Romy Atagan

[cricket]

Pathfinder Today

2004 Faith on Fire Camporee

Volume 3, Issue 2

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Alberta Conference Pathfinder Counselor Dies

By Dirk Zinner--Ontario Conference Communications Dept.

Romy Atagan, 52, of from [sic] an apparent heart attack at approximately 6:30 Monday evening [August 9, 2004] on the camporee grounds.

Romy Atagan was excited about F.O.F. For the past several months, he was eagerly looking forward to this great event. The excitement during the months of preparation and planning was contagious to family members, friends, and members of his Calgary, Alberta (Canada) church. As an adult counselor with the Calgary Crusaders Pathfinders Club, his enthusiasm was particularly evident, even as he was driving to Oshkosh.

Upon arrival, however, tragedy hit. While setting up camp, Atagan suffered what appeared to be a massive heart attack. Attempts by a respiratory therapist were unsuccessful as EMS arrived (Glenn, Northern Lights Club, Edmonton Central). There were no apparent pre-heart attack symptoms. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death. The grief and shock of the club was heightenedd as Atagan's wife Melujean Aquino and his daughter Megan (age 12), received the news back at their home in Calgary.

Atagan was born on June 4, 1952 in Kabanglan, Negros-Occidental, Phillipines. He trained as a medical technologist before immigrating to Canada in 1988. In 1992 he married Melujean, a nursing graduate of Mountain View College, in the Phillipines. Most recently he was working as a school bus driver in Calgary.

Surviving are 7 brothers and sisters. One brother pre-deceased him. The sadness of his death is compounded by the extra medical and funeral expenses, for which the family had no insurance. Tentative funeral arrangements are being planned for Calgary after the Pathfinders return home from the Camporee. Monetary donations to assist the family would be greatly appreciated and can be directed c/o Richard Williams, Alberta Conference Youth Director.

Atagan was active in his home church at Calgary Central, especially in the music program and their van ministry, "People Helping People." He was much appreciated for his interest in encouraging others to use their time and talents for God and the church. Members of the Calgary Crusaders are now planning a special project in memory of Atagan, possibly a sponsor-a-child initiative.

Ron Whitehead, FOF camporee director said, "We are deeply saddened at the death of a Canadian Pathfinder leader at the Faith on Fire Camporee in Oshkosh. His devotion to God reminds us of the Savior who loves us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family and the young people from Alberta.

"We have brought in several people to counsel with the young people and other adult leaders, helping them to process their grief. During this painful time, we will continue to minister to those who feel the loss keenly.

"Please join us in praying for the family, for the Pathfinders from Alberta, Canada, and for all who feel sadness and loss at this time."

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[:"red"]Please note: Romy Atagan was among at least two others who passed away during the 2004 International Camporee. I do not have the names or obituary information of the other people who passed away. Please, while you are praying for this family in Canada, pray also for the families of these others who have passed away.[/]