Dr. Cala was born June 18, 1942, in Moncada, Tarlac (Philippines) to the late Fernando and Dominga Cala. He attended medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He served his internship at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital, Niagara Falls, NY and residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL. He did his fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, eventually opening his own practice. Dr. Cala moved to Andrews, TX in 1981 and practiced Internal and Pulmonary medicine, and then moved to Midland, TX in 2004, working as the director of the Midland County Health Services outpatient clinic. He retired in 2013 after 42 years as a physician. His dedication and passion to best serve his patients was unwavering. Dr. Cala was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, a Diplomate Certified in Pulmonary Disease, and a Diplomate Certified in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Cala was active within the Andrews, TX community and served on the hospital board. He was an avid golfer and bowler. He enjoyed playing poker and mahjong with friends. He loved dancing and while living in Texas was a member of a Filipino cultural dance troop, as well as enjoying ball room dancing. Dr. Cala was well traveled and loved spending time with this family. His generosity for his family near and far, his community, and his patients will always be remembered.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, Dr. Cala is survived by his children, Ruben O. Cala, of Sachse, TX; Suzanne Harris, and her husband, Matt Harris, of Durham, NC; Rowena Cala, and her husband Andy Ivey, of Lilburn, GA; grandchildren, Kegan Cala, Kyle Cala, Josephine Freund, Ellery Freund, Adelaide Harris, and Vivienne Harris; and his sister, Estela Cala of the Philippines.
Dr. Cala was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Robin Cala.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Memorials in Dr. Cala's name may be sent to the American Cancer Society, the Catholic Charities USA, or the American Lung Association (please use the direct links below, under Donations).
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