The Community of San Pedro sadly mourns the loss of one of its very beloved- a pillar of strength, an emblem of service, a loving grandfather, father, husband and brother- Edilberto “Betito” Marin. Betito was born, raised and lived his entire life in San Pedro. As a teenager he was involved in music and culture and married at an early age with Manuelita Ayuso with whom he had four loving daughters- Mireya, Imelda, Nita, and Flor as well as an adopted son, Anthony Bedford.
Betito contributed significantly to the development of the fishing industry in San Pedro and Belize as Manager of Caribeña Fishing Cooperative. It was during these days that he was also involved in community development and activism through the local village council. Another area where Betito touched the lives of his community was through education having served as a member of the Board of Directors of San Pedro High School and the Building Committee. In that capacity Betito was involved in fundraisings, planning and procurement of aid for the high school. As a Lion member he secured $120,000. From lions International (LCIF Fund) to help complete the construction of the first floor of the new San Pedro High School building.
Betito was also an elected member of the San Pedro Town Council and was among the founding fathers that led San Pedro into the status of township. He served three consecutive terms and retired from community politics to dedicate his efforts in other organizations. He joined the ranks of Lions International in 1975 and served arduously as a Lion up until the time of his passing on. Through this service club Betito was actively involved in the very first Lions Clinic, Mosquito Coast Park, The Lion’s Den, San Pedro High School, The San Pedro Poly Clinic, and countless other essential projects and programs for his community.
He was a Justice of the Peace, a businessman, a councilor, a loving great grandfather, grandfather, father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, father in law, ‘compadre’, brother in law, and most of all a noble friend. He lived in marriage with Manuelita Ayuso Marin for 49 years and finally, on January 7, 2015, passed on to enjoy the fruits of what he harvested to live in everlasting peace with his Creator.
Rest In Peace Betito Marin and do rise in glory of the resurrection promised to mankind by our good Lord Jesus Christ. San Pedro shall always remember you.
