Edwin Yap Yu

Edwin Yap Yu passed away suddenly on June 10th, 2021 after a long fight with COVID-19 and the effects it left on his body. He was 57 and found having passed away overnight in the comfort of his own home. While he is sorely missed by all those who love him, making it home after a long battle with COVID and spending his last days surrounded by his family, dogs, and collection of nerdy paraphernalia was how he would have wanted to go.

God broke the mold after Edwin was born to his late father Siu Tiam “Robert” Yu and his mother Juanita Hao Yap on April 13th, 1964 in Manila, Philippines as a healthy 10lb baby (poor mommy Juanita). Edwin’s childhood was full of fun and mischief despite being a sickly child. His exploits ranged from leading his siblings to climb all over their family apartment building and earning an earful from their dad, to spending his days devouring books from series like the Hardy Boys, Tintin, and Batman.

High school was the time Edwin’s personality and wit really shined as he was dubbed “the top vegetable of Xavier.” He ruled the school as the ultimate jock-nerd having been the football team’s star player and a part of the chess club for multiple years. Younger cousins could attest to Edwin’s infamy because no one would dare to mess with them while he was around. While the guys revered him at Xavier, the girls from the sister school, Immaculate Conception, were just as crazy about him. His younger sister, Irene, recalls how all her friends had a crush on him. If he was around, all the girls head’s would turn toward him.

Graduating from his heydays in high school he moved onto larger stomping grounds at the University of the Philippines. Edwin spent his days drafting architectural plans, playing every sport he could get his hands on, and partying with friends. His childhood mischief never truly stopped and his desire to climb to heights unknown led him to scaling water towers and buildings with little to no support. In his own words to his son back in 2019, “I’m surprised I’m still alive.”

After 7 years at UP, the newly graduated Edwin decided to head to the United States. “Just to try something new.” He made his way to his future home of Southern California. In his first year there, he visited his cousin Selena in her apartment in Glendale. This little gathering would be the day his life would change forever and for the better. His cousin’s best friend was a lovely Filipina by the name of Flordeliza “Liza” Avisado. This woman who, after a 2 year chase, would eventually become his wife, mother to his 2 children, and the love of his life.

Edwin was not a man of many words, however any time he told the story of meeting Liza to his two kids he always mentioned the same things, “I was attracted to her because she was strong and independent.” And, “She had the softest skin, I wanted to hold her all the time.” He was completely smitten after meeting her once and after 2 years of being “best friends” they made their relationship official. During this time she showed him love, companionship, and, most importantly, how to start selling cars with Toyota. Coffee’s for closers, and he always closed his deals. Edwin made a career for himself helping Filipinos all over SoCal get the cars of their dreams and creating a true kapamilya experience for 28 years. All of this was alongside his partner in love and work, Liza.

Life blessed him with the thing he wanted most in the world in 1995 with his first child, Tyler Steven Yu. He lovingly spent his son’s first year writing in a baby calendar every day documenting his growth. In his words he noted Tyler “looked like Garfield the cat.” Only 18 months later, Edwin and Liza brought into the world another bundle of joy, Lauren Elise Yu. Originally supposed to be named “Elise,” Edwin changed his mind and named her after one of his favorite actresses, Lauren Bacall.

Edwin’s greatest pleasures in life were eating and watching popular media with his family. Long gone were his party boy days because he made the best friends he could ever ask for: his 2 children. He often told them, “Why do I need friends? I have you two!” The rag tag adventures he had with his family were some of the best moments of his life. All of which he avidly recorded in photographs and home videos. The family is absolutely swimming in his legacy of baby photos, family vacations, and candids of his loved ones in their daily lives.

If he wasn’t watching movies or TV shows, Edwin was often found nose deep in buying collectibles from his most recent binge watching experience. If you ever had the pleasure of stepping into the Yu Household, you’d see the most incredible collection of Star Wars, Marvel, and sports collectibles ever. Every kid who spent the night could confirm that Edwin’s house was the coolest. He left his family with a house full of treasures, many of which could use good homes as there are more collectibles than they could ever display at once.

Edwin was predeceased by his father Siu Tiam “Robert” Yu and by many pets including those he lovingly called “Marley-Farley,” “Micah-Wicah,” and “Michael-Wichael.” His surviving family includes his beloved wife, Liza Avisado, and his two pride and joys. His son, Tyler Steven Yu, who represents his strength and his daughter, Lauren Elise Yu, who represents his mind. Across the Pacific in Manila, he is survived by his mother, Juanita Yap, his sister Irene Yu Ong (James Ong) and brother Kenneth Yap Yu (Chona Recto). Not only did he love his own children with all his heart, he loved his nieces and nephew dearly: Lianne Ong, Jillian Ong, and Chino Yu.

While those all around the world are mourning the loss of this witty, hilarious, and monumental man, Edwin lived in the moment with no regrets. He had a love for the simple pleasures in life and would be more than happy if you honored his memory by eating your favorite snack with those you love.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared

at www.piercebrothersvalhallamortuary.com for the Yu family

A visitation for Edwin will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla.