Domiciano Doming Edusada Ecalne

Domiciano Edusada Ecalne was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease in the role of problem-solver. He was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted him. Doming always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, he was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Doming was born on December 5, 1944. He was delivered by midwife and first greeted the world in the Ecalne home, in Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines. His parents were Andres Ecalne, Sr. and Victoriana Edusada Ecalne. He was raised in a traditional Filipino family, following strict family values that were set by his father, who was a town policeman. His mother was a home-maker who lived her life nurturing and taking care of her 7 children. He grew up in the small, seaside town of Candelaria, in the province of Zambales on the western coast of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Always able to express himself well, Doming was always able to be open and direct in his communication and was eternally optimistic in his outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, he was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help him throughout his life. Our dad was the 5th eldest child, 4th eldest son in his family. According to family members, Dad was a bit of a free-spirit growing up. A stubborn man, he was never willing to conform to the rules. Instead he was the type of guy that did things his own way and never took no for an answer, but make no mistake, he was never the type to hurt anyone in the process of achieving his ambitions. He served as an altar-boy in his church and also worked at the town hall. He was very popular young man in his town who pretty much knew everyone and everyone knew him. Even as a young man until today, he was known for being politically ambitious and always ready and willing to help his friends and family.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Doming was able to relate well to others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. He was raised with 6 other siblings. He was the 5th eldest. His older brothers and sister are: Nicanor Echipare (adopted), Diosdado Ecalne, Sr., Violeta Ecalne Garling, Bienvenido Ecalne and his younger brother and sister are, Andres Ecalne Jr. and Ludivina Ecalne Aquino. He had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

Doming enjoyed spending time with relatives while growing up. Doming's Grandparents on Father's side: Pedro Ecalne and Monica Elamparo Ecalne. His Grandparents on Mother's side: Leon Edusada and Magdalena Ejida Edusada. Doming's extended family included his Edusada cousins, which he was very proud to be a part of and was very close to all his cousins. He thought of them as his own brothers and sisters and was always willing to be in their presence at every chance he had.

As a young child, Doming showed his creative ability in many ways ranging from his various hobbies to his ability to develop new twists on old games. He always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. He enjoyed playing sports while growing up, with his favorites being baseball and basketball when he was younger. He and his brother, Andres Jr., were popular basketball players in high school at St. Vincent's Academy. A take-charge person even as a child, Doming liked being actively involved.

Doming was outgoing and animated. He grew up in a house in Catol, Candelaria, Zambales. The home is still currently occupied by his mother, Victoriana Edusada Ecalne, who turned 98 on March 13, 2011.The teen years bring more freedom, but also more responsibility. Doming was not intimidated by either. His drive and enthusiasm for life led him to accept and even embrace them in stride. His first car was a Pontiac Trans Am, which he bought while he was stationed in Subic, Philippines. Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Doming was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He satisfied his curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from St. Vincent's Academy, Class of 1963.

While it was obvious that Doming had many of the tools necessary to ensure success in the classroom, he also knew that there were plenty of things to do and enjoy outside of school. Those close to him were well aware of his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. People appreciated these traits in him. He was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, Doming was a generous man who valued that same quality in others. So it is little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community, included friends and cousins. which allowed him to accept people for who they were.

For Doming, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with his relationship with Leonor Edrada Escala. According to our dad, he first met our mom when they were children. He was her 5th grade catechism teacher, but according to our mom, she doesn't remember him. Their second meeting was in 1967. Mom was only 16 and was in Candelaria visiting from Manila, where she was living at the time. They were at a dance and Mom said that on that all his friends were trying to dance with her, but she just ignored them. So they called her a snob. But when Dad asked her to dance, she said yes. Again, my mom said she doesn't remember this. So he enlists in the US Navy and leaves for 3 years. In 1970, he comes back to Candelaria and visits his family. His brother, Junior tells him there is a "blue seal" at a Sari-Sari store that he wants him to see, so he brings our dad there. What he meant by this was that there was a mestiza woman there that he thought Dad should meet. Our mom was working in the store and the two brothers ended up buying all the beer at the store. He must have fallen in love on that day because he returned every day thereafter to see her. As they say, third time is the charm. When he started courting her, he would visit her every day her Auntie Luz's house from morning until night virtually driving away all her other suitors and claiming her for his own. Mom herself was shy at first, not wanting to come out of the house to see him. Her family would get mad at her because they like him for her, but she would hide from him. Finally, she came around and she fell in love with our dad. Even though he was in the Navy stationed 4 hours away, he would still come home every day after work just to see her. He would take the last bus to go to Candelaria at night and leave first thing every morning to go back to work. This courtship continued until he finally got her family's approval to marry her and on August 21, 1970 they were married in front of a judge at the Olongapo City Hall. On October 29, 1970 they had a church wedding at St. Vincent Parish in Candelaria.

He did his best to be charming to everyone, but his relationship with his wife, Leonor, was special. He was not always the most perfect husband, but he brought into it his gift for being able to give freely and generously. No one can deny that he did not provide for his family. This was just one of the things he did to create a happy home. The last year of his life brought them closer together than ever before. They fell in love all over again despite the sickness my dad was going through. In the end, there was no denying that they were the perfect couple.

As with other aspects of their lives, Doming tried his best to provide the children with a safe and nurturing home. He also tried to share his enjoyment of other aspects of his life. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his offspring acquire many skills, including those often considered common sense. Doming was blessed with 3 children, Grace, age 37. Glenn, age 33, and Elaine (Lynn), age 29. He did his best to be a good father to his children, but luckily for him, he didn't have to try hard. Doming was often pleasantly surprised by how much pride they could bring to him. Grace is married to Rondy Cervantes and they have 1 son, Noah Anthony Cervantes. Glenn is married to Joana Sison Ecalne, and Lynn is married to Stephane and they have 1 daughter, Emma Ecalne Dessus.

Doming never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. He retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service in 1987 as a Petty Officer 1st Class. He was proud of the time he served in the military and had many stories to tell of places he visited and things he did as a sailor. Though he rarely sought out any accolades for his achievements, he would humbly accept any recognition that came his way and in the Navy, he was very well respected and rewarded.

Doming enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, watching current events/news and was interested in politics with an aspiration of possibly running for Mayor of his hometown of Candelaria. Throughout his life, Doming developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on his face. His most favorite song is One In A Million You by Larry Graham. This is the song he would always sing on the karaoke machine whenever he had a chance. He didn't have the best voice, but he put his whole heart and soul into the song when he performed it.

Though he was not a very religious man until the last year of his life when he spent every day with our mom, reciting Catholic prayers, he held close to traditional values which he tried to instill in his family.

Doming Ecalne left us on He peacefully passed at his home on May 8, 2011 with his children, wife, and 2 sisters by his side. He was a young 66 years old when he passed after almost a year of fighting stomach cancer. He fought a brave battle until the very end. He is preceded in death by his father, Andres Sr., his older brother, Nicanor Echipare, and his younger brother, Andres Sr. He is survived by his wife, Leonor, and his children Grace and Rondy Cervantes with their son, Noah, Glenn and Joana Ecalne, and Elaine and Stephane Dessus with their daughter, Emma. Lima Family Mortuary. Doming was laid to rest at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Fremont.

Doming was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. He enjoyed his life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Domiciano Edusada Ecalne.