Justo "Ernie" Bauzon

In the song of life, Justo Ernesto “Ernie” Bauzon was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Ernie preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. A free spirit, Ernie believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Ernie perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Ernie was born on June 12, 1939 at home in Gumaca, Quezon, Philippines to Peping and Mina Bauzon. As a young child, Ernie was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Ernie rarely called attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Ernie showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with seven siblings; he had four brothers, Eddie, Edil, Ronnie, and Edgar, and three sisters, Ester, Frennie, and Eleanor. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Ernie developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Growing up, Ernie played hacky sack and classic childhood games like hide-and-seek. Occasionally, he would also play basketball, and in his spare time he liked fishing. However, to Ernie, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with family, cousins, and friends.

Early on in his school years, Ernie showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in science. At times, school learning did not provide Ernie with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for science was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Gumaca High School in 1956. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Ernie was a high honors student throughout high school.

In college, Ernie showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. His fondness for science continued as a Pre-Med student earning a spot in one of the top universities in Manila. His unselfish love for family changed his circumstance and instead proudly finished college with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

Those who didn’t know Ernie well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Ernie was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Ernie’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were his cousins - Bauzons, Canelas, Saturays, Villavers and Angulos, as well as Oscar Gendrano and Linda & Ruby Diamante from his hometown. Later in life, he became friends with people he met through work - Rebsie Rebong and Conrad Allarey; and people he met in Samoa and California - Mendozas, De Dioses, Janairos, Andaleses, Navarros, Alivias; and his children's In-Laws, to name a few.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Ernie had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On January 9, 1971, Ernie exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Puring Intal in Manila, Philippines.

Ernie was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness. Ernie was blessed with four children; two daughters, Carmen and Etchie, and two sons, Koy and John Paul. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Taylor, Joshua, and Levi.

Ernie found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was as a Chemical Engineer and he was employed for over 40 years for Coco Chemical, Samoa Oil Refinery, and Avery Dennison. Ernie tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Ernie enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, reading, fishing, playing Mah-Jong, and going to casinos. Ernie was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Throughout his life, Ernie was a doer and was actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Ernie was an active member of the Gumaca Association of California. Ernie also liked sports and recreationally enjoyed playing basketball and tennis. Ernie was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball and watching his grandkids play baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Because he loved the world around him, Ernie enjoyed traveling for work and given the chance, going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included going to Hawaii and Las Vegas. Ernie would also travel for work, going to Yugoslavia, the Vatican, the Polynesian Islands, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and many more.

Ernie’s retirement arrived in 2003 after being diagnosed with kidney failure. He spent the latter years of his retirement relocating to Las Vegas after receiving a kidney transplant in 2010. During this time, he enjoyed staying current with the news and continued to stay in touch with his friends and family through social media. He enjoyed spending time with his wife collecting their weekly "gifts" at the casinos and during his last few months, looked forward to the Friday Night Family Mah-Jong sessions.

After battling 3 months of blood infections and strokes, Ernie passed away on August 15, 2018 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Just as he wanted to be in the comfort of his own home and still protecting the family he loves. He is survived by his wife, Purita Bauzon; daughters, Carmen De Guzman and Etchie Anderson; sons, Ernest and John Paul Bauzon; sons-in-law, Stephen De Guzman and Jason Anderson; daughter-in-law, Marlyn Bauzon; grandchildren, Taylor Marie De Guzman, Joshua De Guzman, and Levi Anderson; sisters, Ester Odono, Frennie Ursolino, and Eleanor Florido; and brothers, Eddie, Edil, and Edgar Bauzon. Services were held at Palm Southwest Mortuary.

Ernie was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Ernie always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Ernie was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Ernie Bauzon.