Salvador Fernandez Orpia

Salvador “Buddy” Orpia was born on June 3, 1949 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines and grew up in Balaoan, La Union. Salvador, better known as Pastor Buddy, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, manong, ninong, pastor, bible teacher, spiritual leader, friend and “compadre.”

After completing high school, Pastor Buddy moved to Manila where he had a natural talent for art and began a job as an artist in an advertising company. In his early 20’s, his cousin invited him to attend a revival meeting where he gave his life to the Lord. He then started attending Manila Faith Assemblies of God in Tondo, Manila. At this point in his life, he knew God was calling him to the ministry and attended Bethel Bible Institute Extension School. It was also in the same church where he met Sis. Lita and was married for 49 years. They had 3 wonderful children, Jonathan, Joyce and Joanna.

In 1977, he was offered a scholarship to attend Assemblies of God Bible College in Yorkshire, England, where he finished his Biblical Studies in Theology. In 1979, he migrated to America and planted his roots in San Jose, California where his family followed a year later. He worked many jobs but primarily was a graphic/sign artist and did a wide range of artistic designs all over the Silicon Valley.

Pastor Buddy spent his prime years serving in ministries in the Bay Area including Calvary Church (Milpitas) and Neighborhood Church (Santa Clara). He helped pioneer Crossroads Church (Daly City) and served as a pastor at Full Gospel A/G (San Jose) for many years. In 1996, he became the Associate Pastor of Family Church of Praise in Milpitas/Fremont where he served for 27 years.

Pastor Buddy was a missionary at heart. He was instrumental in pioneering Neighborhood Christian Center in Balaoan, La Union which he faithfully supported for many years. Though miles away, he consistently guided and encouraged family all over the Philippines.

In 1996, his life significantly changed when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Miraculously, Sis. Lita was a perfect match donor and went through his first kidney transplant in 1998. After 15 cherished years, that kidney failed, but the Lord provided another kidney donor and went through a second transplant in 2014. After his transplants, he continued to visit his old friends at the dialysis center and prayed for them, which reflects his deep compassion and commitment to serving others.

Pastor Buddy loved gardening and growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. He enjoyed working on projects around the house and always had ideas to improve something. He loved his pet birds and at one point, took care of 14 birds and even built a custom cage for them! He loved to read and study, watch western movies, travel and eat and find the healthiest foods out there (dark chocolate was his favorite!) Pastor Buddy was blessed with time with his two grandchildren, Penny and Kai and found joy being with them.

He was a very friendly person, always going out of his way to meet every new neighbor or strike a conversation with a stranger or offer prayer. His character was full of joy and he never missed an opportunity to share the gospel and even carried gospel tracts in his pocket to give to someone he met.

Though Pastor Buddy experienced different adversities throughout his life, he remained faithful to God and his family. He kept the integrity of his faith and his calling. He lived by the principle, “When I have something or know about something that can help people, I have a responsibility to share it with them.”

He is one who will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on and will remain in our hearts. We love you, Pastor Buddy!