Felix "Alex" Bernardo Guzman's Obituary
Felix “Alex” Bernardo Guzman (1951-2014)
On the evening of October 11, 2014, Felix passed away in Renton, WA from natural causes. Felix was 63 years old.
Felix Guzman was born in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines on January 18, 1951. He was the second child of Ramon and Maria Guzman. Felix graduated from Wilson High School in 1969 and from Tacoma Community College in 1971 with an Associates degree in Arts and Sciences. On merit scholarships and grants, he earned his Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound. In 1979 Felix received his Masters degree in Business Administration from Boston University.
In June 1971 he met his wife, Marilyn and knew that was with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Ten months later they were married in April 1972.
Since 2009 Felix had been a Federal retiree with 36 years of Federal Government service. He worked with the Internal Revenue Service, the active Army, served the US Army Audit Agency for 25 years, Internal Review, and lastly in Iraq, the US Army Corps of Engineers for 4 years.
Felix was a devoted husband who deeply loved his wife of 42 years. From humble beginnings he set out to build a life that would fulfill their aspirations of financial security and peace. With his characteristic humor, Felix credited his secret to a long lasting marriage: “Let me ask you: Would you rather be happy or would you rather by right? You know, my wife happens to be a damn good cook, and she just loves to cook. And I just love to eat! Marilyn can be right anytime she wants. I’m perfectly happy not being right.”
Felix believed in keeping himself busy and was always open to opportunities. It was important to him to keep in tune culturally, financially, physically, socially, and spiritually. He walked 5 miles daily and enjoyed weekly bible studies with friends. He was generous in using his financial expertise and talents by giving to the community. He hosted financial literacy workshops, helped tutor students in mathematics, offered financial counseling for Fort Lewis Credit Union. His cultural pursuits encompassed volunteering with the Asian Pacific Cultural Center, Filipino Community Alliance, Philippine Scouts, United Filipino American Community of Pierce County, weekly Senior Luncheon, and more.
Felix was passionate about finance and was a huge fan of Robert T. Kiyosaki of Rich Dad, Poor Dad fame. He loved to share his ideas to help people reach their financial goals. And he enjoyed engaging in stimulating debate whether it was politics or the latest in alternative health practices and theories.
When Felix wasn’t participating in online financial chat rooms and blogs, or perusing the stock market, he loved to listen to music from the 70’s and delighted in marathon viewing of classic series such as Gunsmoke and Mission Impossible or Turner Classic Movies. In the last couple of years, Felix was enthusiastic about travel especially cruises-the longer the better. Ironically he would always get seasick but loved all the amenities and pampering cruises offer. He was insistent on providing the best for his wife whom he considered his greatest treasure.
Felix loved to have fun and enjoyed being around family and friends. His jovial laugh and infectious smile made him instant favorites with his nephews, and nieces, grand nieces and nephews and all who knew him.
Felix’s favorite author, Robert T. Kiyosaki said “We all have tremendous potential, and we all are blessed with gifts.” Like the parable of the talents, Felix was faithful in taking meticulous care in nurturing his blessings and multiplying them to bless his family and the community.
Felix is survived by his wife, Marilyn Guzman of Tacoma, WA, oldest sister, Linda Servito of University Place, WA and youngest sister, Liz Guzman of Orting, WA.
Felix is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Maria Guzman.
The public viewing and rosary prayer for Felix will be at 5:30-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 15th in the Celebration of Life building of Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd, SW in Lakewood. Remembrances may be shared at mountainviewtacoma.com
Devoted, Fun-loving, Practical. Felix, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, may you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.
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