On Thursday, August 6, 2020, Eduardo Gaffud Lamug, Sr., (78), Amazing Husband, Loving Daddy, “Papa”, brother and uncle, went home to be with the Lord. He was met at heaven’s gate by his beloved son, Shawn Romero Lamug and grandson, Sean Anthony Williams.
Daddy, you always had a heart of gold, showing love to others by your hard work and dedication. Even though you worked hard all day, you would find the strength to help when it was needed. You came to our rescue without any hesitation when we called. You will always be a HERO in our hearts. We love you so much!
Eduardo aka “Eddie”, was born on Sunday, April 19, 1942 to Domingo and Angelita (Gaffud) Lamug in Masay, Jones, Isabela, Philippines. He enlisted in the United States Navy on February 18, 1966, serving over 20 years and retiring on July 31, 1986. While being stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, he met the love of his life, Verna Gaye Loftin. On December 11, 1968, Eddie and Verna were married. They had four children; April, Eddie Jr., Shawn and Angelina. On April 9, 1987, they adopted their first grandchild, Lillian Michelle Lamug. In addition to their children, the two lovingly and willingly helped with their ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Our dad had humble beginnings while growing up in the Philippines. As a young boy, he helped around the family farm with growing many fruits and vegetables. He had quite the “green thumb”. He also helped with the care of the animals such as chickens, roosters, pigs and a water buffalo, to name a few. He also learned a thing or two about carpentry. He loved to build things. Everything he built was made with care and durability. He was Mr. Fix-it, McGiver of sorts. He could repair anything. The funny thing is, he never used one power tool. He had his trusty hand saw and hammer.
While on the ships in the Navy, he was a cook. I think more like a culinary King. He made so many delicious meals and desserts. He also learned the art of making flowers and animals from fruit and vegetables. We as children, had the honor of having a turkey carved from an apple or a carrot turned into a rose. Our dad loved doing this for us because it made us smile. We loved his craft. One of our favorite meals that our dad would prepare was BEEF STEW! His children and grandchildren would agree that his stew was the best, hands down. Another delicious meal was his homemade chicken soup. If you asked him to make it, you will have it. He loved to cook for his family.
Our daddy had the love for traveling. He has been to so many places overseas while in the Navy, such as Italy and Greece. His favorite places to travel were trips abroad with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to share his experiences with us. He loved to explore the mountains and hike in the woods where he could find snakes and other dangerous wildlife to play with. He loved to visit the ocean, lakes and rivers so he could go fishing or spot gators. Our dad had peace while he was out in the wilderness. He was introduced to the sport of geocaching. He loved the challenge of finding hidden treasures while out hiking. He could go geocaching all day, while living off of freshly picked berries he found in the woods. One of the biggest adventures for our dad was to take his family to a theme park and finish everything in one day, including all the rides and every single show. That man had everything mapped out and kept us on a tight schedule.
When our dad wasn’t out in nature hiking or out for a bike ride, he was at home watching basketball. You would not see him until the NBA season was over. He would take notes on each team and their wins including during the play-offs. He was an avid fan.
One of the biggest things about growing up with our dad was we had to be on high alert most of the time. You see, he was a serious practical jokester. We never knew when or where he would get us. He would always have a “trick up his sleeve” or something scary around the corner. Although it kept us on our toes, we loved every minute of it and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Our dad always had a deep love for his family back in the Philippines. He always had their best interest at heart. He was able to petition for his mother and his brother and some of their family to move to the United States, where they can start a new life. It was great to finally meet our aunties, uncles and cousins. Our dad was always happy to be able to spend time with his brothers at family events. They would sit and talk for hours over a beer and good food.
As our dad got older, the biggest joy in his life would be spending quality time with our mom and great grandchildren. He loved each and every single one of those babies with all of his being. He definitely was the baby whisperer. He would be able to quiet and calm them with many different techniques. He would dance and sing with them, play his harmonica for them, feed them some food or something sweet or simply sit down and watch tv with them. Whatever those babies needed, he would provide it for them. He absolutely loved those babies. They will always be Papa’s most precious treasures.
There is so much life that our dad has lived. Such an abundance of love, that I’m sure, we all have special stories to share. Our dad has left that legacy of love and laughter to us all. With each life that he touched with his compassionate soul, he will continue to live on in all of our hearts.
Eduardo’s Loving Family:
His wife of 51 years, Verna Gaye Lamug.
Parents: Domingo and Angelita Lamug (deceased)
Children: April Gaye Lamug-Johnson(Hobert), Eduardo Gaffud Lamug, Jr.(Michelle),
Shawn Romero Lamug (deceased),
Angelina Grace Williams, Lillian Michelle Lamug(Richard)
Grandchildren: Roben Haughton(Shawn), Tameka Nicole Lamug(Jack), Edwin Marcus Lamug, Ashlie Renae Williams, Ronald Eric Bryant(Ashleigh), Chelsea Elise Johnson, Sean Anthony Williams (deceased), Gabrielle Lynn Johnson(Daniel), Breanna Rose Johnson(Stacey), Laylani Grace Williams and Lonnie Hiawatha Williams, Jr.
Great-Grandchildren: Sha’niyah, Eli, Kaiah, Aiden, Shaleiah, Kylie, Greyson, Amelia, Liyah, and Kyng.
Siblings: Teresita Lamug Alejandro(Cesar)(deceased), Florendo Gaffud Lamug(deceased), Sonia Lamug Butac(Romeo), Loreto Gaffud Lamug(Corazon), Leonardo Gaffud Lamug(Mary Jocelyn), Constante Gaffud Lamug(Naty), Nester Gaffud Lamug(Leny), Romulo Gaffud Lamug(Teresita), Sister in Law, Phoebe(Florendo)
And a host of many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 9:00 am At Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral services will be held on August 12, 2020 at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Graveside Service will be held on August 12, 2020 at 1:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road.
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