Luis Bautista Napalan was born on August 25, 1934 in Olongapo City, Philippines. He grew up with 4 siblings - Gloria, Alfonso, Fredes and Lino and was raised by their loving parents Fortunata and Pedro Napalan. He graduated as a Salutatorian from Jackson High School in 1953. In his eagerness to help his parents and contributes early to their family’s needs. Luis decided to skip his remaining year and a half in college and worked at the US Naval Base in Subic Bay in 1953 as a civilian employee at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) where he met his future wife Esther Romero from Tondo, Manila who worked at the Navy Exchange. They were married on December 1st, 1957 and were blessed with 3 children Sue Anne, Micha and Louie.
Luis gradually progressed through the ranks as a skilled office employee capable of handling bigger responsibilities and eventually discovered his management skills that soon earned him respect from his superiors. Job promotions followed, he was tasked to do Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD) travelling to various US Naval Facilities training centers in different parts of the United States. He attended Continuing Education seminars related to his position, participated in cross-training program consultation with colleagues in other position at the Ship Repair Facility (SRF). His supervisory position as an Assistant Supply Officer was a very demanding and challenging position and was considered as one of the few position assigned to a civilian Filipino employee.
As a loving husband and a caring father, he acknowledged in the years later that his priorities will require change and recognized that his family comes first. Luis realized that he needed to sacrifice and set aside all his career accomplishments. He then decided to migrate to the United States in 1986 to seek brighter opportunities for his family. After gaining local experience, he applied and got hired at the County of San Diego, Department of Health Services. He spent the next 19 years taking pride in his work and enjoyed the company of his co-workers. He retired in 2008.
Upon retirement, he continued his passion and maintained a healthy lifestyle playing his favorite sport which is lawn tennis, a game he enjoyed since his early days in Olongapo City. He spent his other time watching sports, political commentaries, reading and watching biographies of remarkable people in history. His presence in all the family gatherings was a testament for his love of family. He enjoys food and the camaraderie with friends and relatives.
Luis is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Esther. His children Sue Anne, Micha and Louie. His 7 grandchildren Oliver, Dannah (Kyla), Clarence, Abigail, Diandra, John Ian, Luigi and his first great grandson Oliver Grayson.
