Frank Blas facts for kids

Frank Flores Blas, Sr. (born March 20, 1941 – died August 1, 2016) was an important politician and businessman from Guam. He was a member of the Republican Party of Guam. Mr. Blas served as the Lieutenant Governor of Guam for eight years, from 1987 to 1995. He worked alongside Joseph Franklin Ada, who was the Governor of Guam during that time.

Frank Blas's Early Life and Education

Frank Blas was born on March 20, 1941. His birthplace was Agana, which is now known as Hagåtña, in Guam.

School Days

He went to Father Dueñas Memorial School in Guam. Later, he attended St. Augustine High School in San Diego, California.

College Studies

Mr. Blas earned his first college degree in 1962. This was an associate's degree from the College of Guam. He then continued his studies at the University of Portland. In 1965, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Family Life

Frank Blas was married twice. With his first wife, Lydia Blas, he had two children. One of their children, Frank Blas Jr., also became a politician. After Lydia passed away in 1970, Mr. Blas married his second wife, Tina, in 1971. They had three children together.

Frank Blas's Career in Business and Politics

Frank Blas had a varied career. He worked in business before entering politics.

Early Career in Business

From 1965 to 1969, Mr. Blas worked for the Mobil Petroleum Company of Guam. This was an important company dealing with oil.

Government Role

After that, he became the Director of the Department of Commerce of Guam. He held this position from 1969 to 1972. This role involved helping with trade and business in Guam.

Serving in the Legislature

Frank Blas was elected as a Senator to the Legislature of Guam. He served in this important role for many years, from 1974 until 1984. As a Senator, he helped make laws for Guam.

Running for Lieutenant Governor

In 1982, Mr. Blas tried to become Lieutenant Governor. He ran with Republican Senator Kurt Moylan. They challenged the current Republican Governor, Paul McDonald Calvo, in the primary election. However, Moylan and Blas did not win the primary vote that year.

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

On November 4, 1986, Frank Blas was elected Lieutenant Governor of Guam. He ran with Joseph Franklin Ada, who became the Governor. They won against the sitting Governor, Ricardo Bordallo.

Mr. Blas served as Lieutenant Governor for two terms. This was from January 1987 until January 1995. He saw his main job as connecting the Governor's office with the Legislature. He helped them work together.

Later Political Efforts

After two terms, Governor Ada could not run for re-election. So, Frank Blas decided to run for Governor himself. He teamed up with Simon Sanchez. However, they lost the 1994 Republican primary election. The winners were Tommy Tanaka and Doris Brooks.

Tanaka later lost the main election to Democrat Carl Gutierrez and Madeleine Bordallo.

Life After Politics

Frank Blas left politics in January 1995. He then focused on his own business. He owned Frank Blas & Associates, which was an insurance brokerage firm in Barrigada, Guam. This company helped people get insurance.

In 2003, Mr. Blas was given another important role. He was appointed Chairman of the Antonio B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority. This government agency is in charge of running Guam's main airport.

Frank Blas passed away on August 1, 2016, at the age of 75.