Guillermo Anderson

I am sad to say that one of the most positive, friendly Hondurans that I have ever met passed away early today. Guillermo Anderson was an active environmentalist, but above all he had a great love for this city and country. Although Honduras has lost a great man, his spirit will forever accompany us through his magnificent music and lyrics.

Everytime we hear his music, we will feel his presence, and although it hurts not having him around, it is comforting to know that he is no longer suffering and that he has rightfully earned his place in paradise. There is perhaps no better song of his to play at this time that “Dale Play a la Esperanza”  a song where he encourages us to never lose hope.

I first heard about a singer named Guillermo Anderson back in 1994. He had been to Roatan to a live concert for children in that island. The concert had been a total success. Shortly afterwards, I heard him singing live at an event in the Centro Hondureño Arabe in San Pedro Sula. I believe that it had to do with the Second Mundo Maya Encounter that took place in that city back in 1994 or 95. I had the opportunity to personally meet him in Copan Ruinas, shortly later and we immediately became friends.

Making friends with Guillermo Anderson was always easy. He was a lovely, outgoing person who always exuded a positive attitude. Over the years, I developed a friendship with him that was always looking to promote La Ceiba, the city where he was born and where I chose to live in. Together we paddled down the Cangrejal River rapids several times. Last November we drove back from Tegus to La Ceiba and he was in great spirits. I could write pages and pages about Guillermo, but I will be brief. Honduras, and La Ceiba have lost a great son today.

Few people have loved this country like Guillermo Anderson did. He loved it deeply, without question, always finding hope where others only saw dispair, and with a unique way of putting it into a song. I am fortunate to have met him and even more so to know that I can listen to his great songs whenever I need his presence. To his wife, Lastenia Godoy de Anderson, and his daughters, I can only thank you for allowing him to share with all of us his love for Honduras. When I hear his song “En Mi Pais” I fear that in addition to the goosebumps I always get, I will get tears in my eyes.  Gracias Guillermo Anderson for sharing with us your wonderful vision of Honduras! May you rest in peace!