FAMILY friends, CNMI officials and other members of the community gathered at Mount Carmel Cathedral on Friday for the late Rep. Ivan James “Jimbo” Alafanso Blanco’s Mass of Christian burial.
Everyone in the cathedral was in tears, and many were still in disbelief that the 44-year-old public servant had passed away.
“One thing that Jimbo did was that he touched your life,” said former Rep. Rosemond Blanco Santos, a member of his bereaved family.
“Jimbo was very warm and loving,” she added. “His virtues were love, respect, pride, truthfulness, hard work and gratitude. He was like an angel who walked on this earth.”
She added, “God is good that He gave us Jimbo for almost 45 years.”
On behalf of the family, Jimbo’s uncle, John Blanco, expressed his gratitude to the many members of the community who have offered their condolences, sympathies and prayers.
“We would like to thank all the people who came to us from near or far over the last two weeks to offer their prayers and support during this time of great sorrow and pain,” he said.
The kind words and condolences, from Micronesian and other Pacific officials “have been of great comfort for us all — we are grateful to each and every one of you,” he added.
Among those who joined the Blanco family at the cathedral on Friday were Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, second lady Louella Palacios, lawmakers and cabinet members.
Department of Public Safety police officers carry the casket of the late Rep. Ivan James A. Blanco following the public viewing and burial Mass at Mt. Carmel Cathedral on Friday.
JC and Lily Ann say goodbye to their father for the last time.
