A tribute to Redan Ramon Lopez III
Redan Ramon Lopez III
The country's most popular and most awarded motorcycle rider during the late 70s, Ramon Redan Lopez III, lost his life in a tragic accident last Friday, June 2, 2006. Ironically, he figured in a motorcycle accident. He was 46.
Redan, as he is commonly called by family and friends, is a native of San Dionisio, Iloilo. He is the son of the late Ramon "Ramonet" Lopez of the well-landed Lopez clan.
The young Redan (sitting, extreme left) with the members of
the Iloilo Motorcycle Club.
Redan's colorful motorcycle career started when he was still eight years old. He was exposed to the love of motorcycle at an early age because of his father who was also a motorcycle enthusiast. In fact, his father Ramonet Lopez became the first president of Iloilo Motorcycle Club (IMC) when it was formally organized in 1972.
The Iloilo Motorcycle Club at the Museo
Iloilo.
IMC was actually formed through the effort of Angel Magahum, Jr. of Molo, Iloilo City who considered the young Redan that time as the club's "mascot."
"Wherever the club goes, Redan was also there with his father Ramonet," said the now 78 year-old Magahum in an interview.
The Iloilo Motorcycle Club in Fort San
Pedro, Iloilo City with Redan on top.
During that time IMC was composed of more than fifty members, among them were Tirso Jamandre, Candido Golez, Jr., Peps Oro, Nelson Barredo, Agapito Lavado, Ben Pineda, Edwin Daban, and Oscar Acdol who was the captain of the group's racing team.
The young Redan (first rider) joins the
round Panay tour of the IMC.
Being present in almost all the activities of the IMC, Redan, at the age of 14, was already a skilled rider. Later he became part of the club's racing team where he participated in different motorcycle competitions nationwide eventually winning countless awards and recognitions such as Rider of the Year several times. One of his greatest recognitions was when he was awarded Overall Champion in the 1978 Motocross Series where no less than the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos gave him his trophy.
Redan (2nd from right), now an expert
rider, receiving a trophy.
Because of his fame, Redan was chosen by motorcycle companies, like Norkis Yamaha and Mariwasa Honda, as their model and factory rider.
He was last crowned Rider of the Year in 1982 and four years after, he quit joining motorcycle riding competitions to focus on his family in San Dionisio which he usually left as he was always on travel. But his love for motorcycle never ended. He continued to conduct motorcycle riding clinics to share with the younger generation his ability and skills. He was also involved in various other sports activities in his town.
In 1989 he tried his luck in politics. He ran for councilor in his hometown San Dionisio which he easily won. Several years thereafter he served as councilor of his town, and at one time vice mayor until his political career ended late 90s.
Redan is survived by his wife Evelyn and their five children, namely, Rebel Reeve, Marcela Margarita, Marian Palmira, Celia Andrea and Andre Eugenio.
He is already gone but his memories remain to those people who have been part of his success and for those who love and admired him. Seeing his numerous trophies and awards being displayed in his home in San Dionisio, one can imagine the colorful riding career Redan had.
Redan's remains is presently laid at their residence in San Dionisio and will be brought to the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Jaro from June 10 to 17. His interment will be held on June 17 at the Lopez Mausoleum in Jaro, Iloilo City.