LOCAL musical artist and former Rep. Candido Babauta Taman passed away on Wednesday, June 21. He was 75.
Taman was known and loved by many in the entire Marianas not only for his beautiful and original songs, but for his contribution to the preservation of the Chamorro and Carolinian languages and cultures. He was a member of the House of Representatives in the 15th Legislature.
Taman, popularly known as the Candy Man, was surrounded by his family when he passed away at his home in Guam due to cancer of the liver.
His wife, Mary Ellen, is very grateful to all those who have expressed their sympathy. To the family members and friends of the late Candy Man in the CNMI and Guam, Mary Ellen, on behalf of her family, said “thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Taman now joins his eldest son, Vincent. He is survived by his other children: John Ray E. Taman, Reeda Illal Taman, Carla Terry Taman, Candice Sabrina Taman, Clyde Wertz Taman, Jonnie T. Sablan, Ellenor Wertz Taman and Martin Angelo Taman, and his grandchildren.
An amazing uncle
The Candy Man’s nephew, Office of Youth Affairs Special Assistant Delbert Taitano Pua, on behalf of the Youth Affairs Office, extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of his uncle.
He said the Candy Man “was an amazing guy that I personally got to know as my former boss under his leadership in the Chamorro/Carolinian Language Policy Commission.”
Pua said it is from his uncle’s teachings that he learned to value his native language, Chamorro, and was inspired by his passion for music.
“Uncle Candy was a humble man and a public servant that left us with knowledge and pride to never forget who we are and where we came from. When he first ran for the House in Precinct 4, his slogan became an iconic phrase, ‘Sinseru,’ reminding us in our everyday lives to always be sincere no matter what are the issues we face,” Pua said.
“Thank you, Candy Man, for paving our way toward our identity and our cultural heritage,” he added.
“Entri mas, mu’nga hit man ingratu anai esti gi I finanaugue mu yan palabras ni un patti para todu I manhoben ta giya Marianas.” (“Above all, let us not be ungrateful. This is the message and word you have echoed to every Youth of the Marianas.”)
Candy Taman
