My Dad

First, my family and I would like to say thank you to everyone for being here today.  Thank you for the love, the prayers, the support you've shown us during this extremely difficult time.  There really are no words to truly express the grief and the heartache we feel but your thoughts and prayers have given us some comfort.

My Dad left us unexpectedly and much too soon.  For our own selfish reasons we all feel that he left us too soon.  It's one thing to expect it, somehow prepare for it – if that's ever really possible - but to have him taken away so suddenly and so quickly is really hard.  But I have always believed that there is a reason for everything.  Even the things we don't understand.  A reason behind God's plan for each of us.  So while I don't understand His reason for calling my Dad so soon, and I may never understand until I see my Dad again, my Faith is telling me that God has a reason that I just can't see right now.  And right now Faith is the only thing keeping me going.  Faith that my Dad is at peace and no longer suffering.  Faith that he is here with us today as we mourn for him and reflect upon his life.  Faith that he will be watching over us in Heaven, guiding us, keeping us safe, living within our hearts always.

My Dad was a wonderful man.  Full of kindness and generosity, he was always ready to help.  Everyone loved his gentle, laid-back nature.  The way he was always smiling and joking around.  I think that's something that everyone would remember about him.  I would often ask him a question and a lot of times it took him FOREVER to answer it.  I would sit there waiting, watching him think about it until I would finally say, “Dad! C'mon, what do you think?”  At that point he knew he had me hooked because he would continue to stall, going back and forth with me, until finally coming up with an answer that made sense.  He did that on purpose, because he loved to joke around, and it would always make me smile and shake my head at him.  

My Dad loved his family; he loved my Mom with all his heart – I know that.  They had a special love, a special bond, and we saw it every day.  I pray that God will continue to give her special comfort and strength during this time.  I pray that He will help her heart heal and help her find peace with what has happened.  

My Dad loved my sisters and me and was always ready to help with whatever we needed. He was ALWAYS there for us.  Over the last few days as we've poured over pictures, looking back at all those memories of our family, we could see how much he loved us.  His pride, his love, just seemed to jump out of those pictures.  His happiness was evident in his big smiles or silly grins.  Through our tears there were lots of smiles as we looked back on those memories thinking how lucky we were to have had them. To have had him.

My Dad loved his grandchildren; you could see it every time he saw them, how MUCH he loved them.  And they LOVED him.  He was endlessly patient with them – always ready to play a game or watch whatever they wanted to watch on TV, always ready to pick them up or drop them off at school or to practice or to a friend's house – he was always there for them.  I remember when we went fishing he would be the last one to head out because he was always fixing all the kids' fishing poles so they could go fishing first.  A lot of times he'd have to fix a pole more than once before he ever got to go himself.  That was my Dad - patient to no end.  

My Mom and Dad always helped out with the kids whenever we asked.  My Dad was always there if we needed him to pick up the kids from school or shuttle them to/from baseball or soccer practice.  If the kids were sick or just out of school for the day, it was to Mama and Papa's house they would go.  My parents took care of the kids from the day they were born.  Because of this my Dad shared something unique and special with each of them.  They were EACH special to him.  Often my Dad would come over to watch our youngest son Myles and he would play whatever game Myles wanted and let him have complete run of the house.  I always knew the house would be a disaster zone after those two were together.  And I was always right!  

I will always be especially grateful that he and my Mom were able to take care of Myles for a year and a half when he was born.  Because of that time Dad and Myles had an even more special bond and Myles absolutely LOVED him.  Papa was his BEST FRIEND and you could see how happy they were whenever they were together.  Myles LOVED being with Papa.  So much that he often asked to stop by their house on the way home from school to visit.  That's one of the things that hurts the most, that he didn't have more time to spend with his grandkids, especially Myles, being the youngest.  They brought him such joy and he loved seeing them.  I know Myles misses him.  I know all the kids miss him.  I pray that they will always remember Papa and keep him in their hearts.  I pray that they will remember all the good times they shared and will always know how much he loved them.

My Dad loved his brothers and sisters.  He was the oldest of six and they are all close.  They each had their own special bond with my Dad and our family reunions were always wonderful times.  Our family is very close knit and for that we are blessed.  One of the things I loved growing up - and even now - is our family gatherings because they are always a big celebration.  As a kid I loved our big get-togethers and I know my sisters, our cousins, our own children – all love them as much as I do.  We've always been there for each other and it's comforting to know that that will never change.  I know that while my Dad is not here with us physically he will always be with us in spirit.  He will live in our hearts and in our thoughts.  He will be with us at every holiday, birthday, or celebration we have.  

I realized some things the other day that have helped me make this heartache a little bit more bearable.  I wanted to share these with you in the hopes that it helps all of you that are missing him as much as I am.  

I realized that every time I thought of my dad, every memory that came to mind – that he was right there with me remembering as well.  Sitting beside me, he was the one who tugged at my ear or nudged my shoulder and said, “Hey Mik, do you remember this?”  He cried with me as I remembered; he smiled with me as the tears went away and he gave thanks with me for having had that time together; that memory to share.  

I realized that while he is in Heaven he is mourning leaving us as well.  He's there trying to help us grieve and get through these tough times but we have to help him too.  He wouldn't want us to continue being sad and hurting so much.  He wants to know that we'll be okay without him here; that we'll be able to go on living because that's what he would have wanted.  He wants us to lean on each other and help each other through the tears but he also wants us to celebrate and remember the wonderful life we shared with him.  

I know he understands that our hearts will take time to heal, that because we loved him SO MUCH we will miss him terribly.  But he's not gone, he's still with us.  Every time we think of him, he's sitting right there next to us, remembering too.  He will be sharing in our memories and will be beside us as we make new ones.  God has given us an amazing new angel to watch over us.  And knowing this gives me comfort.

I've noticed the last few days have been bright, sunny, beautiful days. With all our sadness, with all our grief, how could it be so beautiful outside?  Then I realized that God and my Dad were sending us a message.  Letting us know that there is still Hope.  There is still Light after the darkness.  That there are beautifully sunny days still ahead.  He wants us to have those.  

I've always loved watching the sunrise.  Watching a new glorious day unfold before us.  Now as I watch each new sunrise that comes I will always think of my Dad.  It will be him that greets my day.  I hope my family does the same so that as we watch each new sunrise on the horizon we are together again with him.  I know that will be Dad, sitting atop that sunrise, waving good morning and ready to watch over us that day.  I'll smile back and say “Hey Dad!”  More than likely he'll be holding a fishing pole and I'll hear him say, “It's a good day to go fishing!”

So Dad, I just want you to know, that we'll be ok.  Eventually the memories won't bring as many tears but instead smiles as we sit together with you remembering the wonderful moments we had.  I don't know how long it will take; it will probably be a long time before ALL the tears are gone.  But the tears are there because you were so loved.  But I know whenever they fall you will be there helping us through it.  

Just know that we won't ever forget you.  You will ALWAYS be in our hearts, in our thoughts, in our prayers.  Thank you for being such a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.  We love you with all our hearts.  And we will forever be thankful to God for blessing us with your life and your love.  

And one day - when it's time - I know we will all be reunited again.

I love you.

Mik

Your smile and spirit will live in each heart that you have touched

My Tito Doming was a gracious, loving and kind-hearted man. Three of the long list of adjectives to describe him, of which you would never find the words grumpy or ill-tempered. As most people who knew him know, he was always smiling, even when there wasn't anything to smile about. I've been blessed to grow up in such a close family, but in particular I was incredibly close to my Tito Doming, Tita Auring and their children. I have so many memories from childhood till now in my adulthood, from pretending to be sick just so I could go to their house, our fishing trips to Sea Wolf, Easter egg hunts and countless family gatherings throughout the years. Tito Doming was also a jokester. I remember all the New Years or Fourth of July celebrations or any holiday that involved fireworks and how he would always try to set off firecrackers in a can to scare us, or worse throw them at us. We would always yell at him to stop and he would just stand there and laugh, thinking it was the funniest thing in the world.     

Three years ago my dad got sick and was hospitalized. My sister and I were both away from home when it happened and couldn't rush right home to be with our mom. It was Tito Doming that picked me up from the airport with that familiar comforting smile and told me that everything was going to be okay. He also picked up my dad's brother and my grandpa from New Jersey because he knew my mom couldn't. That's the kind of man he was, any favor that anyone needed he was always there, always more than willing to comply. Tita Auring, Michelle, Mik and Melissa – I know that this is a difficult time and that the pain may not go away, at least not for awhile. But know that you aren't alone. Like you guys were there for us three years ago and like you have been for my entire life, remember that we are always here to hold your hand, make you laugh or to simply sit and cry with you if that's what you need.  I know that my mom, sister and I wouldn't have been able to get through everything without y'all.

They say to live in hearts we leave behind is to not die. Even though Tito Doming was taken away from us suddenly and too soon, we should remember that he still lead a full and meaningful life. A great love with his wife, three beautiful daughters, grandchildren that adored him and an entire family that thought the world of him. As my mom mentioned last night, Tito Doming was one of the rocks in her life, as he served to be for the rest of his sisters and brothers. He wasn't just a great man, he was an exceptional man who was and still is loved by so many of us here today.  It's so exceedingly rare to come across somebody with his positivity and outlook on life. His legacy and the memories we shared with Tito Doming will live on in all of our hearts and we should be comforted by the notion that he will never completely leave us. So, Tito Doming, go take your place with our Heavenly Father and watch over all of us with that permanent smile of yours, as we commemorate your life today and for the rest of days to come.

Love Christine

My dad was an amazing man.  He was a devoted husband, loving brother, caring uncle, nurturing father and an incredible grandfather.  Growing up we had a wonderful childhood filled with so many fun times and memorable family moments.  We grew up taking fishing trips, camping trips and road trips.  He worked hard to provide for his family and we all loved being around his presence.  I can recall always thinking I was his favorite daughter since I was the baby of us 3.  But now reflecting and looking back and I know my dad loved all three of us equally and the same.  We all shared special moments with him that will carry us through the hard times.  Growing up my dad was always the easy going kind of guy.  He would let my sisters and I pretty much do anything we wanted as long as the house was cleaned before my mom got home.  We all loved taking rides with him to the store even if it was just for a candy bar or ice cream.  He allowed us to be who we were and never discouraged us or tried to change us.  I can only count a few times on my hand when my dad ever really got mad at us.  As long as we were happy, he was happy.   My dad was funny man.  He also had a smile or grin on his face and lived his life so lightheartedly.  He loved my mom unconditionally and their love has instilled the values in us we each carry today.  As a teenager, I admit I was a tough one and as I became a young mom, my parents were always there to support me.  I am and will be eternally grateful for my dad.  My dad became the constant father figure in my son Eric's life and helped me raise him throughout the years.  He doted on Eric and loved teaching him all the things we experienced as children.  Eric loved helping my dad with the lawn, building and fixing random things around the house.  And just like us as children….my dad taught Eric how to fish.  The two of them would get up and leave before the sunrise and not get home until the wee hours of the night.  Sometimes they would catch a lot of fish and other times none but I know the times spent talking, laughing, waiting for the fish to bite or sharing a bucket of KFC was the most important to them. I know for certain Eric will always cherish his time with his papa and will always have so many memories to think about and reflect upon. Next year is going to be a tougher year for us.  Both my sister Michelle and I are getting married.  It is so heartbreaking to accept the fact that he will not be there on our special days to walk us down the aisle, give us away and dance the father daughter dance.  But as my brother in law mentioned to me the other day, dad passed with the comfort knowing his last two daughters were finally happy, getting married and will be taken care of.  I know he will be there with us spiritually and will definitely be smiling down from heaven as we both move into the next chapter of our lives. 

We will forever mourn the loss of my father.  As our hearts continue to heal, we can all find comfort in knowing he lived a full life.  He found his lifetime companion and soul mate in my beautiful mom, raised his three wonderful daughters and lived to enjoy his time with his grandchildren. He was a loving brother to all his brothers and sisters and held a special bond with all his nieces & nephews.  My dad was a great friend to all who knew him. Although my father was taken away from us way too soon, I know deep in my heart he left us with a happy and content soul.  I know he was welcomed with open arms at the gates of heaven and will forever be our special angel watching down over us.  

I love you Dad with all my heart and soul.  I will miss you dearly every day until we meet again…..

Love,
Lissa

Michelle,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Kacey

We never had the pleasure of knowing Dominic but we feel the loss of the father for our dear friend, Michelle. We pray you and your family find strength in this difficult time. We love you Michelle!!!

Michelle, Deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at what I know is a most difficult time.

Michelle, We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead.

Michelle,
Our condolences to you and your family. Let us know if we can help in any way.

Michelle,

Mike and I are here.

We extend our condolences to your family.

We love you so much!

Our thoughts are with Michelle and her family. 
In your time of need, we hope you know that we are there for you. 

With deepest sympathies,

Our hearts are with the Casas family in this time of sorrow.

My heart goes out to you Michelle and your Mom and family at this most difficult time.  I am so sad for your Loss.  Love and Prayers to the Casas Family.

Dear Casas Family,
I am deeply saddened by this news.  Mr. Casas was a wonderful, sweet and very funny man!  I have many childhood memories of him that I will cherish!  Growing up, your family was like a second family to me and I am so happy that I was able to know him.  Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that your family is in my prayers.  May God's light strengthen and guide you through these difficult times.

Dominic raised a beautiful family and gave us a wonderful friend. Our hearts go out to Michelle and her family in this time of sorrow.

We love you. 

Dallas & Mauricio

It was a joy to know Kuya Doming. We will chrish forever the wonderful memories we spent with him during our cruise. With love and prayers to the Casas Family, to Ate Auring, Babes, and Terry.

In darkness, the beauty of stars and constellations will be admired all the more now your dearest Dad is up there Shining like a bright star.

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared,
comfort you now and in the days ahead...FROM Jojo & Lon Galigo

I am so sorry for your loss. The entire Casas family is in my prayers.  May God carry you all through this difficult time.

In Loving Memory of a  wonderful person Dominic. We will love you, miss you always, you will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Doming and his love ones: Auring & children, my sister-in- law Babes,brother Frankie, Christine, Chelsea, Terry and the entire Casas family who all love him so much. May he rest in peace and eternal light shine upon him. He is now with our Lord.

With deepest sympathy to the Casas family..we feel your pain

Bn and Rose Salvacion

With deepest sympathy to the Casas family..we feel your pain

Ben and Rose Salvacion

To the entire Casas family, our sincere condolences.  May he rest in peace.

We send our love and are thinking of all of you.  Dominic will always be in my heart as a family member.  Love, Ely, Jamie, and Giacomo

In Loving Memory of a wonderful person Dominic Casas. We will love you and miss you always. You will always live in our hearts & prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dominic and Auring and his children....God Bless all of them in this difficult times...My love and prayers to my sister in law Babes, brother Frankie, Christine and Chelsea and Terry....From Alice, Jim, Nicole and Farhan from Boonton, New Jersey.....

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem 
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push 
away the pain 
and bring the smiles
back again.

With Loving Memories

We are thinking of and praying for the entire Casas family during this difficult time.

Ate Au,

I am loss of words to say ...I was just talking to him last week and now he is gone. If there's anything I can do, please call me ....my condolences 

From
Monica and Allan, Mikee and Aiden
Tatay and Nanay

OBITUARY

Dominic Almendras Casas

August 7, 1937 – November 15, 2012

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery

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