Farewell, Councilor Obet

 

We laid to rest today, July 14, 2023, the remains of Hon. Roberto “Obet” C. Lim and this is the elegy written and delivered by his niece, Bernadette D. Ordenes during the necrological service at the Main Municipal Building, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro I am posting here in verbatim:

Dear Friends and family,

We are gathered here today in memory of our dear Hon. Roberto Cruz Lim who passed away on the 5th of July 2023. When we heard that he was no more we were shocked and saddened. Death has taken away a genuinely warm individual, more importantly, a loving husband and father, and deprived so many others, including us all, of a good friend. While we all mourn, we pay tribute and celebrate a life that was well lived. A life committed to public service with dedication, passion, and engagement as ever — working long hours, going the extra mile, and showing a level of caring for those that he served.  Not many leave behind a legacy of such dedication and accomplishment.

Roberto Cruz Lim was the youngest among 5 siblings namely: Conchita Villarama, Baby Vicente, Rogelio Lim, Elisa Hizon of Sixta Cruz, and Juanito Lim. He was born on February 15, 1955 in Sta. Cruz Manila, and spent his early life in the province of Angat, Bulacan. He acquired his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of the East Manila. He landed Sablayan Occidental Mindoro when his work was contracted to build the then Municipal Health Center in Buenavista. This is where he met and married his loving wife Mrs. Emma Dimayacyac Lim in 1987 and they were blessed with 3 children, Kristoffer Ian Lim, Karl Mikail Lim, and Kaori Mae Lim- Alvarez. He served as:

Barangay Treasurer of Barangay Buenavista from 1994 to 2000

Sangguniang Bayan Member from 2001-2004 – 3 years

Sangguniang Bayan Member from 2007-2016 – 9 years

Sangguniang Bayan Member from 2019-2023 – more than 4  years

He was also a member of:

Kappa Epsilon Fraternity from 1970 to present

Rotary Club of Sablayan President from 2005-2006

To his wife, he was a backbone and moral support. Even though, like every human, he erred once in a while, he always ensured he settled any differences they had in due time. He never drove her out nor considered leaving the marriage when they had misunderstandings, instead, he showed love and brought an aura of peace into the marriage. He supported her business drives and in return, she supported his political career. He created an environment where both were working together in family growth and proper upbringing of the children.

His consistent triumph in becoming a public official is a manifestation of how the people of Sablayan showed love and respect to Hon. Lim. He enjoyed the company of friends in the community, where he was respected as a leader and a reputable public servant.

Roberto fought till the last. His determination to carry on despite trying personal circumstances demonstrated his commitment to duties and responsibilities. In his own quiet and calm manner, he showed how to work through challenging times and to carry everyone along. 

Life can be fleeting. But a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories. Roberto through his decorum and grace endeared himself to many. This is particularly a difficult and painful time for his family. In extending to them our heartfelt condolences, we wish them courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Dear Tito Obet, you were a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many, before death plucked you from our midst. Even though we are saddened by losing you, we take solace in the Word of God which says:

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies” – John 11:25

And we believe that you are living and resting in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

You will be missed by many!

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(Photo: Jasper Francisco)