Before I share my memory of Elmer, first of all, I've found out Elmer's passing in a very extraordinary and compelling way. I know it is Divine intervention and also maybe Elmer's spirit (I'll tell you later).  I met Elmer and rest of recruit batch 35 years ago. Our journey began in Olongapo, Philippines. We joined the Navy in Subic Naval base at the same time in 1986. There were 16 of us young Filipino men all in our 20s heading to a place just part of our young dreams, hopes and aspirations (NTC is one of most historic, exciting and sacred place where young men are prepared for one of the most noble profession on duty and service). We landed in San Diego in July 1986 and started our training. 
Elmer was one of us who had the most notable positive outlook and served as an inspiration to everyone. Elmer had an infectious smile and had the wit to crack jokes in times of trials and challenges that put you at ease and be motivated to move forward during the most challenging course of the training. 
One time during the training Elmer demonstrated his determination and strong will in the swim test.  What stuck in my memory was Elmer never relented and never wavered. Elmer finished the test despite the trainers intention to distract him from finishing. 
Finally, I've mentioned earlier how I've learned of Elmer's passing in a compelling way. Due to pandemic, I cleaned up my files and I came across 'The Anchor Book', our orders from Subic. For some odd reason I've mentioned to my kids about my colleagues during my training in San Diego and mentioned Elmer. Looked into the military file on line and that is how I found out of Elmer's passing. It is Divine intervention and Elmer speaking from the other side.  After we all went to our designated duty stations in 1986 we never had a chance to correspond.  Elmer was a good man and a good friend. Elmer is in a good place.  My family and I would like to extend our condolences and prayers to the family.

Back home in 1190 Rizal Ave Olongapo City. We were neighbors and went to the same school with all his siblings .  Until he joined the USN.  You will always be remembered  Elmer. And our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Prayers to all,
Andrew And Eden Velasco

To our compadre Elmer, we will miss all your joyful laughter, smiles and jokes. Most of all the comradeship we all share when we were back in Hawaii and until…. Condolence and prayers to the Deinla Family, during these difficult times. Farewell and following seas…May you Rest in Peace, my brother.

                                                Valdez Family

First, my sincere condolence to the family.
More than 4 decades as i remember Elmer and during those times that we were just exploring the  challenges in school and living the life , my memory of him is quite heart warming. 
I pray for his soul  and for the bereaved family  🙏


I was one of the last ones who have seen Elmer alive and I didn't realized that it will be our last time to see each other. Thank you for the call and the precaution you gave me. I know that you are happy where you are now. Thank You for the memories you gave us when we were in Hawaii and Thank You for the friendship. I will cherish those memories... Our deepest condolences to the family for your great lost. He was a great father and a great husband.  Rest in Peace my Brother... 

To our compadre Elmer, we will miss all your joyful laughter, smiles and jokes. Most of all the comradeship we all share when we were back in Hawaii and until…. Condolence and prayers to the Deinla Family, during these difficult times. Farewell and following seas…May you Rest in Peace, my brother.


Dear Bonggay,

Sending you our deepest condolences on the passing of Elmer.  May he Rest In Peace.  May you and the kids be comforted by God’s loving embrace. 

With you in prayers,
Jun, Arleen, Nikki, and Inigo
(Villorias from Alexandria, VA)

Amazing grace is a beautiful song for an amazing person, a friend and a team mate. I have known this guy since  we were station in Hawaii always smiling with a positive attitude and its contagious that you wish you can be him.  Rest in peace brother I know you are in good hands with our lord jesus christ in heaven. 

Oh Mr Elmer... He always had a smile on his face and when Friday came each week he always said to the team" hey the boss is here are your timesheets done?because if they're not Tasha gonna get you".  We always joked about it and then we had to go thru this Re-org.... His biggest worry was who was going to watch his timesheet and order supplies  because he was no longer on my team.. He said he would just pay to keep me taking care of our teammates. Oh Elmer... You will be missed.  Your laugh will always play in my head and when i go to your old bldg I will always stand at your desk and say "I GOT YOU BUDDY!" God Keep you in HIS LOVING ARMS .You are safe now my friend. 


Condolence to Deinla Family. Elmer, My Kumpare, shipmates and longtime friend, we’ll forever miss you!

You will be missed Uncle Elmer. Praying for comfort and peace for your family. 

Our family memories in Hawaii will always be a treasure in our heart.  Losing Elmer is not only losing a friend but a brother.  

Our deepest sympathy to the Deinla family!  May our Lord give you strength and peace during this sorrowful time.  May Elmer’s soul Rest In Peace.

Elmer, you will be in our hearts forever. 
#theoriginals

I am profoundly sad to read this news. Elmer was the best Electrician's mate I ever had the pleasure to work with. I was his division officer on USS Fox CG 33 from 1993 to 94. RIP shipmate!

I am very sorry to hear of Elmer's  passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  I served  with him on the USS Fox CG-33, 1990 - 1994. I always enjoyed working with him and he will be missed. My condolences.   DC2 Barry Poling. 

My deepest condolences to the entire family. Elmer was my shipmate and friend on the USS FOX (CG 33) and as such, he was also a brother. I will always remember his infectious smile and sense of humor. I don't know if it's just me but his face and mannerisms always reminded me of the Filipino actor John Estrada. Rest In Peace Shipmate; we have the watch.

My deepest condolences to the whole family. Elmer was a shipmate and a friend. We spent four years together on board USS Fox (CG 33), I was his Electrician Chief and he was a 2nd Class back then but it was me who depended on him and could not have survived that tour without him by my side. But more than a shipmate, he was a close friend and confidante, sharing our personal stories about family and goals. We had our ups and downs during that tour but one thing did not change was our brotherly bond.  My recent memory was when we had a get together dinner at Eastlake Chili’s with other two shipmates a while ago. He was always himself, full of life and we again had the best times there. I could not believe that you are gone and words cannot express my sorrow. You will always be in our memory and may you rest in peace.... brother and friend.

OBITUARY

Elmer Rivero Deinla

December 28, 1963 – December 27, 2020

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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