Obituary of Dr. Andres Arenas Reyes
Obit for Dr. Andres ‘Andy’ Arenas Reyes, BSc., MSc., Ph.D., Research Scientist
26 February 1931 – 30 October 2024
Dr. Andres ‘Andy’ Arenas Reyes, BSc., MSc., Ph.D. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Andy Reyes on 30 October 2024 in his 93rd year surrounded by his loving wife, Luzviminda ‘Minda’, 2 adult sons Andres Alberto ‘Albert’ and Armando Alejo ‘Alex’, and 1 adult daughter, Andrea Melissa ‘Zaza/Lisa’. Our thanks to his medical providers at the St. Catharines General Hospital where he had the most complete, loving medical care.
Andy was a devoted, loving husband and best friend of Minda Reyes for 66 wonderful years. He left behind his cherished 2 sons Albert and Alex, and loving daughter, Lisa (Lisa retired as a Lt. Col. from the Royal Canadian Air Force after 35 years of service). He was a loving grandfather ‘Lolo’ of Jake, Kelly and Liam.
Dr. Reyes was born on 26 February 1931 in the Philippines, where he grew up, and obtained his BSc Degree, in Manila (1954). After working for one year, with the Philippine Government, he was sent in 1955 by the Philippine Government to Washington State University as a scholar to take up his MSc. Then, he went on to the University of Wisconsin in Madison to complete his Ph.D., on a research student scholarship. Upon Ph.D. graduation (1961), he went home to work as a Senior Research Scientist for the Philippine Packing Corporation (a subsidiary company of the California Packing Corporation) to work on pineapple diseases, then in 1963 became Chief Scientist In-Charge of the Agricultural Research Centre of the National Science Development Board of the Philippines. In 1965, he went back to the USA (Texas A & M University, College Station) as a Research Fellow to do research on cotton diseases, as an Assistant Research Professor. In January 1967, he moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, to work as a Research Scientist at the Vineland Research Station, Ontario, and retired after 29 years, in March 1996. He published numerous articles in international journals on the results of his research.
Andy and Minda and his family became naturalized as Canadians.
Andy was predeceased by his parents, Dominador Mani Reyes Sr. and Cecilia Arenas Reyes, oldest brother Ricardo (late Paz), oldest sister Felicidad Lee (late Tony), younger sister Dr. Juanita Reyes (late Alfonso de Leon), and younger brother Fortunato Reyes (Ella).
Dr. Reyes was survived by his younger sisters Priscila R. Francisco (late Joe) and Enriqueta R. Piczon (late Wilfredo) and his youngest brother Dr. Dominador A. Reyes, Jr (Deyin) in California; and Aurora R. Gonzales (late Rogelio), Erlinda A. Reyes, and Corazon R. Dizon (Osmundo Jr.) in the Philippines, and several nephews and nieces in Canada, USA and the Philippines.
He was a kind and soft-spoken gentleman.
Andy was active in the community. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1394 (Grand Knight, 1992-1993) and Mgsr. Morris Assembly (4th Degree). He was a member of the St. Catharines Torch Club (President, 1985-1986), Probus Club of Niagara North (Founding President, 2001-2002), Probus Club of St. Catharines (1996-2024) and Niagara Peninsula Branch of the Federal Retirees Association (President, 1998-2016), and St. Patrick’s Shamrock Club (President, 2002-2022), making many friends and acquaintances along the way.
Dr. Reyes received a St. Catharines City Volunteer Award in 2000, International Torch Silver Award in June 2001, Ontario Volunteer Award in 2001 and 2015.
Andy and Minda loved ballroom dancing, participating at International Style Dancing Competitions during their younger years (1987-2003), particularly around the Toronto area and locally continued dancing for their exercise up to their golden years.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place after the Star of the Sea Church funeral service.
The family invites those wishing to attend visitation, the afternoon opportunity on Friday 8 November 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, Ontario L2M 4Y1, (dartefuneralhome.com) and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the evening visitation. Prayers will be given at 7:00 pm.
Funeral mass will be held at Star of the Sea Church, 34 Elgin Street in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 5G5 (staroftheseachurch.ca) on Saturday, 9 November 2024 at 10:00 am, with reception to follow at the church hall. At a later date, a private interment at the Holy Trinity Mausoleum of the St. Catharines Victoria Lawn Cemetery will follow.
If so desired, donations to Star of the Sea Church in memory of Andy would be appreciated by his family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to George Darte Funeral Home (905) 937-4444.
For those wishing to view Dr. Reyes Funeral Mass via livestream, please click the following link: Star of the Sea Livestream