Showing posts with label pa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pa. Show all posts
Friday, 23 June 2017
Mario Suratos Memorial Scholarship
Last night, my mom, sisters and I attended the St. Andrew's Elementary School graduation dinner and ceremony.
We don't know anyone at the school graduating, but the school and parish have played a big part in our lives. It's where we all went to school, it's where my Pa sang in the choir, where we had his service, and where my mom and sis still attend church.
Last night we gave away the first ever Mario Suratos Memorial Scholarship to this cutie.
His name is Ervin.
The prize awarded yearly to a graduating student for excellence in academics, math, and kindness towards his fellow classmates and staff. I'm sure my Pa is smiling, somewhere.
Monday, 26 December 2016
Christmas 2016
Our first one without Pa. We smiled, laughed, sang, and lifted a glass for him.
The kids are growing up!
But they still love to tear into their gifts.
Me and mumsie.
Slippers from my sis!
My other sis wanted the ones with glasses so I got - different slippers from my sis!
Dessert. I will look longingly at this picture once my tummy stops aching.
Noah got some cyber glasses games thingy? I dunno what it is, but he had hours of fun with it.
Merry Christmas all!
Monday, 10 October 2016
Happy 70th Birthday, Pa
Cheers to a wonderful guy. Yesterday would have been my Pa's 70th birthday. We love you Pa, and miss you so much.
Monday, 13 June 2016
Blue blanket
It's been difficult getting back to my blog, after my Pa's passing. But, even if no one reads this, it's also been helpful to write some things out, and get some of my thoughts out. I find this blog also acts as a time capsule, and I'm reminded of all the things I've done or made in the past. I will try and continue to post, so here goes.
Here's a blanket I made with the yarn I picked up in February.
I made the first few squares while I was sitting at Pa's bedside in the hospital. I picked a nice bold blue as the main colour. Yellow is my mom's favourite colour, so I paired it with that.
This is my niece Leyna, who helped me with the blanket over the next few days. She counted squares for me, stacked and organized, and helped me cut off the loose ends.
I made a wee bear to go with it, and here is Leyna posing with the finished product.
And here she is again, posing with her Lolo.
Here's a blanket I made with the yarn I picked up in February.
The blanket isn't very big, but I wanted to finish it in the days following Pa's passing and before the service, and I got it done! It would be a nice lap blanket or a nice baby/toddler blanket. I'm not sure if I will give this one to Handmade Hugs, I might just hang on to it for awhile.
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Eulogy: Mario Malit Suratos
Last weekend we laid my Pa to rest. It was so hard to say goodbye, and so hard also to carry on without him. I sang Ave Maria at his funeral mass, accompanied by my husband on piano. I played a bit of flute too! I also wrote and delivered the eulogy at the prayers and viewing on Friday night. We were expecting 50-75 people, but over 400 came!! That was the kind of guy Pa was, very friendly, happy, warm and welcoming to everyone.
There are some great pictures on his legacy site, and here are a couple more.
My husband and Pa - their birthdays are close together, near Thanksgiving, so we always celebrated together.
And the pic collage I made last Father's Day.
And here is the copy of the eulogy I wrote for him.
Eulogy: Mario Malit Suratos
Good evening, and thank you for allowing me to say a few words in honour of my dad. Mario was a happy-go-lucky man who always had a huge, beaming smile on his face. Most of you know he was a small man - his nickname, in fact, "Atog," means "shorty" - but he truly was larger than life, with a big smile to match his big heart.
On October 9, 1946, Mario Suratos was born in Tondo, Manila, one of the poorest areas of the Philippines. I don't know much about his early years, but I know things got interesting by the time he arrived at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. First, he began his training to become a Journeyman Red Seal Machinist, which would lead to a career spanning 40 years. And second, he met Virginia there, who would become his wife of almost 50 years.
In 1974, they immigrated to Vancouver. Their five children Tina, Annabelle, Jimmy, Leslie, and Jennifer - that's me - grew up in a house on Windsor Street, not too far from here. It was the site of many birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and back porch barbecues. He sponsored his parents to come and live with us, and opened his doors to other families making the transition to Canada. This huge sense of generosity and acceptance is a legacy shared by many people. He was truly everyone's Pa.
Both he and my mom worked hard all their lives. Mario worked at both Wescan Engineering and Sulzer Pumps for decades. He tried his hand as a businessman, owning a laundromat and even a night club for a short time. He discovered a talent for ballroom dancing. He was a member here at St. Andrew's Parish where he sang in the choir and joined Couples for Christ. He started a side career as a financial advisor with Primerica. Pa was a beginner at golf, but he still loved to play the game, especially when he got to drive the cart. He often hung out at the mall, having coffee and chatting with the Oakridge crew. Only a few short weeks ago, they sold the house on Windsor Street, and he had even more time to take Mom for soup or wings or a buffet at the casino. He led a full and vigorous life.
Mario was proud of being born in the slums of Tondo because he rose above his challenges and accomplished so much in his life. He loved kids, his grandkids, his own kids - and we all loved him back. Once, when I was a teenager, he came to see me sing at a school musical. In my defence, it was probably one of the first times I had ever performed in public. He told me afterwards: "Jenn, your voice sounds so nice, but what's wrong with your face, why is it so crinkled?" That was Pa's way: funny, honest, direct. In closing, I'd like to sing a few lines to send my dad on his way; you can let me know afterwards if I finally managed to follow his advice.
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime,
So let me say before we part,
So much of me
Is made from what I've learned from you,
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
-- Stephen Schwartz, "For Good," from the musical "Wicked"
Thank you Pa, for everything you have taught us, for taking such good care of our mom, and for continuing to watch over us all. We are comforted by the fact that you suffered no pain and lived your life to the very fullest. We will always remember you as a bright, smiling beam of light that will continue to shine in each of our hearts.
There are some great pictures on his legacy site, and here are a couple more.
My husband and Pa - their birthdays are close together, near Thanksgiving, so we always celebrated together.
And here is the copy of the eulogy I wrote for him.
Eulogy: Mario Malit Suratos
Good evening, and thank you for allowing me to say a few words in honour of my dad. Mario was a happy-go-lucky man who always had a huge, beaming smile on his face. Most of you know he was a small man - his nickname, in fact, "Atog," means "shorty" - but he truly was larger than life, with a big smile to match his big heart.
On October 9, 1946, Mario Suratos was born in Tondo, Manila, one of the poorest areas of the Philippines. I don't know much about his early years, but I know things got interesting by the time he arrived at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. First, he began his training to become a Journeyman Red Seal Machinist, which would lead to a career spanning 40 years. And second, he met Virginia there, who would become his wife of almost 50 years.
In 1974, they immigrated to Vancouver. Their five children Tina, Annabelle, Jimmy, Leslie, and Jennifer - that's me - grew up in a house on Windsor Street, not too far from here. It was the site of many birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and back porch barbecues. He sponsored his parents to come and live with us, and opened his doors to other families making the transition to Canada. This huge sense of generosity and acceptance is a legacy shared by many people. He was truly everyone's Pa.
Both he and my mom worked hard all their lives. Mario worked at both Wescan Engineering and Sulzer Pumps for decades. He tried his hand as a businessman, owning a laundromat and even a night club for a short time. He discovered a talent for ballroom dancing. He was a member here at St. Andrew's Parish where he sang in the choir and joined Couples for Christ. He started a side career as a financial advisor with Primerica. Pa was a beginner at golf, but he still loved to play the game, especially when he got to drive the cart. He often hung out at the mall, having coffee and chatting with the Oakridge crew. Only a few short weeks ago, they sold the house on Windsor Street, and he had even more time to take Mom for soup or wings or a buffet at the casino. He led a full and vigorous life.
Mario was proud of being born in the slums of Tondo because he rose above his challenges and accomplished so much in his life. He loved kids, his grandkids, his own kids - and we all loved him back. Once, when I was a teenager, he came to see me sing at a school musical. In my defence, it was probably one of the first times I had ever performed in public. He told me afterwards: "Jenn, your voice sounds so nice, but what's wrong with your face, why is it so crinkled?" That was Pa's way: funny, honest, direct. In closing, I'd like to sing a few lines to send my dad on his way; you can let me know afterwards if I finally managed to follow his advice.
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime,
So let me say before we part,
So much of me
Is made from what I've learned from you,
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
-- Stephen Schwartz, "For Good," from the musical "Wicked"
Thank you Pa, for everything you have taught us, for taking such good care of our mom, and for continuing to watch over us all. We are comforted by the fact that you suffered no pain and lived your life to the very fullest. We will always remember you as a bright, smiling beam of light that will continue to shine in each of our hearts.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Obituary: Mario Malit Suratos
This week we are making plans for Pa's prayer service, funeral mass and interment. I wrote his obituary, you can find the link to the online page - as well as lots of pictures of his lovely, happy, smiling face - here and below.
And here is a selfie we took on Mother's Day, 2014. I got his smile - lucky me!! This mother's day, the day before he had his stroke, he treated us all for a big dinner at a Chinese food restaurant. He was so happy to pay, and then we went over to their new condo that they had just moved into. He was gone less than 48 hours later. I miss him so much.
It has been a comfort to look at old pictures, read condolences, and go through all the notes and messages that family and friends have written online. I am writing these posts after the fact, but they are helping in some small way as well.
Mario Malit Suratos
October 9, 1946 - May 10, 2016
Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly on May 10, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Pedro and Primitiva, and brothers Doming and Berting. Mario will be lovingly remembered by his wife Virginia, children Tina (Jeff), Annabelle (Darcy), Jimmy (Maiko), Leslie (Nathaniel), and Jennifer (Christopher), and grandchildren Brianna, Noah, and Leyna. He also leaves behind his sister Pacita, Corazon Erestingcol - whom he always regarded as a second sister - and her family in California, and all his extended relatives here in Vancouver, including the families of Paring Soriano, Etong Suratos, Danny Suratos, Josephine, Aileen and Alberto. Mario will also be remembered by his extended family in the Philippines, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, compadres, co-workers, and friends.
Mario received his training at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay, Philippines, and worked for 40 years as a Journeyman Red Seal Machinist. He had a zest for life and a passion for learning, which lead to a side career as a financial advisor. He spent his days going to the gym, playing golf with his buddies, and having coffee with the Oakridge crew. He and his wife Virgie enjoyed the freedom that retirement provided to go for soup at the casino whenever they wanted. We will always remember Mario as our Atog, an open and generous man, who enjoyed a good laugh and a nice drink. He will be in our hearts forever.
Prayers will be said Friday, May 20, 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's Parish, 480 East 47th Avenue, Vancouver, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 21, 12:00 pm. Fr. Vincent Nguyen, celebrant. Interment to follow at 1:30 pm at Ocean View Funeral Home, South Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby. Online condolences to the family may be made in the space below.
And here is a selfie we took on Mother's Day, 2014. I got his smile - lucky me!! This mother's day, the day before he had his stroke, he treated us all for a big dinner at a Chinese food restaurant. He was so happy to pay, and then we went over to their new condo that they had just moved into. He was gone less than 48 hours later. I miss him so much.
Mario Malit Suratos
October 9, 1946 - May 10, 2016
Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly on May 10, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Pedro and Primitiva, and brothers Doming and Berting. Mario will be lovingly remembered by his wife Virginia, children Tina (Jeff), Annabelle (Darcy), Jimmy (Maiko), Leslie (Nathaniel), and Jennifer (Christopher), and grandchildren Brianna, Noah, and Leyna. He also leaves behind his sister Pacita, Corazon Erestingcol - whom he always regarded as a second sister - and her family in California, and all his extended relatives here in Vancouver, including the families of Paring Soriano, Etong Suratos, Danny Suratos, Josephine, Aileen and Alberto. Mario will also be remembered by his extended family in the Philippines, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, compadres, co-workers, and friends.
Mario received his training at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay, Philippines, and worked for 40 years as a Journeyman Red Seal Machinist. He had a zest for life and a passion for learning, which lead to a side career as a financial advisor. He spent his days going to the gym, playing golf with his buddies, and having coffee with the Oakridge crew. He and his wife Virgie enjoyed the freedom that retirement provided to go for soup at the casino whenever they wanted. We will always remember Mario as our Atog, an open and generous man, who enjoyed a good laugh and a nice drink. He will be in our hearts forever.
Prayers will be said Friday, May 20, 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's Parish, 480 East 47th Avenue, Vancouver, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 21, 12:00 pm. Fr. Vincent Nguyen, celebrant. Interment to follow at 1:30 pm at Ocean View Funeral Home, South Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby. Online condolences to the family may be made in the space below.
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
Such sad news
We have such sad news to share:
On Tuesday night, May 10, 2016, our dearest, dearest Pa passed away. He had had a stroke the day before while working out at the gym. He was fit and full of life right to the end. The hemorrhaging in his brain did not stop, and had spread so much that they couldn't operate. He was stable and somewhat responsive for a day or so, and then he stopped breathing on his own quite suddenly. He passed away at about 7:30 pm and we were all there to say goodbye: Ma, all five kids, husbands, partners, and grandkids.
Anyone who knew or met Pa knows that he was happy, friendly, generous and loving. They had just moved out of the house on Windsor Street where we all grew up, and into a 2 bedroom apartment in Vancouver. He was so happy to be surrounded by his whole family just this past Sunday for Mother's Day, and his sudden loss has hit us so hard.
Please keep us in your thoughts, especially our Mom, his wife of 48 years. Thank you, we'll post information on the service when we can.
We miss you and love you Pa, and we'll see you again.
On Tuesday night, May 10, 2016, our dearest, dearest Pa passed away. He had had a stroke the day before while working out at the gym. He was fit and full of life right to the end. The hemorrhaging in his brain did not stop, and had spread so much that they couldn't operate. He was stable and somewhat responsive for a day or so, and then he stopped breathing on his own quite suddenly. He passed away at about 7:30 pm and we were all there to say goodbye: Ma, all five kids, husbands, partners, and grandkids.
Anyone who knew or met Pa knows that he was happy, friendly, generous and loving. They had just moved out of the house on Windsor Street where we all grew up, and into a 2 bedroom apartment in Vancouver. He was so happy to be surrounded by his whole family just this past Sunday for Mother's Day, and his sudden loss has hit us so hard.
Please keep us in your thoughts, especially our Mom, his wife of 48 years. Thank you, we'll post information on the service when we can.
We miss you and love you Pa, and we'll see you again.
Monday, 12 October 2015
Thanksgiving 2015
Yesterday was Thanksgiving! We celebrated on the weekend with my family and LOTS of food.
Here's my famous (super easy) apple crumble.
CK and a wee guy - they both want cake!
Some hooligans. Look at Noah in the back, moving faster than the speed of light.
We had a little piano-playing fun.
And we also celebrated some Libra birthdays!
Here's my famous (super easy) apple crumble.
Monday, 22 June 2015
Pa!
Happy belated father's day to all the fab dads out there, including my pops:
I think I get my smile from him!
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Lookie who...
Look who joined me for Zumba last night: my Pa! It was SUPER hot in the room so we were all sweating right away. But we made it, and he did great, for a first timer. The teacher said to him, "You must be a dancer!"
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