Alexander "BJ" Lim ... A Sad and Happy Vancouver Goodbye

Born : Monday, May 6th 1985, Vancouver, B.C.
Passed Away: Monday, March 19th, 2007, West Vancouver, B.C.

Funeral Mass:
Tuesday March 27th, 2007 at 9:00am, St. Joseph's Parish, 1612 East 18th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.
Celebrants: Reverend Joseph Dang, Reverend Peter Pham
Reception: Following service: Grand Buffet Chinese Restaurant, Vancouver

Vangie and I attended the viewing / vigil prayers at St. Joseph's Parish on Monday March 26. We had just arrived back in Vancouver from our family spring break trip with the children the night before on Sunday. We were away since March 8. We heard the sad news of BJ's passing away while in Los Angeles. So very sad...

We feel especially for Sister Matilde "Baby" and Bro Arcie, the parents. I know Sis Baby has been in a deep case of distraught for this to happen. Bro Arcie and Sis Baby have been family and church friends for many years, growing even more closer as they were our "household head" in Couples for Christ a couple of years ago. They had 3 sons, AJ, BJ and CJ.

They had viewing at Ocean View Funeral Home over the weekend, and the last one was at St. Joseph's. The church was almost all crowded. Relatives, co-workers, teachers, church friends, school mates, Couples for Christ community, Knights of Columbus brothers, choir partners.... so many people loved BJ and care for his family. We heard euological memories from my mother Cely Carlos who was BJ's teacher in elementary school, as well as from his friends, cousins, brother AJ, and uncle Andre. So moving, so very moving.

The funeral mass tne next morning on Tuesday was equally moving. Not just two priests, but five! A full Knights of Columbus honor guard too. I arrived 5 minutes late, but still there was no more room in the church. I could only stand outside in the cool sun with dozens and listen a few feet from the doors. After the service, standing outside, we were fortunate to be at the front of crowd and see the coffin, pallbearers and family make their way to the cars. You could see the people's tears flow even more as the doors of the car closed on the coffin, and Sis Baby became very emotional then. My heart became so heavy especially fro Sis Baby as she cried out with pain.

The reception was held immediately thereafter. Grand Buffet Restaurant was opened just for this. There were no seats available. The food was good; the poor restaurant hosts were constantly re-filling the buffet food trays, and spoons and forks became scarce as more people partook in this celebration of life.

Indeed, it was a celebration of life. The mood became more lighter, with friends and family mingling and enjoying each other's company. I overheard many people's conversations about meeting each other here at this event after many years. Little reunions and the sharing of fond memories made this a grand celebration.

BJ "Alex" Matthew Lim, thank you for being a part of our life and that of those around you, who care for you and your family so much.

Rest in Peace.

Eric and Vangie Carlos