Medizon Gatchalian Ramos' Obituary
Medizon Gatchalian Ramos was born on September 26, 1949 in Cavite City, Philippines. He was the third child and the oldest son of Regalado Sabino Ramos and Balbina Gatchalian Ramos. He lived a humble childhood supporting his family through fishing while attending school from elementary, high school, and two years at FIATI University in Manila.
In order to support his parents and siblings, Med joined the United States Navy at the age of 18 where he served most of his duty on aircraft carriers. He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer and decided not to pursue a higher ranking due to his hearing impairment. He retired from the navy after 20 years and continued to work as a civilian, performing helicopter inspections at Naval Air Station, North Island for the Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific. He retired in 2009 and enjoyed his break catching up on Filipino TV shows and keeping in touch with friends and family on Facebook.
Med met his wife, Corazon Garcia Vasquez, at the University of California San Diego Hospital. He courted her through letters while he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They spent two years corresponding through letters and married on October 5, 1975 at St. Rita Catholic Church. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Claire and Melissa. Claire married Lonny Saldivar and had three children: Jesi, Brandon and Lillian. Melissa married Thomas Hiatt and had three children: Mya, Solana and Aria.
Always a fisherman, Med enjoyed bringing home fresh-caught fish and clams for his family to enjoy. He taught his children to fish so that they may share his hobby. Med played racquetball up until his knees told him it was time to stop. He also enjoyed taking the family on small trips in the RV, visiting theme parks, Las Vegas, and National Parks.
Med converted to Catholicism while his daughters were attending St. Rita’s School, with Fr. Jovencio Ricafort administering the sacrament. Med volunteered as an usher, Eucharistic minister, catechist, and cooked for The Filipino American Community of St. Rita (FACSR). He was present at every FACSR event but stayed in the kitchen due to his declining hearing and eyesight.
His generosity knew no bounds. Med petitioned his parents and siblings from the Philippines and opened the family home to them while they took steps to settle in the United States. He received joy from feeding people and providing entertainment for his guests through movies, music or karaoke. He is well known for generous feasts, cooking enough to feed twice the amount of guests, with each guest leaving with “to-go” boxes from every gathering.
On September 26, 2022 he left to visit the Philippines with his brother, Edwin, and sister, Olivia, to see his other siblings, Lita and Nerissa, plus all his relatives and friends. He returned on October 24, 2022, exhausted but relieved and happy to be home. On October 28, he succumbed to his overworked heart that gave and loved so generously.
Med will be greatly missed but we find consolation in the hope that he will share in the joy of the resurrection and receive eternal happiness in heaven.
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