Tribute to Ray Topasna

“Our hearts are broken over the sudden loss of our good friend and respected public servant Ray Topasna. He dedicated his life to ensure Guam’s families had a roof over their heads and that stable housing on our island was a staple, instead of a systemic challenge. Our families are more secure and stronger today because of his legacy. We will never forget his tireless efforts, his quick wit, and his inspiring ability to speak truth to power,” Ms. Leon Guerrero said. “Jeff and I send our deepest condolences to Audrey and family, and we are especially thinking of them in their moment of grief and pain. I will miss Ray tremendously.”

Speaker Therese Terlaje also paid tribute to Ray’s contributions to solving the housing crisis on island.

She said, “Ray dedicated many years as a public servant assisting the disadvantaged families in our community by advocating for housing opportunities and advancing public transit on Guam.  I am grateful for his service to the people of Guam.”

Ray Topasna was a crusader against corruption

Ray did these things, but his contributions span far beyond the realm of affordable housing. His is a legacy for truth and justice against corruption. It is because of Ray Topasna that light first was shined on questionable contracts, procurements, and practices both at GHURA and the A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam. He was an executive at both, appointed through the political process. But, unlike most of his colleagues in politics, Ray didn’t just go with the flow or shut his mouth, or look the other way. He reported and tried to stop wrongdoing.

Ray was an agent for good, and a crusader against corruption. He took on some of the biggest names on this island, including that of his former boss, former Gov. Eddie Calvo. This included Ray’s former GHURA legal counsel and then-brother in law to Calvo, Mark Smith. Mr. Smith next month will be sentenced in federal court for scores of crimes a jury convicted him of committing. The federal government arguably would not have been able to mete its case against Smith without Ray Topasna’s help.

Family and his love of Sinajana

“Ray dedicated his life to public service in the tradition of his parents and grandparents,” Mr. Tenorio said. “He was an innovative thinker and pursued excellence in his work for our island. Today marks a great loss for Guam. To his wife Audrey, their children, and the Topasna and Sanchez families, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers.”

Ray’s extraordinary  life in public service was a reflection of his personal life, and his character. Mr. Tenorio knows this, because he was born and raised in Ray’s village, Sinajana. Ray was a staple at St. Jude church, and was active in the community there. During his GHURA tenure, he gave Sinajana lopsided treatment in the allotment of infrastructure improvements.

About a month ago I jokingly asked him if the governor was aware he stacked federal construction dollars in favor of new public facilities in Sinajana. He replied, “Well, you know the governor is from Sinajana, too, right, Troy?” We laughed about that. The extent of Ray’s personal bias was to get good things done for his village, while others swindle the taxpayers for personal gain.

Hoffman’s tribute to Ray Topasna

It is no wonder that of all the people paying homage to this man, it is Ray’s mayor, Robert Hoffman of Sinajana, who captures his memory best:

“We are all shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of Ray. Our community joins the many people and families mourning his absence.

“Aside from his leadership and service, he loved, worshiped and adored his wife Audrey. He always spoke so sweetly and lovingly of her and how smart and capable and amazing she is. Ray always said he was blessed and lucky to have her and his family. He would often share that he cherished them and was so proud of them.

“For years, he and I would talk about many subjects – transportation systems, economic recovery, community planning, poverty prevention – to name a few.

“He was well versed in many of the issues and matters, helping me to understand better how to govern. Ray was goal-oriented, motivated and always striving for solutions. He was never afraid of a challenge. I considered him a good friend; and my heart hurt upon hearing the news.

“During his last moments it is said that he was spending the morning with his family- he was surrounded by the people he loved, enjoying the beauty of an island paradise he served so well.

“May his memory be a blessing.”

Rest in peace, my friend. May the Eternal Light shine upon you.