Avelino M Fang

Avelino Madriaga Fang was born on December 18, 1955, in Anduyan, Tubao, La Union, Philippines, to Francisco Fang and Juana Madriaga Fang, both deceased. He was the 6th in a family of eight, with five girls and three boys.

Growing up, he was sprightly at a young age. He was always curious, eager, and enthusiastic to learn new things, such as fond of fishing. He acquired his knowledge and skills in fishing from his father by going to the river and casting their handmade nets and fishing poles. Furthermore, Avelino’s father was a talented barber in their town. As ardent and exuberant as he was to learn new things, Avelino keenly observed and watched his father cut people’s hair. Because Avelino was passionate about becoming a barber, he would pay the kids in their neighborhood five centavos to let him cut their hair. This was how he mastered cutting hair. As expected, Avelino cut his children’s hair when they were growing up.

Apart from spending quality time with his father, Avelino indeed behaved as a big bother to his youngest sister, Vicky, and was very protective of her. Whoever tried to take Vicky to play with or babysit, Avelino surely would go after them.

During his school-age days, he attended Anduyan Elementary School. After elementary, he attended S.A.M.A. High School in Tubao, La Union, Philippines, in the early 70s. After graduating high school, he enrolled and pursued Commerce at Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines.

After two years in college, his interests and priorities changed, and he decided to leave college to learn and look for a job for immediate income.

In 1975, he joined the Philippine Constabulary and was deployed and stationed in Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. In June 1976, he was transferred to Ifugao Province, where he met his future partner and the love of his life, our mom, Luzviminda Salvador. After a year of courting and dating, they settled and married on October 28, 1979, in Potia, Ifugao, Philippines, witnessed by friends and relatives, including his only brother, Leopoldo Fang, and two sisters, Judith Fang Ugay and Lilia Fang Gonzales. His mom, Lola Juana, his sister Rebecca (Vicky) Fang Breis, and Gloria Fang Lagliva could not attend their wedding as they were already in the United States.

After almost a year of marriage, they welcomed their first baby. Then, six years later, Avelino and Luzviminda spent their invaluable time and love raising their four children, Mary Midori, Kris Anthony, Karen Grace, and Cesar Ryan. Though it was hard for him to work away from his family, Avelino continued to diligently work and strive as a Policeman at the Philippine Constabulary to provide and support his family.

During his time and service as a Policeman at the Philippine Constabulary, later known as the Philippine National Police, he received numerous awards and promotions. After 25 years in service, he retired as a Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Avelino Madriaga Fang. Avelino was so proud of these achievements and yet stayed humble and grounded.

In 1996, Avelino and his entire family immigrated to the United States. It was made possible with the unconditional and unwavering love and support of his mom, Lola Juana, and sister, Vicky Breis, his brother-in-law Julio Breis, sister Gloria Lagliva, and the late brother-in-law, Johnny Lagliva. When permitted to work in the US, Avelino worked at several companies, including ICTC, Invisalign, Jennings, and Tesla, where he retired.

Avelino was fond of fishing. He ensured his fishing license was purchased, secured, and ready for yearly fishing seasons. Here in the US, he got to enjoy his hobby, fishing. It was his and our mom’s moment to spend quality time together after a hard week at work.

Avelino was not a selfish man. With every catch, small or abundant, he assured his family and friends had a share and enjoyed the outcome/fruits of his fishing trips. Lately, before he got sick, he enjoyed gardening and could share the produce with his family and friends.

Avelino, our dearest dad, was a man of few words and merely showed his physical love and affection; however, we knew he profoundly loved us in his ways. He ensured that we became successful and able to support ourselves and our families.

Daddy, although our time spent together in this world was short-lived, we will never forget the love you have shown and the advice you have engraved in our minds to become the best and most successful in whatever we do.