Ephraim Bauzon Caracas' Obituary
Ephraim Bauzon Caracas AKA “Ping”June 27, 1942 – December 17, 2016San Diego, CaliforniaThe JOKESTER that smiled. The DREAMER with a heart of gold. The HERO that lived carefree and free-spirited yet so strong. His family at his sides with the rays of morning sunlight gently beaming, Ephraim peacefully passed at 9:47 a.m. on December 17th, 2016.Juan Celzo Caracas and Hepolita Bauzon gave birth to twins on June 27th, 1942 in Macaleeng Anda Pangasinan, Philippines. Ephraim and Lemuel appeared on earth to be the second youngest of the 7 Caracas children. Ephraim, or “Ping”, and Lemuel, or “Ming”, taught themselves at the age of eleven the art of surviving in life. They decided to conquer their dreams and live better in the United States by joining the U.S. Navy on July 12th, 1968.Ephraim dedicated 20 years the the U.S. Navy as a Storekeeper. Being in the military led him to work and travel from the West Coast to the East Coast and to many other countries. He had his wife, Elsa Aquino Caracas, whom he met in the Philippines and his children, Daryl and Colleen, move from Yuma, Arizona to San Diego, California then to Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; back to Virginia and finally retired in San Diego July 11th, 1988. He graduated from Southwestern College on December 18th, 1993 with an Associate’s degree and held multiple jobs.Boxing was a past time for Ephraim, as well as often eating desserts. He loved driving whether is was going to pump gas or make the drive to San Jose. After twenty years of wearing dungarees he proudly had his signature look of choice: a plaid shirt, nice slacks and comfy dress shoes. Dancing was part of his daily routine, breaking out whenever, but the Cha-Cha-Cha was his favorite. He had a fun life because he chose to make it that way. He believed if you put your mind to what you want to accomplish you could do whatever you desire. Growing up from rags to a successful and well-accomplished man, he’d say that if your’re given a brain, use it without limits and no one can use your talent except you .Ephraim went with the flow, laughing and smiling. Smiling in happy times, as well as difficult ones. He handled things somewhat seriously, but mostly lightly. He thanks you from the bottom of his heart as you read this, and would advise you to laugh even when you’re having a lame day.Those that know him: he leaves a fart to you while he’s enjoying a cup of coffee at his designed dream-home and most of all still being a jokester in the Philippines (as he’s laughing and smiling this very second).Ephraim is survived by his beautiful and strong wife, Elsa of 43 years, his reliable son Daryl; his adventurous daughter, Colleen; and his only granddaughter Cherokee. May he rest, in peace and love.
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