PART TWO:

Family Bonding

Uncle Gerrie was always an advocate for family gatherings. He saw the value of setting aside time for those he cared about. He would invite us over for several holidays or a random date for lunch so he could catch up with his cousins. He loved reminiscing the good old days with his beloved cousins. On one of his weekly calls he conveyed how much he missed being able to talk with his cousins in a group. So I set-up the messenger group FAVILA that meets every Saturday afternoon at 2 pm. In many meetings they would discuss how they could motivate the next generation to attend the Lastimoso Family Reunion. To them it was so much more than an event. It was a chance to show the future generations of their roots and humble beginnings, of the sacrifices that were made, the coordination and commitment it took to lift the family up. It is a chance to reflect with pride what was accomplished and encourage each other to strive towards reaching their potential.

Thank you Uncle Gerrie for all the lessons and memories. We love and miss you so much!

PART ONE:

There are many ways to describe our dearest Uncle Gerrie. He was a charismatic person with so many positive attributes. I will remember him fondly as a memorable mentor, thoughtful giver, and consistent advocate for family bonding.

Memorable Mentor

Uncle Gerrie was an avid chess player who shared with many his love of the game. On one of his many visits to his hometown of Bayuco, Lambunao, Philippines he brought with him a chessboard. During that time there was a very limited number of people who knew the game. He encouraged everyone to learn and every time he visited he set aside prize money for anyone who could beat him. Needless to say I tried and failed many times, but he encouraged me to not give up and practice. His words lit a fire and in high school I became a member of the Lambunao chess club. In November of 2011, he invited us over to his home in Loma Linda, California, USA and we started playing chess. He lost that day 5 to 0 and wouldn’t let me leave until he won a game. He was shocked and told me, “Matanda kana maghampang doy.” I laughed and told him what he had told me on numerous occasions, “Pakondisyon ka.” He responded with one of his signature hearty chuckles. His laughter resonates in my mind still.

Thoughtful Giver

One day when I was in college, I was walking back to my dorm room and to my surprise there was a box with my name on top of the bed. In this care package there was my favorite foods chocolates, corn beef, pistachios etc. It also contained four shirts, four pants, socks, a pair of loafers, and the most expensive black leather shoes. The leather shoes perfectly fit and after each use I cleaned them and carefully placed them in their storage box. It was the first time I was the proud owner of formal shoes and was excited for any event where I got a chance to wear them. I still have those shoes and at times reflect upon how thoughtful it was of both Uncle Gerrie and Auntie Phoebe to send that care package. 



Toto Gerrie is my first cousin. He is one of the pillar of the Lastimoso Clan that set an example how to succeed through hard work and education. 

My  memory of Toto Gerrie was his usual greetings when he calls me at home, usually early in the mornings and  say “Anong balita” with excitement in his voice. He was always concerned about what’s going on in the family.
I could never forget how Toto Gerrie and Inday Phoebe has supported and guaranteed the papers that we needed for my family processing in coming here. Also with my sisters buying a car for the first time. These are simple act of kindness and unselfish love as a family.
His big smiles every time we came to visit their house are unforgettable. The fruits and vegetables you shared from your backyard garden were truly appreciated. The family potluck gatherings with delicious foods, the chika-chika part of the party were the happiest moments, which he has enjoyed with so much laughter.
Our plans to go back to Bayuco,Lambunao in Iloilo was always the highlights of the talk. I’m sad that this plans did not materialized with him.

It is my great desire to tell my tribute in person for him, but unfortunately, I can’t make it due to  my wife’s health condition and the pandemic.

His thoughtfulness, generosity,kindness and love is his legacy to the family. It will remain in our hearts.

Toto Gerrie, goodnight! We love you and see you in that blessed resurrection morning!

My Uncle Gerrie was one of my mom's favorite cousins.  Their moms were sisters and they grew up together in Bayuco, Lambunao.  

His family lived close to us in Los Angeles and they were a staple in my life growing up.  We went to the same church, spent birthdays, holidays and so many events together.  

Uncle Gerrie was always smiling and inviting us over to eat.  He was always so proud of his family and he loved for us to be together.   They moved to Loma Linda but would always come to LA for all occassions.  

After a while their house became the house we would go to for so many events, our graduation, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.   We always ate well, felt welcome and loved.  

I cry because of the plans I know he and my mom had to retire in the land they loved.  I wanted them to enjoy the fruits of their labor and to enjoy each others company in their golden years.  Uncle built a beautiful house in Bayuco and my mom built a room in a 4 bedroom house where she and her siblings were going to share.  They all planned to be together in their golden years.  They weren't fancy people, they didn't care to jet set  and explore different countries, they always wanted to go to the Philippines and be with family.  They just wanted to be together.

The last picture I have with Uncle Gerrie was New Year's Eve 2018.  His eyes are smiling and I felt so happy and loved.   

I will miss my Uncle Gerrie.  He was a leader in my family clan because of how fiercely he loved and cared for us.  It feels almost like the end to an era for me.  

My first memory of uncle Gerrie was  when I was 8 yrs old when my siblings and I first arrived here in the states, landing in LAX. I remember looking up at him and thinking who is this man with "insik" eyes smiling down at us?!? He seemed friendly and quiet but excited to see us. He came along with with my parents and auntie Annabelle  to pick us up & welcome us to the USA. Found out later that uncle was papa's old college friend and auntie Phoebe was mom's childhood friend and classmate.  Fast forward to 34 yrs later. My last memory of uncle was in the park, back in October 2020... a family and friends get-together potluck. He was sitting on his green chair wearing a green shirt watching, talking, smiling and laughing along with his family and friends. Uncle Gerrie looked happy even his smile reached his eyes 😊. It was a great and memorable day. Thank you uncle for welcoming us and picking us up "that" day.  We are honored and blessed to have known you. Rest in peace Uncle Gerrie.

Uncle Gerrie  was always the loud happy uncle that would welcome you with a smile so big his eyes would almost scrunch closed!  His legacy lives on through his amazing and accomplished sons and daughter,  and auntie Phoebes, and his grandkids.  He will be missed and always remembered. 

My last memory of Uncle was a happy one. He was looking forward to another potluck and gathering.  We will miss your funny antics and cool ways, Uncle Gerrie. Rest now and see you on that beautiful resurrection morning! 

OBITUARY

Gerrie Lastimoso Macaya

October 14, 1938 – January 8, 2021

Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary

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