Governor Eddie Baza Calvo has declared a state of mourning for the island following news of former Lt. Governor Edward (Eddie) Diego Reyes’ passing. “Today is a sad day for our island. Former Lt. Governor Reyes was a man who answered the call of duty to serve the nation as a member of the Air Force and then his island in public service,” Governor Calvo stated. “Christine and I send our sincerest condolences to Mrs. Lupe Reyes and the entire family.”
Reyes was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. He served as lieutenant governor under democrat Gov. Ricardo “Ricky” Bordallo, the late husband of Del. Madeleine Bordallo. The pair ran for office in 1982, when Reyes was still a political novice. Reyes retired from the Air Force to seek office.
The Bordallo-Reyes ticket defeated incumbent Gov. Paul M. Calvo in the 1982 elections Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio called on the community to keep the Reyes family in their prayers. “Lt. Governor Reyes will be missed. In his absence we note his legacy of leadership and public service. Madoka and I share our condolences with the Reyes family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all,” Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio said. Governor Calvo has ordered flags be flown at half-staff in Reyes' honor.
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo issued a statement on the passing of the former lieutenant governor:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Governor Eddie Reyes today. I had the pleasure of knowing Eddie for many years and the opportunity to work alongside him as Ricky's Lt. Governor. Eddie was a true statesman who loved our island of Guam and people dearly. He was a member of our greatest generation, served in the U.S. Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War. Eddie always answered the call to serve bravely. He was a decorated war hero and retired Air Force Colonel. Though he was not a politician, Ricky and I saw something special in Eddie, and knew he was the man to serve as Lt. Governor alongside him. And when called to serve as Lt. Governor, Eddie once again answered bravely.
“Eddie truly embodied their campaign slogan, "People First." He always put the people of Guam first. Eddie was not just Ricky's Lt. Governor, but our dear friend and mentor to me. I looked to Eddie often for guidance when I followed in his footsteps as Lt. Governor. His work as Lt. Governor and throughout his life was an example of selflessness and service that I will always treasure.
“He was a man of compassion and integrity and served the island of Guam faithfully. Together with my daughter Deborah and my granddaughter Nicole, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Lupe and their family. I know Eddie's legacy will continue to inspire us and live on in the hearts of the people of Guam. Eddie will be missed.”
The Guam Legislature's Speaker, Benjamin J.F. Cruz also issued a statement:
“On behalf of the 34th Guam Legislature and the People of Guam, we mourn the loss of former Lieutenant Governor Edward “Eddie” D. Reyes. As a retired United States Air Force colonel, former Lieutenant Governor to Governor Ricky Bordallo, and a lawmaker—he committed his life to the service of others and to the work of putting ‘people first.’
Though he has been called to his final rest, the light of his life lives on through those he touched with his quiet strength, kindness, and courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Sen. Dennis Rodriguez offered his prayers and tribute to the late Lt. Gov. Eddie Reyes:
"Lt. Gov. Eddie Reyes was a man I looked up to. I did think about him quite a bit over the past year, especially when deciding whether to run for higher office and whom to choose for a runningmate. Lt. Gov. Reyes left a distinguished career in the military and entered politics out of a sense of duty to serve his island. That sense of duty was a testament to who he was and the virtues of a leader who was in it for duty and service, and not for glory, money, or fame. He was a statesman in every sense of the word. Lena and I give our prayers to his family as I'm sure this is a difficult time for them to cope with the loss of this great man in their lives. Likewise, Guam now mourns the loss of a great statesman. Guam needs more leaders like Eddie Reyes."