap was born Paula and I made a resolution to raise our family the Andoy way. Aside from I was so annoyed with our corrupt government, my art career was not engaging in this shady economy, and I didn’t want my Art to dreadfully shift into mediocrity. Immediately we asked Andoy, and we were grateful even Tita Tes (mom) pointed to us the right direction and advised us wisely.

And so we did, 2008 our son Ulap is 1 year old and Paula just got her work permit approved in Ontario so we made a quick and hardcore decision for her to go first so we don’t miss any opportunity. It was with heavy heart that Ulap and I stayed behind, a strategy we learned from others saying that starting up with a newborn in a foreign country is next to impossible. With Andoy's practical knowledge, dos and don’ts, heads ups, tips, and tricks, we made it here. Andoy was right all along, his stories about life in Canada was all worth the sacrifice. Now Ulap is 15, plays the guitar who is also obsessed with the Eraserheads, loves scuba diving and is a serious young gentleman. Paula, after 12 years of working as an immigration councilor in Toronto resigned last year to be a full-time farm owner with an Air b&b in Mono, Ontario. I am fortunate to still be doing art, leading a team of artist as a foreman for an art and architectural fabrication company servicing the tradeshow industry globally. All these was made possible because of Andoy’s inception. I am so thankful to Ate Gina, who granted me the opportunity of knowing an enigmatic person who have inspired me and encouraged us to a brave new world.

My name is Ulysses Veloso and I’m 48. Technically in our genealogy tree I am uncle to Andoy through a 2nd cousin. I am a grandson to Leonarda Eufemio who was related to the Guzman’s.

Isn’t it ironic? I am a proud uncle who looked up to his nephew as my role model.

One thing is for sure I learned from Andoy; kindness knows no boundaries throughout time.

Deepest condolences to Elaine and the Suva family. We first met Cesar at an Alex event in 2018 where we shared experiences as second generation Filipino-Canadians and our work within the immigrant serving sector. Right away, we saw that Cesar was a kind, humble and gentle person -- someone who we wanted our family to be around. Cesar was a charismatic storyteller, and we would hang by his every word. Knowing that we were new to Calgary, he made sure we were adjusting to the new city. When work opportunities came up, he would email or call to encourage us to participate. Cesar was a dedicated community organizer; sharing his expertise, enthusiasm and passion to elevate our community. Were were elated to hear that he was leading a TIES study on support for immigrant professions in Canada and the US (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/immigrants-newcomers-professional-careers-calgary-1.6641659).

Our time together was short, but you left an indelible mark for our family. We hope to carry on your legacy work. For that, we thank you, Dr. Suva.

- Sudayan-Ferrer family

My deepest condolences to the family and friends. Cesar was such a charismatic and enthusiastic figure, and he touched so many lives across so many places.

A little memory, but if he still had any strange dice around that was probably thanks to me. He joined my D&D campaign while we were living in Australia and pursuing our PhDs in the same building. I gave him a character to play, since he had never tried before, who was entirely coincidentally named 'Peter Picklington,' a play on the much-derided former owner of the Edmonton Oilers. Long after he had learned the rules and made his own character, he admitted to me part of the fun was the fantasy of having Picklington constantly attacked by dragons and other monsters.

I am grateful for the time I knew him, for learning so much more about him only now, and for the example he set for so many as a thoughtful, caring, and exuberant soul. Rest in peace, Cesar.

All my best wishes,

Bryce Kositz

Dear Elaine and the family. We are one with you in this time of tremendous loss. Cesar was an inspiring and humble leader in the Filipino community and in the non- profit sector. His passing is a big loss to the community but his work, deeds and causes will last forever.

Our deepest condolences to the Suva family. I met Cesar through his wife Elaine, when he welcomed me to their house warming party in Tuscany. Cesar was very welcoming and accommodating, even when it was our first time to meet, he made me feel comfortable and welcomed. He is such a gentleman. It is with a very sad heart to know his passing. May he rest in peace. I pray for love and strength for Elaine and the rest of the family.

God bless

Ray Cruz and family

On behalf of the Seals Hockey Club, our deepest condolences to Elaine and the Suva family. Cesar was a beloved member of our club, and an original founder in 2017. He brought energy and heart to our locker room. His friendship and camraderie will be missed dearly. The world is truly smaller without him. He will always remain our team's #3 - with love, The Seals Hockey Club.

We, the Newcomer Research Network, are very shocked and sorry to lose our very close community partner, Dr. Cesar Suva.

We, the NRN members and partners, extend our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We know that words cannot express and heal this sudden and unfortunate loss of yours. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with Dr. Suva and the family.

---

Newcomer Research Network

University of Calgary

I would like to send my heartfelt condolescences to the Suva family. It is sad and a shock. I wish the family all the best and hope they can find solace in this difficult time.

I had not seen Andoy for many years. One of my more recent memories of him was when he was visiting Edmonton and gave me one of the business cards he had printed in the Philippines. I just remember thinking, "Cesar"? He was a genial and authentic presence in this world--by any name.

Most of my memories of him go back much further to when he was my friend's guitar-playing older brother. He'd find occasions to play with his band in front of the whole school. At a time in life when age gaps seemed huge--Andoy seemed lightyears ahead of us. Talking to him, you would realise he was down-to-earth. He made it seem possible.

Best wishes to the family.

Take care.

James Buckley

Dear Cesar Family,

My heart goes out to you after this sudden loss.

Cesar was and will remain a colleague and friend,

I believe that he touched everybody around him in the way he have impacted me and my work.

He will be remembered and will be dearly missed.

Cesar Family, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Warmly

Turin

We extend our sincere condolences to Cesar's family at this difficult time. Our friendship with Cesar and Elaine goes back many years, and this is certainly not the message we were hoping to convey. It is truly a blessing to have had him as a tutor, friend, and mentor who cared deeply about his students and had a passion for teaching, history, and education. He deserves our full respect. No words can express how heartbroken we are. Elaine, you and your family are in our thoughts and we send you caring thoughts to help you through this difficult time.

From Seo & Rachel Min

Dear Family and Friends,

Our sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Cesar.

Cesar was a tremendous contributor to the newcomer-serving sector, and we will miss him.

TEAM ISC is here to support you during this difficult time.

We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts.

Sincerely,

Hyder Hassan and the rest of the Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) Team.

My sincerest condolences for Cesar's family at this time with my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing Cesar's family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

Blessings to Cesar's family at this very sad time. I am a substitute teacher at The Immigrant Education Society and I remember the first conversation that Cesar and I had when he first came to CIES, it was about his PhD studies in Australia. My accent prompted this conversation, being Australian myself. There was not an occasion when we met in the hallways of all three campuses where he would not chat. I will always remember that smiling, intelligent, and gracious person that I would happily converse with. You will be so missed Cesar.

Elizabeth Werner.

I was one of many who knew Andoy from St. Elizabeth (80-82) and Fr. Antoine (83-86). He was one of my closest buddies in those days. I remember how brilliant and talented he was...a true renaissance man. Art, history, music; he knew so much at such a young age and I learned alot from him, I'm not at all surprised he was so successful in career, academics and family. I'm absolutely devastated to hear this news and my thoughts are with Teresita, Cesar and Jose, who I remember being so kind to me when I visited their home in Mill Woods. Heartbroken, Love Steve Gaudet

Our deepest condolences to Andoy family and friends today. I am sorry to hear about his sudden passing. I knew Andoy in elementary/ junior high At École frère Antoine in Edmonton . He was a kind and funny and so creative . His artwork of his ships done by pen were a wonderful memory. Sending many hugs to his family ❤️

On behalf of all of us at The Immigrant Education Society(TIES), I am sending our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to Cesar’s family. It is very devastating and heart broken that we lost such a beautiful soul, our wonderful friend and colleague. At TIES, we will continue and honor Cesar’s great work and achievements in our daily operations although our office will never be same without Cesar’s presence. Rest in Peace, my dear friend! Your legacy will live on! We will miss you! Sending our thoughts and prayers to Cesar’s family with our most sincere love!

In the fall the prettiest leaves are the ones to fall first, leaving the rest behind. Cesar, you were one of those pretty leaves to fall, leaving us behind. You left us with many memories and wonderful moments at TIES. Always a caring soul with the best smile. Always checking up on others and doing whatever to make them happy. You have completed your role in our lives and have impacted many people with your sense of humour, caring and kindness. I will never forget the joy from the texts you sent even though half the time I didn’t know if you were being serious. I know how much you wanted to visit Egypt and it saddens me that you can’t. We had plans to go together next year and to honour you I’ll do my best to bring your beautiful wife Elaine along with me.

I was shocked by this sad sudden news. My deepest condolences to Cesar's grieving family. Cesar gone from our sight, but never from our hearts and memories. I was honoured to work with him- great colleague, beautiful mind and big heart! Rest in peace, Cesar!

Deepest condolences. Cesar was someone I worked with as a partner in the immigrant serving sector and we talked regularly about our respective projects and work. He was always so thoughtful and a kind, gentle soul. He had a passion for making a difference through his work. This news has been really difficult to digest. My heart goes out to his wife, family, friends, and colleagues. His loss is felt by so many. May you take great care. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Deidre Lake

My condolences to Andoy’s family. We went to elementary school together in Edmonton and I remember him as a kind and caring person even as kids. I am terribly sorry for your loss.

We are sending love and prayers. What a beautiful heart and soul he was. We went to elementary school together. Rest in peace dear friend.

My condolences to Andoy's family. I knew Andoy at school in Edmonton many years ago and remember him well as a wise and kind person. I am not surprised that he continued on the path that he did and touched many people. I am sorry for your loss. Ewan

On behalf of all of us at Centre for Newcomers in Calgary, we send our deepest condolences to Cesar's family. Many of us got to know Cesar very well over the past few years. This news is devastating to us all. We send our love and prayers.

Cesar touched the lives of thousands of people through his day to day work, and he will for years to come. How many of us can say that? He was our sunshine and our goofiness when we all needed it. I will miss him always.

Whitney

Our deepest condolences to Elaine, Pepo, Tita Tessie, Tito Boy and the entire family. We last saw Andoy in Edmonton July 2022 and were bugging him about his car. Just having a good time and enjoying everyone’s company. He will be missed dearly.

Rest in peace Andoy.

Love Berna, Gabriel, Roman and Julian Mendoza