This day will be remembered as one of the saddest day in the history of Philippine Basketball Association of Ottawa. One of the founders of  PBA Ottawa (Formerly Fil-Can Ottawa) suddenly passed away at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

His name is Raoul Rodriguez - born May 2, 1963 married with 2 wonderful kids.

Raoul Rodriguez migrated to Canada together with his Mother and 5 of his 8 siblings in 1980 via family sponsorhip by oldest brother Alex. He started working at the Holiday Inn Plaza at Kent and Queen St. After a couple of years, he decided to take up a two-year computer course in Toronto. Travelling from Toronto to Ottawa every weekend to see his family. He supported himself by working as a delivery fella' for the now famous Pizza-Pizza in Toronto. Late in the 80's Raoul married Cynthia Assuncion of Antipolo,Rizal. They have two kids named Christine May and Ian Daniel. Raoul started working as a junior programmer at CMHC in the early nineties and worked his way up to be a Senior Technical Analyst.

"..people would listen..."

The one thing I really remember about Raoul was when we were growing up in Antipolo is...before we go out and play basketball, he would iron his shorts and shirt before going out and getting it all sweaty and dirty ('coz we used to play outdoors non-concrete, non-wooded basketball court). But that didn't deter us from playing the sport, specially Raoul - he just loves the game.But his real true love is his family. He would do anything for his wife and kids. He enjoys working on his house in Orleans and loves the company of his families. He is a man of few words, but when he talks - people would listen.

"Fore..." 

He started to take up golf in the late 90's. The game really grew on him and he became a pretty good player (well, at least compared to me) - but from what I've seen and heard, he's not bad.As a matter of fact, he was playing golf when he felt sick and ill on the 24th of July 2004.

"Dearly missed..."

Raoul has touched our hearts in his very special way. He will be dearly missed by his Wife and kids, his Mother, brothers and sisters, other relatives, friends and colleagues.

Raoul, I know that you're definetly playing golf somewhere but please help me with my golf swing - but seriously, Raoul you will be always in our heart.

We miss you.....

Erle Rodriguez