Bayani R. Tan, aged 86, passed away on March 30th, 2024. Born in Manila, Philippines, to Zacarias Agam Tan and Rafaela Ronquillo Tan, Bayani's early life was marked by a significant encounter with Gloria, his future wife.

Despite a brief separation, their love endured, leading to their marriage on January 20, 1962. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Gina and Zora, within the first two years of their marriage. Motivated by a strong desire to provide for his family, Bayani moved from the Philippines to Canada in 1973, leaving behind a comfortable life for new opportunities. Bayani witnessed the milestones of his daughters, including their university graduations, marriages, and the growth of their own families.

Alongside Gloria, he initiated the Santo Niño 9-month novena in the early 2000s, a devotion to the infant Jesus that allowed them to share their faith widely. This tradition, including its choir, became a means for spreading the word of the Lord for nearly two decades.

Known for his profound yet infrequent words, Bayani expressed his love primarily through the joy of feeding his family and friends their favorite dishes.

His legacy is carried on by his daughters, Gina and Zora; siblings Dolores, Lolita, Letty (Pablito) and Mantongol (Lisa); son-in-law Jeff; grandchildren Aaron and Ebony; granddaughter-in-law Dominique; great-granddaughter Rhodes-Quinn; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews spread across Toronto, Ohio, Chicago, San Francisco, and the Philippines. Bayani was predeceased by his cherished wife Gloria, his parents, siblings Isaac and Christina, brothers-in-law Leonardo and Jesus, son-in-law Rick, and his youngest grandson Quinn-Martix.

Bayani's life was a testament to the virtues of kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for his loved ones. True to the meaning of his name in Tagalog, "Hero," Bayani fulfilled this role in the eyes of his family and friends through his unconditional love and devotion.