Valentin B. Gaoaen

Val was the oldest of six children and was the first in his family to graduate from high school. Along with a scholarship for indigenous people and the support of an uncle he attended college in Manila at Adamson University. After earning a bachelor of Arts in Psychology he remained in Manila finding work at a fabric factory until the opportunity to join his local police force back in Sudipen. There he was offered the job of Chief of Police and served for four years.

Upon returning to his home town he married Saniata Maza in 1977; a girl he had met several years ago when she was visiting relatives in his barrio. He immigrated to the United States in 1979 and after a few years bought a home in Issaquah. Here he spent the main portion of his life raising his three children and working as a marine electrician for Todd Shipyard.

Working at the shipyard introduced him to a community of filipinos whose interests were geared towards the outdoors and enjoying God’s good creation. He kept his ear to the ground about local fishing areas, where to harvest clams, and which bay’s to throw crab pots into. This translated to many weekend camping trips, a motor home purchase, and eventually a little yellow aluminum boat; these were some of the lasting memories he imparted to his children.

He is survived by his wife Saniata of 47 years of marriage, oldest daughter Riza Gaoaen-Koropchak, only son Rex Gaoaen, and youngest daughter Rachell Foster. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Isaac Foster-Arcega, Ira Foster, and Ailana Koropchak.

He will be remembered for his meek spirit, kindness, and faithfulness to family and to God.