Tomas Maranan Malapitan Sr.

Son of Mariano Malapitan and Francisca Maranan, Tomas was born on December 21, 1931 in Cutang Cawayan, Santa Teresita, Batangas, Philippines. Tomas’ father passed away when he was just in elementary school and his older brother, Cosme Malapitan, became his surrogate father figure. After graduating from Alitagtag High School in Alitagag, Batangas in 1947, he then entered the School of Law at Manuel L. Quezon University and graduated in 1958. He held several positions as an attorney in the Philippines and his last place of legal employment was with the Bureau of Lands, now the Land Management Bureau of the Philippines.

While in his early years as a lawyer, he was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Eugenia de Luna Magcawas. They were introduced by his cousin, Crescencia Bravo, who arranged a formal meeting. Tomas courted Eugenia until they married in June 18, 1960, which union produced four children: Thelma, Elfleda, Rizalina and Tomas, Jr.

Fate has it that Tomas, Eugenia and his young family would leave their native land of the Philippines and immigrate to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1971 through the kind and generous sponsorship of his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Levina and Bermans Lescano. Being the ultimate provider of the family, he sacrificed his dream of practising law in Canada as this would have required him to devote considerable time to restudy. Instead, he pivoted his career working firstly as a life insurance salesman before becoming one of the pioneer Filipino Real Estate Agents in Vancouver, BC in 1973. He worked for multiple real estate companies in the Lower Mainland, including Block Brothers at Oakridge Mall in Vancouver (which later became Windermere Realty) and Multiple Realty. The whole family enjoyed yearly vacation trips as he would consistently be in the 10% Medallion Club and was also awarded top 1% of realtors in Vancouver. Throughout his career in real estate, he helped many immigrant Filipinos make their dream of owning a home a reality. With his kind, gentle and humorous nature, he naturally gained the trust and respect of people. Eugenia was never far away from Tomas, supporting him in his business, hosting weekend social parties in their home. He semi-retired in 1991 when his son, Tomas Jr., joined him as a practising real estate agent at New World Realty until he finally ended his real estate career with Realty Executive in 1993.

Tomas excelled as a leader in the community. He founded a charitable organization and was the President of the Philippine Charity Society of BC. In this role, he demonstrated integrity and strength of conviction in his beliefs. He was well respected by the Filipino Canadian community for his leadership, honesty and genuine helpfulness. As a devout Roman Catholic, his involvement in community work included being a member of The Knights of Columbus organization. Tomas and Eugenia were the first volunteers at George Derby Centre in Burnaby where they met and became good friends with Father Ron Rissling, there they assisted in bringing residents to the chapel for Mass. Tomas also had a keen interest in politics and was a proud advocate of John Turner’s Liberal Party of Canada of whom he was an active campaigner in 1988.

His hobbies included gardening, fishing, golfing and participating in the annual baseball real estate tournament. Tomas and Eugenia travelled far and wide to Asia, Europe, United States, Bahamas, Middle East and across Canada and somehow always managed to stop off occasionally at the casino when the opportunity arose.

Tomas remained humble no matter what success and blessings came his way, always grateful for his family and to have been given the opportunity for his education through the assistance of his beloved brother, Cosme, and his other siblings.

Tomas was predeceased by his parents, Mariano and Francisca, and his siblings, Eusebia. Cosme, Florencia and Nario. He is survived by his wife, Eugenia, his children, Thelma, Elfleda, Rizalina (Mario) and Tomas (Michelle) and his 9 grandchildren, James (Akane), Armand, Gregory (Dasol), Raechel, Kyle, Jason (Hailey), Marissa, Alicia & Kai.

In this moment of grief, we also celebrate Tomas's life, echoing his joy and laughter in our hearts and engraving his memory in our souls forever. The legacy of his profound wisdom, enduring kindness and resilient spirit will be perpetually remembered. May his journey beyond be filled with serenity and light.

Prayer Vigil will be held on Tuesday, June 11th at 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 7455 10th Avenue, Burnaby. Visitation (body viewing), Eulogy and the Reception to follow in the school gym from 7:00-9:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Wednesday, June 12th at 10:30 AM and Entombment to follow at Oceanview Burial Park, 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby at 12:15 PM. For those who wish to join the family for lunch afterwards, please RSVP before 10:00 AM on Monday, June 10th

RSVP to: [email protected]