HIS NAME may not a ring a bell to many but he was one of the few industry practitioners, who was really serious in his craft and gave his best at everything he did. He was well loved and respected by his colleagues not only for his enormous talents but also for his kindness and strength.

Last Sunday, at 45, Virgilio ''Bhey'' Vito, actor, writer, TV director passed away after suffering a stroke. People in the industry mourn the loss of a true artist. He touched many lives and left a mark in their heart.

This man who started as a stage actor for PETA could have been another Christopher de Leon, Bembol Roco or Philip Salvador if not for the early demise of his mentor/ friend, director Lino Brocka who had seen his potential. He was cast in Brocka's most significant films like ''Tatlo'' where he played Hilda Koronel's love interest in one of the segments. After Brocka's death, he still pursued his career not in front of the camera but behind the scene.

He has worked with award winning directors like Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Chito Roño and Brocka.

Bhey has been part of the most important films of the decade like ''Sa Pusod ng Dagat,'' ''Rizal'' and soon to be released ''Muro Ami'' and ''Laro sa Baga.''

Friends and co-workers remember Bhey:

Boy Abunda, TV host, talent manager: Before my live TV interview with Leo (Martinez), he told me of Bhey's death. I was really shocked! Bhey and I were very good friends. We were together in a theater production late '70s or early '80s. From then on, we became very good friends.

It would be a shame if you didn't like him. He was so nice. In this industry, hindi puwedeng wala kang makakabangga, not with Bhey. He knew his space.

Joanne Cabalda-Baniaga, line producer, Regal films: I was shattered when I heard the news that he had a stroke. We were together until 3 a.m. that same day. Na-stroke siya about 4 a.m. Kaya ang bigat sa dibdib.

He was the kind of person na easy to love. Napakabait, napakakalma. A very happy man with good disposition.

Soxy Topacio, director, comedian: He's a very good actor. Quiet, mabait, masipag kaya love siya ni Lino Brocka. Talagang ipaglalaban iyan ni Lino.

Kalmado din iyan. Wala kang problema sa kanya. Lahat okay lang. I remember when he was the director of the TV show ''Golden Girls'' with Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca and the late Charito Solis. In the morning, nagwawala si Chato. Ayaw niya ng script, pangit, sigaw siya ng sigaw doon. Si Bhey nasa OB van. Tanong kay Bhey, "Bhey, ganito ba talaga ang artista mo?" Sabi niya: Titigil din yan. Maya-maya sabi ng assistant niya: "Direk, okay na si Chato." Sabi ni Bhey: "Okay ka na? Sige, take na tayo."

He was very cool. I think somehow kaya siya nakakatagal sa tantrums ng iba'ng tao, hindi niya sinasabayan.

Norma Japitana, writer, talent manager: He was one of the most creative workers in the industry. He was working with Marilou Diaz-Abaya as the line producer for ''Muro Ami'' so I was with him in Bohol where he took care of us. He was somebody we could be proud. I still can't believe he's gone.

He's a big loss to direk Marilou and to the whole industry. And of course, I'll miss him as a friend.

Jo Atienza, assistant director: I was devastated when I learned about his death. He was the coolest person I knew. He never got pissed even in the most trying situation kahit lahat tense. He had the nicest disposition.

Manny Morfe, production designer: Isang napakasipag at napakabait na tao. Isang kawalan sa industriya.

Joven Velasco, director PETA: Aside from doing movies with Lino, he would appear on stage. He was a jolly fellow. Ayaw ng intriga, ayaw ng problema.

As an actor, he was one of those who could easily shift from film to stage.

Ellen Ongkeko, director: I was with him in PETA. We acted together in one play. He was very quiet and light-hearted person to be with and yet committed. That's why he lasted with Lino Brocka. I was surprised when he suffered a stroke kasi usually na-a-associate iyan sa isang tense na tao. He was a very relaxed person..

Randy Gamier, production designer: Si Bhey ang taong hindi mo puwedeng mahindian basta nakiusap sa iyo.

Nonong Buencamino, musical director: Bhey had great sense of humor. We had a grand time jamming. He was also very candid and very sincere to the point of embarrassment for me because I didn't know how to reciprocate. Malikot ang utak niya.

Jimmy Duavit, producer, GMA films: Being relatively new in the business, I had a privilege of meeting and working with him for the first time in the movie ''Sa Pusod ng Dagat.'' That experience was very enriching for me since that led to a great amount of optimism that there were men whom you could draw so much strength and so much confidence from. We became friends, soon after, he became an older brother.

When we did ''Jose Rizal,'' I had the honor of working with Bhey again. True to form, he was an inspiration to his co-workers. When we did ''Muro Ami'' even in the decision making stage, we all concluded that it was impossible to start without Bhey. Suffice it to say, there was no other like him, I'll miss him always. I'll do the best I can to live up to him.

Manay Ichu Maceda, producer: The few times I talked to him when we discussed one or two of his scripts, he struck me as someone very honest with a great degree of respect for his profession. It was manifested in the way he spoke and the results of his work. That's why I told Joanne (Baniaga) to let him direct episodes for ''Pira-pirasong Pangarap.''