Mike V. Macalos

After a short bout with acute myeloid leukemia, Mike Virador Macalos, much beloved husband, dad and grandpa, was welcomed home by Jesus the evening of November 27, 2010. The last two weeks of Mike’s life were spent with numerous family members and friends; it was truly a blessing to be able to share stories, reminisce and say all the things that had to be said. A week before he passed, Mike called his children and grandchildren to his bedside at 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday, and excitedly told them that he had seen Jesus and that a woman had called to him. His vision filled him with joy; he proclaimed how peaceful and beautiful it was and how much he wanted to join them. A week later he received his wish and passed quietly, quickly and without pain. As youngest son Jimmy put it, "There is some raucous noise in heaven as Dad is welcomed home."

Mike will always be loved, remembered and greatly missed for his gentle soul, kind nature and incessant smile. Even during Mike’s illness, he kept his spirits up and a smile on his face, so much so that staff at Balboa Hospital and San Diego Hospice admiringly commented on his good nature despite his situation.

Mike was born July 11, 1926 in Garcia-Hernandez on the island of Bohol, Philippines, the eldest of 12 children of Prudencio and Emiliana Macalos. At the age of 17, his high school career at the oldest university in the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, was interrupted by WWII to which he responded by joining the Filipino guerilla forces. Following WWII and prior to joining the US Army in 1954, Mike lived for three months homeless on the streets of Manila before being offered a job with a physician’s office where he learned office skills and later trained as an x-ray tech and mortician’s assistant. His dream was to go to the United States and to that end, he worked as a houseboy. The mistress of the home admired Mike’s work ethic and recommended him for a civil service position as a mess hall attendant in Guam. While in Guam, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1954 as a corporal in the Army, he returned on furlough to the Philippines and proposed to Corona Sabalones Madula of Bohol. It would be two years of persistent wooing before Cora finally accepted and in 1956 they married in the Philippines.

Ft. Meade, Maryland was the first of numerous duty stations during Mike’s 22-year career with the Army. During Mike’s Army career, they raised 3 children – Catherine McWhirter, Michael Macalos and Jimmy Macalos, all of San Diego. Mike retired as a MSgt and is a veteran of the Korean War and of Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement and a Sharpshooter’s Badge for rifle competence.

Mike’s Army career took the family to Europe multiple times where they were stationed in Germany and France for nearly a decade. Notably, it was Mike’s wish that Cora should be a stay-at-home mom while the children were young and to that end he often worked part-time jobs in the bowling alley or movie theater in addition to his military duties. An active member of Ceboley, a Filipino charitable organization, he served in numerous positions, to include president and treasurer. Well into his 70s, Mike played tennis nearly daily until shoulder surgery compromised his game. His love of tennis was contagious and he passed the love of the game down to his children and grandchildren. An avid bowler up until his last few weeks, Mike filled the family trophy case with his many awards and recognitions. His high game of 286 was something to be proud of.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, 3 children, and 3 grandchildren – Ryan Longmire, Alana Macalos and Shaun Malinao, all of San Diego, as well as numerous family members in California and the Philippines.

The Macalos Family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, kindness and support shown to them during this very difficult period. In particular, we could not have traveled this road without the endless support and care of the Shull and O’Clarit Families. Thank you for sharing this time with us. We are grateful for your presence here and particularly have enjoyed the many stories you’ve shared about Mike. Love your family and friends as if there is no tomorrow and May God Bless you and yours.

Following interment at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, the Macalos Family invites you to join them as they celebrate the life of Mike Macalos at VIP Oriental Buffet, 542 Broadway (between H and I), Chula Vista, CA 91910 between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Auf Wiedersehen Daddy till we meet again.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.