Restituto "Ray" I. Nalangan

Resituto "Ray" Icay Nalangan aged 105, died Wednesday June 12, 2013 at his home in Sacramento, California. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Emma (Ronquillo) Nalangan; son, Ray J. Nalangan & wife Lori: daughter, Judy (Nalangan) Eagleton: & husband Jim; sister Avelina Nalangan; grandchildren Jacob, Layla, Aleia and Lucas; and many extended family and friends. Resituto "Ray" Icay Nalangan was born on June 6, 1908 and raised in Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. The son of Cipriano and Feleciana (Icay) Nalangan, he was the eldest of 10 siblings. He came to America in 1926 travelling the western states. He recounted stories of travelling through Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona on the railroads, seeking work. He described racing after the railcars. As he was fast, he would always catch the train and said that he might not see his companions at the next stop. He worked tirelessly to build a life in an America that none of us would recognize today. Filipinos were welcomed as cheap labor by farmers and other businesses. Meanwhile discrimination kept them in low-paying jobs and inferior conditions. In the 1930's on the West Coast, Filipinos were often barred from swimming pools, movies, tennis courts, restaurants and barbershops. Despite this environment, he served his adopted homeland as an Army paratrooper during World War 2. As member of the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, he participated in scout patrols and reconnaissance missions. He served in the Philippines, New Guinea and the United States and received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and the World War 2 Victory Medal. He left the service as a Corporal in 1946. After the war, he eventually settled near Courtland in the Sacramento area where California's agriculture relied on Filipino workers. He harvested specialty crops like asparagus, citrus fruits and pears. Ray married Emma Ronquillo on February 24,1960. They were blessed with two children: Judy Ronquillo, and Ray John. Shortly after the birth of his children, Ray retired from farming. He and Emma dedicated themselves to providing their children with the opportunities that an education would bring. Daughter Judy holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and is practicing in San Jose. She is married to Jim Eagleton and has 2 children, Aleia and Lucas. Son, Ray John holds a Master of Architecture and is a California Licensed Architect. Ray John is married to Lori and has 2 children, Jacob and Layla. Ray delighted in bringing his agricultural knowledge to creating and tending the gardens around his home. Peaches, oranges, and plums were among the fruits that our family and friends enjoyed. He was an involved member of the Filipino community in Sacramento, active in the Aklan Association and Magellan Post 604 of the American Legion among other organizations. Ray took pleasure in rooting for his favorite sports teams, cooking up a good BBQ and sitting to enjoy his yard. He loved to visit with his family and friends. He was unstoppable on a dance floor and enthused to take part in any celebration with compadres' old and new. He was grateful for God's bounty to him. He lived a full and happy life and will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Conversation on June 6th, 2013 between Ray John and Ray Icay: "It's your birthday!" "How old am I?" "105years old!" "I don't believe you!" "How old do you think you are?" "85!" (he said with conviction) "O.K., you're 85!" Dad, you will be missed.