Filomeno Dungan Buack Jr.

his legacy continues after his untimely passing.

Born on July 19, 1941 in Baguio City, Philippines, to Filomeno Dungan Buack, Sr.

and Pacita Dungan Buack, he was the oldest of 12 siblings - Dolores Maglaya (married

to Jesus Maglaya, Jr), Nenita PeBenito (married to Sebastian PeBenito), Roger Buack

(married to Diana Buack), Carlito Buack (married to Jessica Buack), Iluminada

Contaoi (married to Antonio Contaoi), Virginia Murillo (married to Noel Murillo),

Rey Buack (married to Shirdellah Buack), Alex Buack (married to Bella Buack), Vicky

Flores (married to Karl Flores), Sally Buack and Estrellita/Sirikit Roldan (married to

Jovic Roldan).

He attended Baguio Central Elementary School and Baguio Tech High School. He

was always very resourceful and took odd jobs to earn money. He worked at Camp

Allen as a tennis ball attendant, and as a caddy at Camp John Hay golf course. In

1961, he decided to join the US Navy in hope of a better life and future.

He met his beloved wife, Erlinda Buack in Torrance, California when they were

introduced by Erlinda’s Auntie Sally in 1969. They continued the relationship and

were married in Los Angeles on April 9, 1970. They were blessed by the birth of their

eldest daughter, Michelle Johnson (married to Darwin Johnson), followed by their

son, Michael Buack and their youngest daughter, Melani Gordon (married to Mario

Gordon). Their family continued to grow with the birth of their eldest grandson born

to Michelle - Isaiah Buack (married to Leslie Buack, children Khaleesi and T’challa),

followed by Melani and Mario’s boys, Eko and Ares.

In 1971, June petitioned his father, Filomeno Sr. to the United States, and in 1974,

his mother and five siblings (Virginia, Alex, Vicky, Sally and Sirikit) joined them in

San Diego, California.

While in the US Navy, he served as a Steward and later changed his role to Aviation

Maintenance (AZ), where he was stationed at Miramar Naval Air Base. He went on

many WestPAC (West Pacific) tours on the USS Ticonderoga and was stationed in

Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban missile crisis. He retired from active duty in the

US Navy in 1981, however, he continued to work as a Federal employee in the

aviation supply department in Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

His physical legacy indeed continues with his family, but his legacy of generosity and

friendship also continues with the many people that he has touched during his earthly

journey. He was very kind and generous to a fault, and would willingly give the shirt

off his back to anyone who needs it. He also made the best “kilawen” and sashimi!

His garden was his pride and joy and would often arrive to family’s houses with bags

full of fruits and vegetables to share.

May the love that he shared with all of us bring us comfort in the coming days. Rest

now, loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and

friend. We will miss you.