The Patron Family: 2010

Saturday March 6, 2010 1:00pm
York Cemetery and Visitation Centre
160 Beecroft Road
North York, ON M2N 5Z5

Transcript of Eulogy:

Tatay's scrapbook messages by Grandchildren.

Introduction by Janelle Patron.
The messages you are about to hear from the grandchildren were compiled together to make a Get Well Soon scrapbook for Tatay. However, we were only able to write the messages last Sunday, the night Tatay passed away so he was never able to see it. As sad as it made us, we are happy that Tatay is in a better place. Even though God may have not necessarily answered our prayers the way we wanted, we know that "our thoughts are not His thoughts, and our ways are not His ways". There was an analogy given at my church that we can encourage us all. Our prayers to God are similar to a child who wishes or asks their parents for something. The parent always knows what is best for their child and sometimes the best means not answering yes to every single request a child asks. Although, the parent also never discourages their child to stop asking. May we not be discourage to keep asking and praying and stay persistent in our communication with God. One thing we know for sure is that God has taken away all of Tatay's suffering and that he is fully healed with our Lord and Savior.

Hope Patron: Hi Tatay! How are you? We hope you come back soon and you feel better. I love you because you’re always nice and you always say hi when I come to you. He always clean the house. He always take care of us. I will love you forever. He was the nicest grampa in the world. I love you!

Jacob Nicolas: Hi Tatay I hope you feel better and not go to the hospital anymore and I wish your sickness goes away. I love you because because you always take care of me Love Jacob

Joseph Nicolas: Hi Tatay I hope you can come home and take care of us because we really miss you. I really hope you come back from the hospital. I love you so much because you take care of me and can clean the basement. I love you!

Pauline Patron: I hope you will get better. I Know you will be healed and greeting everyone with a smile once again. Get well soon!! I love you so much and you will get better. Tatay I miss you and pray for you so I hope you get better. I admire you because you are always smiling in the worst times, you make me feel better when I’m sad even though you don’t understand English that well you always ask how I am. I am still praying for you and hoping you will get well soon. I love you so much. Get well soon!!

James Nicolas: Hi Tatay! This is the first time I actually talked to you and you understood so I’m going to say a lot. I hope you can get better soon Tatay. I really miss you and it hurts seeing you in the hospital like that. I remember when you used to take care of me and my cousins, and when you were strong enough to do everything. You helped us with a lot and I miss you and Inay in your bedroom. Whenever I look inside your bedroom, I miss you more. I know that God will heal you soon and I pray that God will heal you completely. I am praying for you everyday.
I wish I had learned more Tagalog so I could talk to you before. I wish you never got sick so that you could be here right now. I wish you could go to places and have fun with us. I wish you could be strong enough to do things with us and enjoy it with us. I pray that you could be healed so that this could happen. Love, James

Stefanel Lapradez: Hi Tatay! I hope you get better soon and be able to go to Philippines and see everybody and have a good time. Also I’m praying for you every day for your heart, the water, your leg and everything else. I also remember when you always take care of us and also Inay and when you make pandesal and clean all the mess we use to make. I love you so much and you inspire me so much when you are healthy your go to church as much as you can and I am praying for you so much and I love you so much. GOD BLESS YOU AND I HOPE YOU GET WELL SOON!!!!

Debbie Zaratan: I remember back when you used to make pandesal for us kids and I really miss those times. Although now we all grew up, it doesn’t mean I still don’t love you Tatay! You’ve been standing strong even through these hard times and you have still been praising God which is very inspiring to me. We all know God is a giving God; I know He’ll do what is best for you, but I really hope He would touch you with His holy hand, healing you as soon as possible. I love you so much Tatay and I will always be praying for you every single day, hoping you would be fully healed sooner or later.

Lois Patron: I love you Tatay and I know you will get better through God. I hope you will get out of the hospital soon and won’t have to go again because you are fully healed. I miss you a lot, and I will pray for you always Tatay, because I love you. When you’re not here, it seems empty. I will try to relearn Tagalog so whenever I see you, I can speak to you and you can understand. I miss you a lot. I know that you will become stronger every day, and will be able to go back to church and enjoy being with the family again at home. You took care of us when we were younger and I think it’s our turn to help you tatay. I will try my best to help. I will continue to pray for you Tatay. God knows what he is doing, so do not give up or feel sad or angry because you are in the hospital, Tatay. Love Always, Lois

Charlene Patron: TATAY! How are you? I hope you get better very, very soon! I pray for you every night you know that? I love you very much! I remember when I used to sit and watch you bake in San Frustaglio. You asked me once if the stuffing in the bread was red or purple... I didn’t know how to say purple in tagalog so I said it was red! I miss your pandesal and all the baked goods you used to make for us. And the time you used to catch Janelle and I birds at Don Mills. You always amazed me. You continue to amaze me. The strength you show every single day to strive to live is something that I admire greatly. Continue keeping on and I hope that when I get back from the Philippines that I’ll be able to talk to you completely in Tagalog. Love you lots, and keep on keeping on. God bless.

Eulogy Part 1

Poem by Debbie Zaratan

I believe that God is very giving
He gave us a wonderful grandfather
Although he’s gone,
In my heart, he is still living

I was about four years old
Rolling down green hills, grass gathering in my hair
The smell of the pandesals fill the air
I see your loving face so I run
Take some bread and give you a hug
I miss our old fun

Even when you were aching
You still smiled
Our hearts were breaking
So you would fight back and still praise God
What an example you set
I know that it was so hard for you
But you pulled through
I wish you were here with us

You couldn't understand English
But I hope you can understand what I am trying to say
I thought this was one of the best ways;
I love you Tatay

Poem by Lois Patron

Congratulations tatay, you are finally free of sickness

On this day we shall miss you

Released from earth and into heaven

My dear Jesus:

You guide me, and heal me.

You’ve healed Tatay.

You guided him towards a place of no pain.

You chose for this, knowing that good will come through.

We thank you Lord for Healing Tatay.

You have also brought us closer to you.

Thank you so much God.

We Love you and we will miss you Tatay.

Though you are with God

You are still here in our memories.

We will not forget you.

You are still here in our hearts, and will be there forever.

We never really got to say goodbye, but we know you understand.

Here in our presence, we bid you farewell.
Thank you for being here with us.

Mahal kita, I love you.

Tatay even if you are gone, you are still here with us, through memories. And sometimes it seems as if you are here watching us and guiding us as well.

Daniel Patron read by James Nicolas: Thank you for being a wonderful grandpa for all of us. Thank you for working hard and for my father, my uncles and my aunties. Thank you for the wonderful memories, it will always remain in my heart and my mind. Although we are away from each other before and only meet every time you go here or I go there.. Now that you are in paradise with our Lord. You are now watching us, wherever we go, whatever we do and whatever we think of. You have been a great warrior, you never gave up in fighting,. You never stopped believing. You are 1 of the sources of our strength. You have been a faithful man. Thank you tatay for the wonderful things you have done for the whole family. Me and the whole family loves you tatay..

Gail Patron: My grandfather was always a very kind man no matter what he had. He would always was a giver. I still remember those times on my birthday, he would always give me that extra twenty dollars in his pocket. He would laugh and tell me to take the money even though Inay had already given me my present.

It was only a few days ago that I had last seen my grandfather. We had visited him in the hospital, right before my dad had left for work. Right when we had walked into the room, he immediately smiled, his priceless smile. He was happy to see us. I remember his warm hands as he blessed our foreheads. He laughed, he was so joyful that my dad had finally gotten a job, "answered prayer!" Tatay said smiling. He had laughed once more, as he that my younger sister had grown a bit taller than me. I miss his thoughtful jokes to lighten my mood. His laughter and smile. At the time I was completely unaware that, that would be the last time I would see my grandfather smile, feel the warmth of his skin, hear his softhearted laughter. All the stories, his past failures, his greatest achievements turned him into the greatest man I will ever know. My grandfather is my inspiration, my mentor. My grandfather was so strong and faithful, he never gave up. He fought strong in his battle. I love you Tatay, I will miss my grandpa.

Charlene Patron: Let me put this bluntly. I tend to disappoint. And yes, I am a tad bit superficial and I always think the worst. I sometimes find that I am complete opposite of my grandfather. He a man who took all that he had and gave until he couldn't give anymore. I remember how warm his presence was - his eyes always reflected that... But in those final crucial days, I noticed a subtle change in him. Not the drastic weight loss or the paleness of his skin but, his eyes. His sweet brown eyes changed - they turned blue. So, as I stared into his blue eyes, a flood of emotion hit me. All those years I wished I had blue eyes I now regret, because his eyes, in that brilliant shack of blue represent all the pain and the struggle he had t face simply to live. And yet hope was still there. Whether it was a trick of light, or my own brand of madness, I saw a glint of silver around the edges of his iris. This represents something much more significant. In the midst of all the turmoil, he combated his strength, his faith and his family kept him going. Tatay was able to postpone death through sheer strength and his unfailing faith. Although he and I could barely understand each other, we could still communicate. We just exchanged smiles, that's something I will miss.

Even though Tatay is gone, it doesn't mean that his efforts should go unnoticed. Tatay lived a full life. And in this life time, he conquered many vices and obstacles. Like any man, he wasn't without his failures. But like many say, your failures highlight your successes. So Tatay, salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo sa buhay ko. Through you, I know I've got what it takes to succeed.

Nica Patron read by Janelle Patron: I want my letter to be as meaningful as how you have coloured, changed, and gave meaning to my life. When I was young, I was taught of how to live the Christian way. & as I grew up, I became to know you’re one of them. I almost heard the whole story of how your life was, without Jesus Christ. It changed my whole life, & I know because of you Tatay I was enlightened. You go back home in Philippines once a year or sometimes every two years, and in the day of your arrival I could not wait but go home straight from school. Always am excited being with my beloved grandparents again. Nothing could ever replace your presence. The fact that I see your lovely smile, hear your sweet laugh, smell your fragrance, and the touch of your soft hands are the best gift I ever had. I could forget the whole memories I have with my closest friends, but every moment I had with you Tatay is the moment I treasure. When the time of your departure comes, I get sad lonely and depressed. I wanted to come with you, and stay in Canada for a little while just to extend the time I wanted to share with you. I wanted to bring back the time, the whole time we spent together. Memories of laughter, sadness, and thanksgiving offered to our heavenly Father. Every single day of my life I thank God that he has blessed me a grandfather like you. I may never be the best grandchild but I’ll always be your one and only Nica you’ve loved.

Memories I remember with you Tatay:

Whenever you visit Philippines, and arrive at home you immediately call me “Nica. Daniel.” (I can still hear in my mind and it keeps on playing the voice I wanted to hear again. I can still hear how the way you pronounce, and utter the words from your mouth as you call us) Never you have missed to give me and Daniel a $ 100! Sometimes it is more than that. It was consistent. Every time you visit us we receive as many blessings as possible. How generous, faithful and loving you are especially to your grandchildren. Just living like our saviour Jesus Christ.

Another story, we went to the grocery and you were wearing your favourite jacket. Yung Team Pacquiao. Youu and I were left in the parking lot to fix the groceries bought and Canadians saw your jacket. They were talking to us. They were saying something about Pacquiao, and we were just smiling and laughing because they were so fast in speaking we couldn’t hear and understand. The word I just heard is the word Pacquiao. We were so proud of that boxer. I can easily remember your voice, and your sweet laugh.

Thank you for giving me a dollar when I needed one to buy gums and candies. Thank you for keeping my happy in times of loneliness when I was in Canada without having mommy and daddy for a few months. You make me smile Tatay. Thank you for sharing me the stories how you’ve fought the battle and successfully won. Thank you for the memories that will never fade. Thank you for cleaning the house though very dusty you still continued. Thank you for keeping the family strong, in faith in love and with hope. Thank you for keeping the family bonded together. Thank you for bringing as a legacy that would change each of our lives passed on from your childrens’ generation to our child and to our childs’ child so on until the Lord comes. I am wholeheartedly grateful and thankful that I belong to the Patron Family. A family that would never be shaken by any trials and challenges faced because of the Faith & Trust we have in the Lord. Tatay, thank you kasi “Patron” ka, napasa mo yun sa mga anak mo, and so I became a “patron” too. That’s what I am proud of.

Janelle Patron: I remember when Tatay used to take care of me back when I live in Etobicoke. He'd take care of all the boys that were bullying me in the backyard and would tell them to shoo and go away, he always knew how to stand up for me. He'd also used to catch birds in the trees near our garden with his bare hands and he'd let me pet them and play with them. He'd always find the coolest ways to entertain me.

I wish I was able to talk to Tatay. The language barrier that we had was always something that I wish I could overcome. But one thing that I know for sure was that actions always speak louder than words. Even though we couldn't understand each other we both knew we loved each other. The times I would hold his hand to encourage him to be stronger. And the warm hugs I used to give him and even the contagious smile and laugh he gives me whenever I visit him at home or in the hospital were all signs of love I knew was there and that we both felt each other.

Another thing that I remember most about Tatay when we he used to take care of me, was that if he wasn't playing with me, cleaning around the house or strolling outside, he was reading the Bible. His persistence and dedication to God's word amazed me. Even though Tatay didn't finish his grade school years, he was still able to read through the entire Bible. I remember seeing the countless amounts of underlining on almost every page of his Bible. Although He was unable to understand the Bible at times, it did not stop him from continuously going back to His word. If he did not understand the text, I knew the understood the power of God's word and how it was able to save his life.

I also knew he loved the family so much. I learned that every night, Tatay pray for every single person in his family individually. Just think, that's 8 children including the in-laws and about 16 grandchildren! He always had something to pray for each one of us and kept us close in his prayer constantly. And when things got really tough for Tatay in terms of battling the pains of his body, this still did not stop him from praying and reading God's word. Tatay was incredibly strong and was such a fighter and faithful servant that many miracles occurred in his life. Tatay survived a comma and two heart attacks and was able to testify what God has done in his life to many people.God's power and compassion was so evident in Tatay's life. I hope that we can all be inspired by what he has been able to do despite everything he's gone through and to be persistent and strong just like he was.

I love you Tatay so much. I've always prayed that you would draw yourself closer to God and I know now that you are closer to him more than ever at this point experiencing eternal joy in God's presence.

Eulogy Part 2

Dennis Patron. My name is Dennis Patron. I am the eldest son of Cornelio Patron.

Because I am the eldest, my dad has high hopes and dreams for me. How he cares for me since childhood is very precious in my heart. He always told me that I do not want you to experience my hardship so study hard. Only through your education that you can succeed in life, is what he always remind me. However, the environment that we were residing in was like the ghetto where all kinds of influences and vices were present. I chose the wrong path making me to become the black sheep of the family. However, my dad did not give up on me; he corrected me using the old style of discipline. I cannot forget the time that I went home high on drugs and alcohol. It was late already in the evening, but my dad was waiting for me to come home. Once I arrived home I received three punches smacking me straight to my face, and he said that if you will not mend your ways, you better get out of this house because I don’t want you to influence the rest of your siblings. I was given an ultimatum by my dad, and I knew that he was a man of principle. I did not fight my dad back. Instead, I went to my bed unable to sleep that night thinking about what my father had said. In the morning, I said sorry to him and my mom, and promised that I would no longer entertain my bad friends and stick to my study. I thank him because of that incident that I was able to change completely in the opposite direction, and have finished my studies with flying colors. Without the discipline of my dad I probably would not succeed in life. His strong values and principles were instilled into my mind.

Tatay is always willing to help his children. I remember when I was having a hard time in the Philippines because I lost my job overseas because the recession in 1997. He help me financially without hesitation applying for independent immigrant to Canada. Tatay, I will never forget when you willingly gave Daisy the $100.00 to process my police clearance in Ghana. Thank you so much tatay. Without your help, I would probably be living a desperate life in the Philippines.

When I had arrived Canada, I built the basement of my sister Daisy where I and my family would live in Canada. It was tatay who was my only helper. Together we worked for three months constructing that basement before my family arrived. Thank you tatay for your help even when I am already here in Canada.

In his last day here on earth, our bonding had gotten stronger. I was the most available person to help him with the errands with the doctors and in the hospital. I told him not worry of giving me money but tatay will always say you needed it now and he will get some money in his wallet and gave me. He doesn’t hesitate to help me again financially as long as he can. I admire his principle of giving a helping hand to all those that are needy. We prayed together and we kept on talking about his recovery and his plans on going to the Philippines. He was so happy when I told him that God had finally answered our prayers. I was offered a job in Timmins. I saw the smile in his face before I left the hospital not knowing that it will be my last glimpse of tatay alive. My God, all those memories will always linger in my mind. Goodbye Tatay. I know that you are with our Lord. I love you, Tatay. I owe my present status to you. Thank you so much.

Delfin Patron: Lasting Legacy, Inheritance and heritage are parent’s desires for their children. I stand before him now and to all of you of what he did, WELL DONE. I held his hand before he died and witnessed the very struggle of his parting body and spirit as his head and body shaked and trembled right before my eyes and I felt it on my arms before his last breath. There was a power of father and son that was beyond me as if I was struck by lightning that caused me to keep pushing his body and shout as loud as I can– “Tatay, Tatay, Tatay, wake-up, wake-up”. Those are moments and images that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Tatay and Inay used to say while we were kids, that they were not rich and could not give us any material inheritance except for our education. They followed through and left a legacy we strive to pass along to our next generation, our kids.

He taught us the value of the Family.

He worked hard by waking early every morning at 4am to prepare and open our bakery and never missed this routine regardless of anything that happened the previous day.
He never missed a“pasalubong” or “gift” for us whenever he came back from out of town.
He always made an effort to go on a “get-away” with the family during the holidays.
He bought a beautiful jeepney and kept reminding us that he bought it so we can all go together to church.
He tried to eliminate or remove anything and anyone that threatened the family including the Christian faith which we were embarrassed of. Because he was always drunk, it was always a daily faith between Inay and Tatay, that almost caused a family breakdown that lasted for many, many years. He totally opposed Christianity for 16 years. But when the grace of God reached Him. He became a changed man. Since then, my parents encouraged us to bond together in family devotions-praying and singing praises together at least once a month and we never missed a gathering until now. Imagine 7 families, at least 40 headcounts including kids meeting together. That’s the value of family.

He taught us the Value of Hard work. He encouraged us to study but never asked us to help in the factory of the bakery. He punished us severely when we were caught stealing money from the store. He was a man who was not satisfied in doing nothing, he kept working even here in Canada and when he got sick.
He taught us the value of generosity. He lent freely to relatives and others. If we could sum up all of what they loaned to others, it could probably buy a decent house in Manila. He shared with me days before he died, that he gave what he could to others.
He taught us the value of Dedication. To God in praying together. To our wives and Children. He personally talked and sincerely spoke to me when I went wrong. He always insisted to do what was right no matter what the cost.

This is the kind of father that I strive to emulate my best to pass on the my next generation.

Danilo Patron:

In the last two months or so that I had a chance to converse with my Tatay over the phone while he was in the hospital, these are the words that reverberate in my memories:

Dannyyy….kumusta ka?....anong ginagawa mo?....kumusta si Wayne…kumusta si Nica…si Daniel….

Sometimes the lines are cracking…there are times that he was gasping for air as he delivers the words….but almost all the time…they are communicated cheerfully to me to convey the message that everything would be allright.

A few weeks back when I was informed that Tatay was in a bad condition, I asked the opinion of my loved ones if I have to take a visit because I wanted to see my father alive. Their opinions were divided. Some wanted me to go…some said not at that time. But when I asked my Tatay, he answered…

Huwag ka nang pumunta dito…saka nalang pag nakaraos na ang okasyon mo….

(No need for you to go here….come visit us after your occasion)

He was actually referring to my daughter’s debut celebration in the Philippines that was planned as early as October of last year where he, Inay, and other loved ones from here were expected to be my very special guests.

Everytime I speak to him over the phone, he tells me….makakauwi din kami diyan pag may awa ang Diyos… Ang Panginoon ay napakabuti sa akin….

Tatay wanted me not to worry. He wanted me to proceed with my plans. He does want to be an obstacle .He does not want to be a burden to his children. That is vintage Tatay.

Our Tatay has left us a priceless legacy. In close tandem with Inay, Tatay gave us education. I became a CPA and a lawyer because of their dedication and commitment to educate all their children. I am so blessed for having parents like Inay and Tatay. The same legacy that I received, I am passing on to my children. This is what my daughter wrote to Tatay now that he left us, and I quote:

I dedicate my college life to you tatay! Without your hardworks, your sacrifice and your love for the my daddy I wouldn’t be in this place right now. Without you Tatay, he would never love me the way I am loved right now. Daddy told me how much he loves me, and it was all because you have loved your son so much. Without your love for your children, I may not be able to reach this far in life. My daddy is my mentor, and I know it is because of you (End of quote)

Tatay, Wayne, Danica, Daniel, and I will truly miss you. We love you Tatay…we love you very much….

Daisy Nicolas: (awaiting transcript)

Donald Patron: (awaiting transcript)

Eulogy Part 3

Crisanta Patron (Inay

While he was in the hospital since the end of last year, I had been praying so hard day and night that my husband would be healed. I asked prayer requests to all my family members, prayer partners, missionaries, and different churches. I asked them to pray for a miracle. According to the doctors, my husband’s condition is bad. In one of my writings, I told God on February 23, 2010 and I quote:

“Now Father, you know his situation. You know what the doctor is saying. But Father we are your children, believing in you and your promises. Please lay your Hands on him. You said by your strife we are healed and also your promise “Believe when we pray and we will have it”. In the name of Jesus again my Lord, please make a miracle again to my husband Cornelio for you are God and there is nothing impossible with you”

I have firm faith in God that He would answer my prayer and make another miracle. I said to God, “if you will take my husband, he is forever there. So I appeal to you to give Tatay more life here on earth so that we will be together in sharing to others about the Lord’s faithfulness”.

But the Lord did not grant my request. Around midnight of March 1, my husband died. To be honest with you, I got deeply disappointed with God. In the holding room of the hospital where we were allowed to have privacy after getting the sad news, I cried to the Lord saying “How can I say now that you are true to your promises because I relied on it?What happened to my Faith Obedience and Prayer?” It was so painful.

But the sovereign God is so good. The Lord opened my heart and I asked forgiveness for doubting his promises. I realized that He did what is best for us, and he answered my prayers. He took my husband so that he would be completely healed just as what I have been praying. He no longer suffers from headache, shortness of breath, and swollen feet. Now Tatay is fully and forever healed from head to foot.

Now what is left to me are memories that will never be forgotten .

I remember my husband as a very hardworking man. When we got married, he was a bread delivery man. Despite stormy and windy seasons, he still wakes up at 3:30 in the morning to deliver the bread using his bicycle. He did not mind his safety. The important thing for him is to earn our living. I really admired him for that. When we were new here in Canada, I remember him delivering flyers with Delfin, my son, and later on makes bread. At the same time, he is so industrious at home. He cleans so well. He loves to plant vegetables.

He is a good adviser to me and to my children. He only finished elementary but I am so secured when he makes decisions. He stands to his principles.

It is our habit to pray together and read God’s words everyday. I will miss him holding my hands praying together and lifting to God all my children, relatives, and friends. I will truly miss his company.

Friends, I asked God before to extend my husband’s life because I wanted to testify about the goodness of the Lord in Tatay’s life and glorify Him. Now that he did not grant my request, I will still testify on the goodness of the Lord and glorify Him. He knows what is best for us. I fully trust Him. I encourage you to read the Bible and to believe in his promises. I am not spreading a religion. I am instead directing you to the right relation with God. To our guests who are looking for answers, Jesus is the Answer. You must ask forgiveness, surrender your life, and accept Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. In John Chapter 1:12, Jesus said, Yet to all who receive him to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Even when he did not grant what I desire, I can truly say that God is fulfilling his promises. My husband is now at rest with the Lord forever!

The Patron Family

Monday, March 8, 2010

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