Known as “Bo” or “Uncle Bo” to his loved ones, Alvarez was born in Sinajaña, Guam after World War II in October 16, 1945.
His passion for business and a wide variety of sports ultimately led to a successful motorcycle and car dealership from the late ’70s to the mid ’90s.
Alvarez started Saipan Suzuki, later known as E’SPN Motors and Taotao Marine Sports, a marine sports company still in operation today.
He moved on to the first “Jungle Safari Tours” on Saipan and the “Jet Ski Village,” a parasailing and jet ski company in Palau’s Rock Islands in 1995.
“Whether it was a family affair or a hobby, he was notorious for attacking the bull by the horns and wasn’t afraid to fail,” his son Cuki told Variety. “As a businessman, my father always taught me that customer service is the most important thing. He was always very adamant in providing five-star service to his customers.”
Raymond Alvarez was a trendsetter and entertainer when not working. He would sometimes fly his hang glider off Suicide Cliff for fun. He has hosted international motocross races at the People’s Park in Capital Hill in the ’70s and ’80s.
“He was a very funny guy who loved joking around and made a lot of people laugh and smile,” said Cuki. “And when my dad gave, he gave from his heart.”
Raymond lived to be a father figure to many individuals in the Marianas and Micronesia.
Some viewed him as the “godfather” of motocross racing, as he held the NMI’s first international motocross and car race event in 1979. Alvarez’s deep love for motorcycle racing eventually spread to Tinian, Rota, and Yap.
“He was known as the ‘Be There’ man ‘cause he was always where the action was. He used that as his moniker whenever he sold bikes or cars or held an event or promotion,” added Cuki.
Life for the Alvarez family moved up a notch with the creation of Trench Tech MMA in October, 2004.
Raymond established Hagu Next, a clothing brand designed for fighters in the octagon cage during Trench Warz events. His shirts and designs symbolized the “Fighting Island Warrior who exudes confidence and great attitude,” as described by his son.
“My dad was a man of significance. He dared to be different and in doing so, made a difference in many people’s lives. He was my hero and was also a hero to many others and he also was my best friend,” said Cuki.
When not hang gliding or cruising away on bikes, jet skis, and cars, Alvarez would strum away on his Fender acoustic guitar.
Then he’d return to wake boarding, spear fishing, and a little racing in Japan, California, and Nevada. Alvarez competed twice in the Baja 1,000, an off-road competition in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
Raymond Alvarez, the oldest among eight siblings, passed away at the age of 65 on Saturday, May 14. He will be buried at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Marpi on Wednesday, May 25. Nightly rosary is being held at the San Jose Church in Oleai at 7 p.m. until Tuesday, May 24.
“My dad was always a go getter,” added Cuki. “He was very keen on finishing every job he started. He always thought positive and had a great winning attitude.”
