E.J., you brought me so many memories of being outside with Bernadette at events, your home and dogs, and inside restaurants and functions like Stevie Wonder and Counting Crows. You were so caring and kind and warm and friendly to others, as though you hadn't a care in the world. So smart too, you were like a computer but with great people skills. I know you were a great dad and husband, and I wish I had been able to stay in Las Vegas, but life took me in another direction. I will miss you and Bernadette as a couple. I will pray for you and may God grant you peace and comfort to your family.

I worked with EJ at Amazon's LAS1 building. EJ would always come to my office and we would share wonderful conversations. The world is a little less bright without his physical presence, but he will live on through the wonderful friendships he made. All my love and condolences. -Brooke P.

Thank you again for everyone who attended the service. 

I was talking to the nice lady helping me around the house and with taking care of Ethan. She reminded me of the times when EJ showed his generous and kind nature.  For example, EJ left the house just to buy her and her fiancée a smoothie. I miss his thoughtfulness like when he puts on the sun visor in my car on a hot Vegas summer day. 

I appreciate all the cards, food, words of encouragement and donations you all continue to give me and Ethan. 

Please continue to post pictures and memories of EJ (Ricky).  These will be preserved in a book in a couple of weeks. 

Love,

Bernadette and Ethan

I was busy preparing the eulogy. When everything was said and done, that’s when it hit me. I was ready to mourn. I miss you so much my friend.  Until we meet again …

I noticed this favorite picture did not make it to the video. Shows how protective EJ is of Ethan. Our trip to Panama

A well deserved burial with full military honors. Your last words on viber to our group was about the rare privilege of  the view of a sunrise from an aircraft carrier. Now you can view it from a much closer distance, the heavens.  From a grateful nation, thank you for your service. Although I have not met your son nor wife, thank you for being part of his life. Farewell my friend

Going to miss my Tito EJ. He was there since I was born and took my brother and I to water world and Disney. 
Wish we could have spent more time together as adults. 

Rest in peace tito. 
You will be dearly missed ❤️

I first met EJ while working at Amazon LAS1.  In his usual friendly manner, he commented on how he always saw me running around like crazy with a pallet jack.  We introduced ourselves and got to chatting, and he quickly became a regular face I looked forward to seeing at work.  He was always so friendly, kind, and cheerful!  When he found I that I wanted to get into IT, he consistently gave me encouragement and updates on jobs that might be opening.  And I know that he pestered the IT manager at the time to give me a shot.  I don't think that I would have gotten my first job in IT if I hadn't had EJ in my corner, and for that I am forever grateful.  His kindness changed my life with respect to the job, but also as an inspiration as to how I might help others in similar ways.

I will forever be grateful for Ricky.

No matter the time away or distance apart, we were still the same friends we were from childhood. This is a testament to the person Ricky was. He was as true to himself as he was to those he cared for. Ricky was Ricky no matter the circumstance or people involved.

As we went our separate ways and found moments to reconnect, Ricky was gracious enough to share his family with us. I remember going out to lunch and  Ricky watching over Ethan, patiently helping him walk around the restaurant. And even before Ethan was born, Ricky would not be Ricky if he didn’t ask us to do something out-of-the-ordinary. It may have been the first time we met Bernadette, and Ricky took us to a Nepalese restaurant where we drank yak butter in tea…. In Las Vegas, we did indoor sky diving, again so different but super fun!

Ricky will always have a permanent space in our hearts.

The good ole days. EJ - please say hi to Malou and Dad for me.

I have had the privilege of knowing my brother in-law EJ for several decades. Throughout all these years, one truth has remained constant: EJ was the hardest working person I have ever known.  An engineer, sailor, retail sales, ice cream man - he has done it all.  His work ethic was unparalleled, and I can't recall a time when he had only one job. He was a man who tirelessly balanced multiple responsibilities, never once complaining, always pushing forward with resilience and determination.

EJ's dedication extended far beyond his professional life. He was a great father to his son, Ethan.  Every moment spent with Ethan was a testament to EJ's profound sense of responsibility and his deep affection for his family.

As a husband, EJ was nothing short of extraordinary. He shared a beautiful, loving bond with my sister Bernadette. Their relationship was an example of love and partnership, characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering support and most importantly, patience. 

Rest now in peace, dear brother. Your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

I remember walking into the HS cafeteria and a woman was taking pictures of Ricky. I can’t remember if it was Coca-Cola or the toothpaste company that was looking for someone to do their TV commercials. He didn’t get the spot but he certainly had the looks to do it.

This picture reminds of Ricky when we were young. It’s a Coca Cola shot if you ask me.

Memories of Ricky

What do I remember most about Ricky??
His big smile and our party days, stories which I could not share in a public forum.

He was always in the house. Either he was in trouble or just hungry or just wanted to hang out. I guess he was really at home with our family. My Dad was always there for him and his siblings since Tito Johnny died.

My best memories of him were during our party days in the 70's. I remember one particular New Year's eve party in Vicente's house. Someone brought smokes from Kathmandu and we were all excited to try it.
A couple of us were in this room smoking out then we went outside to join the rest of the party. 
When we stepped out, there was this huge white Bengal tiger in the middle of the room. and Ricky and I froze and freaked out. He kept saying, "Don't move! Don't move!" We were so stoned, we stayed like statues even afraid to breath, for fear of being attacked by the tiger. I don't remember how long we stayed that way, in cold sweat, till someone saw us and called us stupid because it was just a stuffed trophy from one of Tito Johnny's safaris.

Hi Berna

My condolences to you and Your family. May he rest in peace and may the good Lord guide you during this difficult times. Take care always god bless. Tita Ines and Tito Frank Mathis

Our Sincere Sympathy to Bern, Ethan & Family.  You will surely leave a void in our hearts & missed your quest for adventure + "Smiley Face" that makes Everyones' Day brighter.

Thank You for the support that you have given our Family - starting from when I met your Tito Hermas, Our Wedding, Jasons' Baptism in Atlanta GA to name a few.  We will always treasure the trips we made in Peru & Czech Republic.  You proved to be a "Foodie" in Lima when you walked the streets in search a Restaurant for Dinner, while everyone down / acclimating to high altitude.

You will forever stay in our Hearts & Watch over us, especially Bern & Ethan. 

Eternal Rest grant & Perpetual Light shine on YOU.

Dear Ricky,

You left so suddenly!  In the blink of an eye you were gone. Just like your Dad, Tito Johnny,  you went on your final adventure without warning.

We will miss your twinkling eyes and infectious grin. How with that quirky smile you enticed Monsy and Tonichi to accompany you in your  leaky Brasilia to the  first automated car wash in Manila. How all of you got soaking wet and barely avoided the flu after. How you with John D.  or Joey Del were regulars at our dinner table.  You would have everyone at the table in stitches as you tried to whitewash your misadventures with my  four brothers.  Ricky you were my fifth brother. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for enriching our lives. 

Dear  Bernadette and Ethan, we share your grief and loss. We embrace you in love and prayers. 

Love ❤️ ❤️❤️
Corito Chuidian

Bernadette, we are so heartbroken about Ricky's passing. Sending big hug and prayers for you and Ethan  in this time of mourning. We will surely miss him. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts.

The Chuidian cousins were always so close, specially when  we were younger . 
Ricky spent a lot of time in our house. He would often show up with Joey del Rosario or John Di Camilles to join us for a meal, or just hang out.  He also used to stay with us everytime he got into trouble with Vicente. 
One time when we were in Vegas,  he took us and my mom to dinner at the Mandalay.  He said he wanted to thank my mom for feeding him all those years and taking him in everytime he got into trouble.

Though Ricky and I did not hang out, we shared funny and memorable tidbits.  I remember his beat-up green Brasilia whose windows could only be opened and closed by pushing them up or down with his hands.  He often ate and stayed in our house in Bel-Air telling his "escapades" and no matter how bad it was, he was always smiling and laughing them off.
I began to know him more after we both moved to the USA.  I admired how this seemingly "lost" teen worked his way up, to be independent of his older brother, from being an electronics salesman, to the US Navy, AT&T and Amazon.  He appeared to morph from a being a "party boy" to a family man.  He overlooked the hard time his older brother gave him, instead appreciating the support and opportunities opened to him.  He always remembered his Tito's and Tita's visiting them when he travelled to the Philippines.  Behind the bratty facade was a warm, caring and loving soul.  No one forgets a person like Ricky.  He is immortalized in everyone's memories.

My memories of Ricky growing up are mostly fragmentary. I would occasionally spend school breaks with them, often at Carmen's request, likely because she was the only girl. I remember the boys goofing around the house, and one particular instance stands out when Ricky took the time to teach us cousins how to putt on their front lawn on Dapdap Street in Parañaque, Manila. Their whole family, including our maternal grandmother Lola Leona, moved overseas in the 70s. Our mothers, Francia and Tita Leng, are sisters.

In the past 15 years, Ricky and I have communicated more frequently through social media. Ricky was particularly interested when I mentioned that I had photos of their mom and the family from my mom’s collection, especially those from when Tita Leng was known as Leila Morena in films. I have sent some of the photos. 

Please extend our condolences and prayers to the rest of the family.

Love and sympathies from,
Marie Cheryl and family, Tita Francia, Ramon and wife Doris, Vikki and husband Ray and children.

In photo from left:

2 cousins not familiar with, Jet, Ricky, Jay and Bobby.

In the photo from left:

Francia, Vikki, Nina, Lorna, Tita Vangie, Marie Cheryl (me), Tita Leng, David, Carmen, Ricky, Bobby, Nicky, Noel, and Ramon.

In the photo from left:

Moey, Ricky, Uncle Steve, David, Bobby, and Carmen.

Boarding the plane were Lola Leona, Ricky, Moey and Carmen (both infront of Lola).

In the photo from left:

Bobby, Marie Cheryl (me), Francia (my mom), Ramon and Vikki (my siblings), Tita Leng, Uncle Steve, Ricky, Debbie, Mata and someone I’m unsure who.

Ricky has been a very dear friend to me since High School. We were with each almost everyday because we were both classmates and neighors. Not only that, carpool mates pa! We helped each other grow up though not too sure if we matured enough. But it was wonderful years 1974 to about 1980, we just hang out , tried to study , go out with girls and eat together. He was starting to get into my nerves but then Ricky left for the US, surprisingly got his Degree in Electrical Engineering , worked hard , survived and did quite well . He met the love of his life , Bernadette and together had Ethan. What a wonderful family ! Rick and I saw each other and spoke a few times, when i would travel to the US , I observed that he found happiness and contentment. Always positive about his life, good energy at all times. Again, we started were we left of. Pretty cool , good friends just being good friends. 
When Ricky passed away, it felt like my heart stopped too. I couldnt believe it, couldnt accept it. Never got to even say once , that I love the guy, my buddy.  And I slready miss him.
Rick, Im serious, I never said this too any of the boys! 
RIP my friend , lets continue to hang out when i get to see you again.

EJ was a good man gone too soon! He was passionate about teaching his son new things each day. He had the seriousness of an engineer when necessary, but he also pursued simple pleasures such as owning an ice cream business and taking long walks in the park with his family.  EJ was intelligent and funny and  a great role model for his son.  We will all miss EJ's sense of humor and kindness. My deepest condolences to Bernadette and family.

Dinner at Ethan’s favorite restaurant on one of our Las Vegas visits..

Dear Bernadette, Ethan and Family
Our deepest condolences, the news of EJ's passing has deeply saddened us. He was a bright light, and will always be in our hearts, as are you all during this incredibly sad time.
My time in Vegas is coloured entirely by our friendship with you and EJ, and when I think back on the 6 years we had there, they are filled with so many moments of great laughs, great food, optimisim, adventure, and excitement (largely at all the travel stories shared of travels you and EJ set off on). These were great times, and have a special place in my heart forever. EJ is missed already, and it is with gratitude that a special place is always reserved and cherished in our memories for him.
It's impossible right now to make sense of this moment for any of us. It's perhaps one of the times where one does have to dig deep and lean on faith, whatever that means to us all as individuals. And so now, from across the ocean, I am leaning in to my faith that EJ will continue to live on, and that we will collectively find sense and peace with it all in time.
Sending all our love
Anna, Preston and Karina

I met EJ when I started working at Amazon. Our first interaction was during a virtual meeting, and I will never forget the way he welcomed me with 'Angelito, Bienvenido' in perfect Spanish. From there, we connected and became good friends. I remember many mornings driving to work at 4:00 AM with a smile on my face because I knew I would be working on a project with him, and I knew we would have a great time — telling jokes and enjoying the occasional Filipino treat that he would bring and share with me for breakfast. He was always in my corner, supporting and advising me with that special positive attitude he had toward all my life projects. I know how excited he was about my trip to the Philippines, and I would have loved to share with him the incredible experience I had there. I wish strength to Bernadette, Ethan, and his family as they go through this. The pain of his loss is shared by many who were touched by him.

EJ was someone who always made me laugh. He had a naughty sense of humor - one that recognized the ridiculous and called it out - but always with wit and kindness. He was a great friend and a better father and he will be very very missed. My heart goes out to Bernadette and Ethan and to all of us to loved and will miss him. The world is a little darker without his light.

I was beyond saddened upon hearing of EJ’s passing.  I immediately started thinking of the first time Bern introduced me to him. I’ve known them both when they lived in CA. 
What I admire most of EJ is his relentless pursuit of “entrepreneurship “, always wanting to learn something new. I remember when he was already working in the IT tech field, and wanted to open a small ice cream business, learn how to make ice cream with his wide smile! I am missing him .

I was stunned to learn of EJ's passing. We worked together at Walgreens every Thursday. I always looked forward to spending that time with him. He became a dear friend and I will miss him terribly. God's comfort for his family and friends.

My deepest sympathy for your loss Bernadette and Ethan he was close to my heart. My deepest sympathy also to his brothers Bobby an Moey and sister Dolly
Tonichi Chuidian

Ricky has always been close to him. He is the only one who takes time to visit my folks when he is Manila. I was also blessed by staying one night with him and Bernadette and was blessed to be introduced to her father and mother.

EJ

Always wore his heart on his sleeve and a smile on his face; his silly chuckles I can still hear. Your loss is so great and I am so sorry for all who love him and are grieving.  To me he was a wonderful mentor and a kind soul and I am better for having known him.  

Jami Calhoun

Dear Bernadette,

So sorry to receive the news of EJ's passing - I'm both shocked and gutted.    EJ was just the best - such a good man.  Always smiling and positive - a kind temperament and solid character.  I can vividly remember our last conversation, and he sounded so content with life.  I will always appreciate, and be grateful for, his friendship.

Your friend,
John

Dear Bernadette,

So sorry to receive the news of EJ's passing.  I'm both shocked and gutted.  EJ was just the best - such a good man.   Always smiling and positive - a kind temperament and solid character.  I can vividly remember our last conversation, and he sounded so content with life.  

I will always appreciate, and be grateful for, his friendship.  
I will pray that, in time, you will find peace again.

With love,
Your "Vegas family" downunder,
John

Our very first Ateneo HS76 reunion was in Vegas in 2001.  Ricky was hesitant at first, since he was a batch mate for only 1 year. We were all glad for his presence and he made sure that he was at all succeeding reunions and smaller get-together. He was good friend and a Blue brother. 
We will miss you amigo!

The hot shots of our times. Rest in peace, Ricky!

It was fun when Bernadette and EJ still lived in California as we were able to hang and go places. I remember both domestic and foreign adventures...from Yosemite to Prague...etc.

Although we only saw them during the holidays since they moved to Las Vegas, i guess it was still fun watching concerts and shows whenever we visited. I remember EJ always tired to tell jokes - both funny and corny - to lighten up the mood. He was very proud of his family and Bernadette, and Ethan of course.

You will be missed.

Christmas in Las Vegas. Here with their little Santa Claus....

Our sincerest condolences to Berna and Ethan.

Ricky, we will always cherish the memories we have of you and Berna. Roller blading in Los Gatos, wine tasting, swimming, tennis, ping pong, hiking and getting lost in the Santa Cruz mountains, taking dancing lessons (step, step, rock step) and testing our newly learned skills at da club.  And of course our eating adventures...rest in peace brother.  Godspeed Ricky...till we meet again.

Bernie and Edna Ang

Ricky and cousins Monsy and Doey at a turnaround party 🎉💃🏻  He looks rather fetching  😅 I miss you Ricky ❤️

My best memory of Ricky is our adventures in his yellow green VW Brasília.  From locking the car keys inside  the car in the cliffs in Tali beach, having a dashboard electrical fire while driving and the driver’s door falling out during a car wash.  I believe there are more stories of Ricky and his Brasilia with his Ateneo friends…
Ricky was more a brother than a cousin.  He was welcomed in our house in Bel-Air and Dad and Mom treated him like they treated all their children.  When we were in SanJose, he showed me how to party hard and most of all how not to get carried away…
We share the same birthday (he was 3 years older) so we always connected during our birthday.  I will miss your smiling face and happy demeanor Ricky.  Rest in Peace

Ricky was the youngest here next to me.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

This was a great memory. This was the last picture I ever took of my brother.  It was my beautiful wife Jennifer’s birthday. We met Ricky at a Mexican Restaurant he recommended, it was very good. He brought Jen a birthday cake and we had a wonderful meal. Bernadette let us know this was Ricky’s favorite shirt. I miss you my Brother.  Love David and Jennifer

Getting to know EJ was such an exciting and beautiful experience. He'd be either giving me a motivational speech on how I can do anything or telling me a story of his Navy days. Talking to him always brightened my day and he definitely will be missed by all those he touched. 
Love, Ilisha Reed

Carmen 14 Ricky 13 Bobby 12 at mom’s home in Parañaque.  When life was simple.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

Hey Skyla!  Las Vegas visit with Charybdis, Illa, Sofi, Ana and baby Ethan.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

My wedding June 1990.   Look who is standing right beside me.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

The last time I saw Ricky alive was our mother’s funeral in Las Vegas May 2016.  We sought comfort with each other over dimsum after.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

Christmas 1985 in Hillsborough CA, swigging champagne under the tree with Peter and Bettina.  New Year’s Eve in Maui, scarfing down sushi by the pool and biking down a volcano at sunrise to welcome 1986.  I miss you Ricky ❤️

I’m so glad we were able to spend time with you last Christmas Day at your home. I just wish it was longer, but then again, how can we tell what the future holds. But, I cherish that day in my heart always. 

I still remember the first time we met you, my sister in law (Malou) said, Berna’s boyfriend is here, he’s guapo. So, I met you & I agreed with her,  yes he’s guapo. But, of course we were just saying this in secret. 

EJ was so proud of his family & his heritage. He told us he has roots all the way from Manchuria. 

We will miss you EJ.  We pray for your soul & spirit. May you rest in eternal peace.

Ode to my brother ric.
Came in on a sunny day on Wednesday
Saw you on the hospital bed
What has happened to it all?
Crazy summer day
Where is the ric that I recognize?
I want to wish for yesterday
Somehow have to find
As I make my way to an ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Dearest Bernadette, Ethan, and EJ’s and Bernadette’s families, 

We are so deeply sorry for your families’ loss. EJ was an amazing family friend to us.

Dominic and I loved growing up as a couple with EJ and you, Bernadette. It was so much fun to share meals, events, and time together. When children came, life inevitably got busier, yet we still found time to hang out with each other on holidays and "regular" days. Our memories are overflowing with all the fun, smiles, sounds, smells, and feelings that these times with you all brought. 

As hard as it was to see him in the ICU, EJ looked like EJ. Touching him still felt the same. We know that his passing from this world has left a gap, a void, space in Ethan’s and all your lives. With time, your hearts will heal, but you and we will never forget him.

We will pray for EJ, and we will continue to remember him, and we will always think about you, Bernadette, Ethan, EJ, and your families.

Lots of love, hugs, kisses, and our unequivocal and enduring support for all of you, the Rodrigues family

Haydn, Rania, Sheridan, Kashmira, Chantal & Dominic

OBITUARY

Enrique Julian Chuidian

August 25, 1959 – June 5, 2024

Palm Southwest Mortuary

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