Savin I. Gatchalian

Savin Gatchalian passed away on June 26, 2022, in Hawaii while celebrating his 40th birthday month with his friends, loved ones, and children. He spent that morning going on a peaceful bike ride on Ka’Ena Point Trail, Oahu’s northwestern point of the island and a place known in Hawaiian folklore as the “jumping off” point for souls to the afterlife. He was a talented musician and singer, a comedian who found humor in every corner of life, and a food enthusiast. If a song was to be sung, a laugh was to be shared, or a burrito was to be eaten, Savin was there. His most recent passions included his love for outdoor and water activities and Hawaii, which seemed to bring out an innate wanderlust and peace in him that he was eager to share with his children. He is survived by his two children Ashton and Gwenyth, who inherited his love of food, laughter, and music.

Born in Manila, Philippines on June 12, 1982, he immigrated to the United States when he was two years old. He moved from San Francisco to Texas and back before settling in Tucson, Arizona for grade school. Savin graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School and later attended the University of Arizona where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from university, Savin began his career in web development, sales, and marketing. Combining his interests for all things technology and his love for people, Savin forged strong bonds with both his colleagues and clientele. In the past few years, Savin fell in love with his career leading strategic partnerships with Walmart’s largest consumer electronic brands as a Partner Manager for Walmart Connect. But he was most energized and proud of his work as the Vice-Chair of the Asian Pacific Associates Network (APAN). In addition to his day job, Savin was a prolific entrepreneur dabbling in such fields as freelance aerial photography, 3D tours, and web hosting.

Whether at the office, via Zoom, or at a concert, it was easy for Savin to make friends wherever he went. He had the best laugh, or some would say giggle. He was an infectious host that loved making plans, sharing meals, laughing with friends, and, of course, karaoke. There was nothing more important to Savin than his two children. The pride and care he held for them were seen through the many activities they shared. They loved singing and jam sessions, playing sports, eating and cooking, video games, pop culture and movies, spending time outside via water sports and hiking, doing art, and more. He also loved the holidays, mostly Halloween and Christmas. Loved ones and friends were treated to creative costumes, homemade decorations, and clever holiday cards every year. Creating holiday traditions was something he cherished dearly.

Savin was a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and the most beloved friend. He is survived by family and loved ones and the center of his universe, his two children Ashton (12) and Gwenyth (9).