Ladner Rotarian Alfredo Goco, business owner and retired financial management advisor, passed away on August 15, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with his health.
Alfredo said at one time that faith and a positive attitude towards life had kept him going through some extraordinary challenges including a double lung transplant in recent years. While recovering from that major surgery he would attend Ladner Rotary meetings by zoom from his hospital bed at Vancouver General Hospital.
Another hurdle earlier in his life was being kidnapped for ransom in his native, The Philippines. He negotiated the ransom demand of 5 million pesos (today CDN$11,6387) down to 50,000 (CDN$1,163) and was freed. A second person kidnapped at the same time was executed by the kidnappers.
Alfredo, known as Dindo, began his connection with Rotary from his family home in The Philippines as a Rotary Exchange Student for a year in the United States.
He eventually became President and CEO of Sinaoga Salt and Shrimp Farm, on Sinaoga Island, The Philippines. Salt is harvested from capturing sea water and evaporating the water in 1,000 shallow concrete trays.
Alfredo also served as a Small Business Manager for Scotiabank 2010-13 and Financial Advisor for JPMorgan Chase & Co. 2004-2009.
He is survived by his wife, Racquel, and their children and grandchildren.
Thank you for your community service and farewell, Alfredo.