Arsenio A. Alagar

Master Chief Arsenio Allas Alagar, “Arsing”, passed away on December 28, 2018 in San Diego, California. He was born on January 25, 1936 in the town of Tayug, Pangasinan in the Philippines. He is preceded in death by his father, Cosme P. Alagar and his mother, Margarita Allas Alagar. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Lilia Kagaoan Alagar, his four children Arleen Stuart (sp. Bill), Arnold Alagar, Alison Herburger (sp. Mike) and Alan Alagar (sp. Vicki), his nine grandchildren, Brendan, Trevor, Cameran (Arleen & Bill), Ryan, Tyler, Kyle (Alison & Mike), Lauren, Jason and Dylan (Alan & Vicki). He is the eldest of five siblings that he leaves behind Manolo “Rudy” Alagar (sp. Maxine), Evelyn “Betty” Veneracion (sp. Benny), Teresita "Lita" Stanley (sp. Steve) and Cosmelito “Boy” Alagar (sp. Grace). He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews and his extended Kagaoan family.

Master Chief Alagar, began his naval career when he enlisted in the US Navy December 1957 in the Philippines. He completed boot camp in San Diego at the Naval Training Center January 1958. After 21 years of service as a Machinist's Mate, he retired as Master Chief with the rank of E9. After retiring from the Navy, he joined Otay Water District for a short period of two years. He then returned to government service at NAVMACPAC (Navy Manpower and Material Analysis Center Pacific). He rounded out his career by accepting a civil service position as a Ship Surveyor with SUPSHIP (Supervisor of Ship Building Conversion and Repair) eventually retiring after 42 years of government service.

Arsing had a strong passion for architecture and design that can be seen throughout the homes he had with their unique interiors and beautiful gardens and landscaping. He favored Mid-Century and Ultra-modern and his home reflected these timeless styles. His wall sculpture, “River of Cans” exemplified not only his artistic taste but his artistic talent to create unique pieces to decorate his home.

Aside from art and architecture, his love for great design was also reflected in his choice of cars and watches that he collected throughout his life. In fact, he leaves each grandchild with a watch reflecting not only his love for great design and style but symbolizing his love and passion for his grandkids.

Most of all, Arsing’s love for life and family is reflected in his cooking and love of food. Not only did Arsing perfect many traditional Filipino recipes such as his grandkids favorite, Igado, but would often experiment in adding to his repertoire by replicating dishes from his favorite restaurants and travels. His home was always an open door to his family and friends and will always be known as a gathering place that always involved eating and drinking. From his lechon fire pit to his outside wok to his “dirty” kitchen, he was always cooking something enough for an entire family because his recipe for happiness was always about friends and family. A distinct memory of Arsing for many was him welcoming you with a plate of barbeque and him toasting you with Crown Royal in a heavy crystal tumbler.

He will live on in our memories as a man who lived life to the fullest. He had a commanding presence and had an uncanny resemblance to actor Anthony Quinn. We will always have the vivid picture of him wearing a well pressed Hawaiian shirt driving his Porsche and later his Jag, cooking an incredible meal for his family and friends or knowing where the best restaurants are and dancing with Lilia at a Tayug event.

Nevertheless, he will be most remembered for his enormous capacity to give love and support to all his friends, family and extended family. He was the patriarch of the Alagar and Kagaoan family and he will be greatly missed.