Eulogy Request

Dear Veronica,

My eldest brother just passed away. Another brother from the Philippines emailed me his “Simple Tribute to our Deceased Brother. ” I would like to share this “Eulogy” to all our relatives and other friends through your newspaper because they regularly read the Via Times Newsmagazine.

If you can find space to publish the attached eulogy I will appreciate it. I look forward to meeting you again one day. Thank you very much.

Rudy A. Fernandez

Morton Grove, IL 60053-2036

“Manang Irene, and the immediate members of my dear brother Manong Boy, my brothers Rudy, Joey and Silvy and their families, my dear sister Ruby, other members of our clan, family, friends, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning to you all from us here in the Philippines.

It is with a deep feeling of regret and anguish that I, could not be around to spend my brother Junior’s last moments on earth. Much as I would have wanted to come I have been constrained sadly enough to forego a not to be missed occasion, given such constraints as the strains, stresses and travails that a grueling air travel would impose o a no longer spritely old 78-year-old man like me. All along, I know that my dear brother, who we fondly call Manong Boy, would have wanted me to be around but knowing him that well, a very understanding man, I know that he would understand. I know that he is watching now, listening this simple tribute with that happy and sweet smile in his lips, the same smile that he gave when I last saw him only about a month ago when I came on a short and unplanned visit. Rarely had I had seen him with that kind of smile in his lips, but even as he smiled, I saw shed a tear. As I waved goodbye, I could not hold back my own teardrops.

It was a short visit I made, but I saw it made him very happy and somehow lifted his spirits. I remember one episode during said visit when he said: “ After I have recovered I want to go back to the Philippines and I want to work in your office even as a utility man.” I could only say: “ That’s why, make a fast recovery. I want you in my office, not as a utility man but as the Boss.”

Manong Boy lived a simple life. If there is one word I want to describe him, it’s the word “Good”. I would have wanted to describe him “Perfect” which is the English translation of his name “Perfecto” as this word is reserved only to that Perfect Being , our Creator , God Himself.

Yes, Manong Boy was a good man all his life. The word good describes all the good qualities of a man which Manong Boy exemplified.

Manong Boy, first and foremost, was a good family man. He was a good son, a good brother and a good uncle. Of course, he was a good husband, a good father and a good lolo and a good grand lolo. After the God Almighty, his family was first.

Manong Boy was a good teacher. He spent all his working life as a teacher. He followed the footsteps of both our parents, who started as missionary teachers in the highlands of Mountain Province in Luzon in our native country, the Philippines. Manong Boy also started his teaching career after finishing his Agricultural Education degree in a barrio situated in the foothills of Capas in Tarlac province, near where the infamous Death March took place. He chose also a teacher to be his partner in life, Manang Irene. They were to constitute the first branch in what was to become a family of teachers.

Other branches of that family tree of teachers include myself and my brother Rudy, both lawyers, who were university professors in what was then the largest university in the Far east, the University of the East. Another branch of that family tree of teachers grew under another brother Joey, an engineer by profession becoming another teacher when he put and continues to run together with his wife and sons, the Kumon School of Skokie.

Manong Boy was a friend to everybody, always ready to extend a helping hand. He had no enemies and harbored no ill-feelings, no rancor , no resentment. He was loved and respected by all. Manong Boy was a humble man, no pretense, no gragadaccio, no haughtiness. He was aman of peace. Above all, Manong Boy was a man of faith. He personified the true Christian and faithful servant of God.

We will miss you Manong Boy. We grieve as you leave us but we are happy in the thought that being a good man, you are now in the bosom of our God Almighty.”