Support Tesoro’s (Puchie’s) Road to Recovery

Tesoro "Puchie" de Guzman Jr. July 16, 1954 – June 15, 2023. It is with overwhelming sadness that the de Guzman family has to announce the death of Tesoro de Guzman Jr.

Puchie, as he is so fondly known by family, friends, and colleagues, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

He is survived by his fiancée Julie Arnaldo, and siblings Dionisio, Victoria (Manny) Aguilar, Connie Robinson, and Martin (Colette) de Guzman. He will also be missed by his nephews & nieces: Philip and Clarissa Robinson, Jolly and Joel Aguilar, Lydia and Emilie de Guzman.

Puchie was so full of life, he really lived everyday surrounded by those he loved and doing the things that brought him joy.

In the late 70’s he moved to Canada; following in his family's footsteps. That would only be the beginning of his journey in North America. Puchie lived in Edmonton and Vancouver (in Canada) and California (in the US) for over 40 years only recently returning to the Philippines in 2019.

He was the best brother, uncle and friend. If you ever had a chance to meet Puchie you would know he was the cool one in the family. Showing up to gatherings with his long flowing hair tied back in a ponytail and huge smile on his face as he walked in. His rock star vibe just oozed from him.

A devoted singer and musician, Puchie loved writing songs and performing whenever given the opportunity. Music was his passion and a connection point for many of his friends and family.

Music wasn’t his only passion - after moving to California he opened a tennis school, bringing together his love of the sport and teaching.

Despite the physical distance over the years, he attended every family reunion and numerous other gatherings. He always made time for his family. He even frequently visited the Philippines staying close with his school friends and extended family; keeping close ties to the places and people he loved.

Puchie had always lived life and celebrated it, in the spirit of him the family would like to ask you to join them in Celebration of Puchie’s life. For those in Manila there will be a visitation of his ashes held on Monday June 19th noon – Tuesday June 20th at San Felipe Neri Church, Boni Ave corner Aglipay St, Mandaluyong, Monday evening at 7pm a mass will be held in his memory. Memorial service will be held in the coming weeks in Canada. Details to follow.

Hello all. Our dear brother, uncle, and friend Tesoro (Puchie) finds himself in need of our help.

Puchie recently returned to the Philippines after many years of living in the US & Canada. An accomplished singer and musician, Puchie loved writing songs and performing whenever given the opportunity. Music is his passion and has opened doors to perform on many stages and platforms, including frequent performances in his many visits to the Philippines. Over the years he has dedicated his songs to groups such as OFW- oversees Filipino workers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eCx6mKZczA) as well as in memoriam to 9/11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsFc9jMp1AA). His faith and generosity of spirit is heard in many of his songs.

Music isn’t his only passion - after moving to California he opened a tennis school, bringing together his love of the sport and his passion for teaching .

It wasn’t until later, after moving back to the Philippines, that he met the love of his life, Julie. We all watched from a distance how the love that Julie and Puchie have for each other grew and blossomed, as they shared new experiences and a new life together. Traveling throughout the Philippines with their friends and family sharing some of life’s best moments.

On Thursday April 6, 2023, Puchie suffered a stroke, affecting his mobility and speech. The following Tuesday, he underwent brain surgery to remove a clot from and remove a portion of his skull to relieve the pressure. With no immediate family there (many of us in Canada) we are relying heavily on extended family, friends and his doctors to support us through this time.

This sudden illness has blindsided the entire family, and we are struggling. His siblings, nieces, nephews and friends are helping in everyway they can, but can only do so much. We are hopeful Puchie will regain his strength and mobility, but it will take time. That will mean time off work for an extensive period of time. Please help our family raise funds for him and even make it possible for some of us to be there with him in the coming weeks and months when he’ll need our support. We want to make sure his focus is on recovery and not his bills and medical expense.

Thank you so much for your time & consideration. Even if you aren’t able to make a donation, sharing this with your friends and loved ones would be a great support. Anything and everything is greatly appreciated.

There is still a long road to recovery ahead of Puchie and ahead of all of us. It truly means a lot to know that we have family and friends walking alongside of us as we make this journey. We thank you all for your love, prayers and support.

My cousin (Puchie’s niece), Clarissa, is managing all of the medical bills & payments.