Norberto Josafat Calimlim

Norberto “Bert” Josafat Calimlim entered into God’s Kingdom of Heaven on October 30, 2021 at the age of 75. He was the youngest of six children born to the late Pablo and Simeona Calimlim on June 14, 1946 in Iba, Zambales, Philippines.

He loved, honored, and cherished Josefina “Josie” Falloran Calimlim, his wife of 52 years. Together, with their commitment and devotion to the Lord, they built a safe and loving home filled with happy memories with their 4 children - Jobert, Noemi (deceased), Jeremie, and Jenilee, and their 8 grandchildren - Kitana and Mileena (from Jobert and Renee Harding Calimlim); Love, Camille, Catrisse, and Jedi (from Jeremie and Judy Acasio Calimlim); Kaleb and Niko (from Jenilee and Glenn Ramos). Known as “Papa” to them, he was very proud of his family, especially of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and was willing to share their stories with anyone who would listen. He made sure his family was always taken care of by making them his top priority. He was very supportive of them growing up and made sure they had enough resources to excel. He taught his children to be humble, satisfied, and thankful for what they had. His rules were firm, yet gave them the freedom to make their own decisions. His trust in his family and his continual guidance helped shaped each of them into who they are today.

Bert loved to spend time with his family and friends. He loved to just sit and talk, passing on a new joke he just heard, listening to the new gossip going around, or just catching up on all the news he missed in his family and friends’ lives. He even enjoyed telling corny jokes that made the grandkids laugh. His family loved his cooking, especially his kilawin, adobo, fried fish, vegetable omelets, fried rice, and papaitan. Every morning he would have breakfast and coffee waiting for his wife Josie, who he treasured very much. They would sit and talk and enjoy the beautiful day. When he felt lucky, they would take a drive to casinos where he loved playing slot machines, and left luckier than when he arrived.

Bert had a tender heart who always strived to serve others. His love for God, his family, his country, and his community is what inspired him to live a life of selflessness and gratitude. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet him was left with a feeling of knowing an all-around genuine person. Not a selfish bone in his body. Never flashy. Always humble. Things were never about him, but what he could do for others. Whether it be for family parties, church functions, or community events, Bert always arrived early to help set-up, always first to lend a helping hand, and always last to leave so he can help clean up.

In 1964, at the age of 18, Bert enlisted in the United States Navy where he served onboard the U.S.S. Braine stationed in San Diego, California. During his 20 years of active duty as a Naval SeaBee, he deployed to various parts of the world building structures in various countries, including Spain, Guam, Diego Garcia, and Antartica. After a short assignment in Annapolis, Maryland, he eventually settled in Port Hueneme, California where he was assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Forty. Throughout his military career, he received numerous awards and decorations, including the Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Antartica Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, 2 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, 2 Battle “E” Awards, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Expert Pistol .45 Cal, and Expert Rifle M-16. He retired from the Navy in 1984 as Builder First Class BU1/Petty Officer First Class E-6. After his Naval Retirement, Bert continued his passion for building things by working for The City of Oxnard, Public Works Division as Construction Inspector. He used his experience as a Naval SeaBee to ensure that Oxnard’s new construction projects were built according to code. He retired from The City of Oxnard in 2009 after 25 years of service.

Even after his second retirement, Bert still loved working with his hands which were never idle. Although he enjoyed calling himself a senior citizen, he continued his love to build, fix, plant, cook, clean, teach, and hug. His passion for gardening is evident around their house. He took pride in making all his plants beautiful. Some of his favorite plants were the Plumeria, Bird of Paradise, Banana, Duhat, and Persimmon. He always took time out of his busy schedule to help his children with repairs or projects at their houses. Teaching them how to fix problems around the house and build improvements on their own is an invaluable skill they will always have because of their father. And when he wasn’t doing any of those things, you would catch him recharging his batteries (napping) so he could do it all over again.

Bert was an active member of several community organizations: The Zambales Association of Ventura County (President), The Ilocano Association of Ventura County, and the Filipino Community of Ventura County (President). Bert always considered these people as his extended family as they provided unconditional friendship and support for many, many years. And for that, the Calimlim Family is forever grateful. Bert was also an original member of the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Guild and an original member of The Mary Star of the Sea Simbang Gabi Choir. Every week he served the Lord by volunteering his time and services to the Saint Augustine Priory. He would not leave until the Priory’s kitchen was clean and tidy. He enjoyed giving a dose of pleasant conversation to the retired and elderly priests, as well as the seminarians learning to become priests. He also enjoyed singing God’s praises with the Adult Choir at Mary Star of the Sea Church.

As much as we would love to have him stay with us longer, it is now his time to reunite with all his family and friends that have gone before him. His family takes solace knowing that he will continue to protect and guide them from Heaven. We Love You and will cherish the memories that light up our hearts. Bert will be greatly missed by all.

As he was very fond of gardening, flowers may be sent to Funeraria Del Angel, 401 W Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93033 for him and others to enjoy on Thursday, November 11, 2021. On this day, he will be presented from 1:00pm to 5:00pm giving all those who loved and knew him an opportunity to pay their respects. A rosary service will follow at 5:00pm at the same location. If anyone has a “Bert” story they would like to share, his family would love to hear them before the rosary.

On Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00am the Funeral Mass will be fittingly held at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 463 W Pleasant Valley Rd, Oxnard, CA 93033 where he faithfully attended and served for over 40 years. A committal service will follow the Mass at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 N H St, Oxnard, CA 93036 where he will be properly interred with full military honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.funerariadelangeloxnard.com for the Calimlim Family.