Libertado "Bert" Calaguas' Obituary
On the 151st anniversary of Bastille Day, July 14th, 1940, in Fort Stotsenburg, Philippines, the world welcomed, Libertado (Bert) Tuazon Calaguas, the youngest of Basilio and Leogarda Calaguas’ eight children.In a birthday letter his father later penned to him, the day of Bert’s birth was of a “monsoon air” and a precursor to World War II, a period characterized by the family enduring periods of “scamper(ing) for cover” and years of “unending deprivation”. His early childhood was a time which starkly contrasted the origins of his unique name.Raised and educated in Manila, Bert grew up in a disciplined household which never lacked for the love and nurturing of his mother and older siblings, while his father provided financially for the family while working in leadership positions away from the home. His mother fastidiously accounted for every expense with the ultimate goal being to ensure the funding of each child’s college education. All Calaguas children graduated with a professional degree in various disciplines: pharmacy, engineering, medical, dental, education, and business.In 1962, Bert attained his Juris Doctor degree from the prestigious University of the Philippines, Diliman. His law school class began with over 1000 students, yet a mere 82 graduated. He attributed his accomplishment to his faith in God, the unyielding strength and support of his siblings, and the values of persistence and preparation instilled in him by his parents.The bulk of his years practicing law were spent as an elections registrar for COMELEC, the constitutional government agency which enforces and administers the conduct of election laws and regulations. He oversaw elections throughout the country, often in precarious, life-threatening locations. A work assignment in Calumpit, Bulacan, forever changed his life. There he met a contract accountant by the name of Lolita Pulumbarit, and a four-year courtship began. Their love overcame differences in religion and upbringing and they were married June 18th, 1969.Shortly after emigrating to the United States in June 1969, Bert began a 29-year career with Chubb and Son in San Francisco. He worked with prominent insurance defense firms on multi-million dollar tort claim cases as an adjuster, examiner, subrogation supervisor, and litigation manager. Corporate management labeled him as a “Yoda” in the industry and tasked him to audit claims offices throughout the country. Bert however, derived the greatest satisfaction from the direct reports he mentored and befriended. He was a father figure to many, selflessly sharing his skills and knowledge as they promoted to the upper rungs of company leadership.Ultimately, Bert’s paramount priority was the care and well-being of his family. He was a devoted husband, a perfect father, and a loving Ingcong to Reagan, Ethan, and Madison. His 45-year marriage to Lolita was a never-ending romance filled with love, friendship, companionship, and humor. He was a coach, a motivator, and a best friend to Reggie and Elaine. He eschewed that which was material, yet introduced us to great restaurants, watched playoff games with us from lower box seats, and orchestrated the most minute of details for all vacations domestic and international. He was a Godly man, Christ-like in his patience as he never tired of our questions and dedicated every ounce of his being to counsel and advise in a manner eternally optimistic and encouraging.Unlike the unsettled monsoon air of the day of his birth, Bert indefatigably battled through the pain of his final days and was resolute in accepting Christ’s invitation to His heavenly throne on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2015. Though slight of stature, heaven gained a giant among men, whose legacy will forever endure in the hearts and minds of the lives he touched.Bert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Lolita; his children, Reginald (Eileen) and Elaine (Brian); his grandchildren, Reagan, Ethan, and Madison; his siblings, Dr. Carlito T. Calaguas, Virginia C. Catig, Dr. Lolita C. Paras, Dr. Jaime T. Calaguas, and Alicia C. Tuazon; fourteen nieces and nephews; twenty-one grand nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and sixteen brother and sister-in-laws.He was predeceased by his parents, Basilio and Leogarda Calaguas; his two oldest siblings, Conchita T. Calaguas and Bienvenido T. Calaguas; and his in-laws, Lucas C. and Francisca S. Pulumbarit.
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