Judiciary pays tribute to dedicated deputy marshal

  The CNMI Judiciary on Tuesday paid tribute to Manuel Q. Tenorio Jr., a dedicated deputy marshal intern who passed away last week.

In an emotional memorial ceremony held at the CNMI Supreme Court, all judges and justices were present along with courts’ staff. U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona also joined the ceremony.

Tenorio’s parents, Manuel C. Tenorio Sr. and Patricia Q. Echaluse, were presented with gifts: the Marshal Service Division’s official uniform and memorial plaque, the Commonwealth flag, and the CNMI Judiciary’s memorial plaque.

Tenorio Jr.’s siblings, relatives, and friends also attended the ceremony.

The 34-year-old Tenorio reportedly died of heart ailment last Wednesday, June 20.

In his remarks, acting chief justice Alexandro C. Castro said this was his first time in the last 23 years he’s been on the bench to witness the untimely passing of an active employee.

Castro said that Tenorio left without giving them the chance to thank him for the good job he did for the Judiciary. Tenorio began work at the Judiciary as deputy marshal intern on Oct. 31, 2005.

“Manny, you may not be here with us anymore, but you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Dang’kulo na si yu’us ma’ase Manny for a job well done!” Castro said.

In his eulogy, Superior Court associate judge David A. Wiseman said that Tenorio for the most part was the marshal assigned to his courtroom whenever they had jury trials and attended to other day-to-day functions in his court.

“He did so with a calm, positive learning approach coupled with a deep passion and love for the job he was doing, a job he did with a high degree of professionalism, effectiveness, and good attitude,” Wiseman said.

The judge said Tenorio was always willing to learn new techniques that Wiseman would share with him about managing and conducting a trial and other proceedings.

“I was always very pleased with his service to my court,” Wiseman said, adding that the marshal also attended to other judges’ trials and other courtroom needs and accommodated many requests for assistance by other staff and court supervisors.

Wiseman disclosed that he and Tenorio used to have their own sign language inside the court so as not to disrupt ongoing hearings.

Wiseman also described his long relationship with Tenorio’s family. He said that although Tenorio was born only four months after his arrival on Saipan in 1977, his mother was a long-term acquaintance and a former client.

“Manny’s sister, Cienna, was a friend of my daughter and they were in a dance group together that performed shows at hotels,” he said.

Wiseman said that Tenorio was a pleasure to work with because no matter how bad a day was or how serious a case was, he would make things okay with the other staff working with him.

“To Manny’s family, friends, and co-workers, you can all be proud to have known him and that he leaves us with a memory and legacy that can be respected, endeared, and remembered in a fond manner,” said the judge in concluding his eulogy.

In his remarks, Chief Marshal Anthony P. Benavente said that Tenorio was a symbol of dedication. When given an order or assignment, Tenorio would go beyond his duty and exceed all expectations, Benavente said.

Benavente said Tenorio was a marshal who gave 110 percent every time he came to work and was always ready for a challenge.

“He is a great loss to his family, friends and to the Judiciary. His service and contribution will be greatly remembered,” the chief marshal said.

Mark Q. Echaluse said his brother Manny took pride in being a marshal. He said his brother was a very quiet person but the kind of person to turn to. “He would always say something to make you laugh.”

“Thank you for taking care of my brother,” the teary-eyed Echaluse told the Judiciary.

Funeral mass will be held at 2pm today at the Tenorio residence in San Roque. A Christian burial is planned for 3pm at the San Roque Church.

By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter