Rafael Clemente Laoyan

Rafael (Pael, Raffy, Ralph) Clemente Laoyan was born on September 20, 1952 to Fillmore and Elvira Benito Laoyan in La Trinidad, the provincial capital of Benguet, Philippines—known for luscious fruits and vegetables. Ralph was the 4th child among 8 siblings—4 boys and 4 girls. His dad, a naturalized American citizen who retired from the US Army, must have inspired in him the love for military service, for while still in college at the University of Baguio, Ralph joined the US Army, serving in Germany for some years.

When he was stationed in Louisiana, a beautiful lady, then a nurse in Houston, Texas, captured his attention and won his heart. He persistently wooed and pursued the lovely lady who he decided he would spend the rest of his life with. When he was re-assigned in Ford Ord, Monterey Bay in California, he searched for a Seventh-day Adventist Church, attended services there, completed Voice of Prophecy lessons and accepted Christ through baptism —a significant event making him the only Seventh-day Adventist in his family who was greatly loved.

Ralph’s persistence in winning the heart of the love of his life paid off when he and Lita Calla Laoyan, exchanged marriage vows on September 23, 1979. Their marriage has been blessed with precious daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren: Stephanie, married to Michael Sarsoza and grandkids (Kaela, Lucie, Augie); and Melanie, married to Jay Malaguit and grandkid (Milo). A future bundle of joy to the Malaguits is expected in March 2024.

Adventurous and service-oriented, Ralph enjoyed medical missions with AWESNA (PUC/AUP Alumni of Western North America) with his travel buddy, Pastor Jose Manalo who awarded him the unofficial title/rank of “General”. He also actively involved himself in medical outreach with his “church sibling” group, the Family Circle. His last travel was in 2022 to Maui to celebrate his 70th birthday with his family.

Ralph served in the military for 10 years, worked at the Postal Office as mailman for 19 years before his disability retirement due to head injury from a fall in 2002; and while fully recovering from being hit by a backing-up vehicle. He also suffered twice from stroke in 2020, showed signs of recovery; but in 2022 started tube feeding because of difficulty in swallowing. Two months prior to his death, he became very sick—diagnosis was advanced lymphoma. Loma Linda Filipino Church Lead Pastor Manny Vitug and head elder, Ernie Andres led the anointing service in the hospital. Seven days after his 71st birthday, he breathed his last on September 27, 2023, surrounded by Lita, his loving wife of 44 years who faithfully and patiently attended to him during his illness; his family, and Pastor Manny Vitug, who lifted him and his loved ones in prayer.

Ralph’s special affinity to the month of September is noticeable or coincidental—his birth, marriage, and even his death all happened in September. As the song goes, “I’ll see you in September…” More specifically, we will see him at the coming of Jesus, our Savior and Friend.