Robert de Guzman was widely regarded as one of the pillars of Filipino basketball in Montreal.

In 1971, Robert was among the founding members of the Philippines Basketball Association of Montreal (PBAM), helping establish what would become one of the city's longest-standing Filipino community organizations. Alongside a group of newly arrived Filipino immigrants and respected Montreal community members—including Jun O'Clarit (Mapúa-Crispa), Popoy Maximo (Lyceum), Fred Casia, Luis-Iñaki Sarasola, Emil Advincula, Jun Rimbao, Romie Buenaventura, Jun Fernandez, Jake Maguigad, Albert Candoleta, Mike Castro, Jorge Tapia, Nelson Dosado, Hal Sotero, Boy Dagsaan, and many others—Robert helped lay the foundation for generations of Filipino basketball in Montreal.

Over the decades, Robert served the PBAM in many capacities—as a player, coach, chairman, and commissioner. He was instrumental in developing the league by helping establish its various divisions, organizing inter-Montreal tournaments/inter-nation exhibition games, and representing Montreal in the Philippines Inter-City Basketball of North America (PIBNA) competitions.

Robert's dedication, leadership, and passion for the game left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of Filipino basketball players and community leaders.

Robert passed away on June 23. His Celebration of Life will be held on:
Sunday, July 19
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
St. James United Church
463 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Montreal, Quebec H3B 1B1

Robert will be deeply missed, but his contributions to the Filipino community and the sport he loved will never be forgotten.