FORTUNATO GATBUNTON

Fortunato ("Fort") Frias Gatbunton Passed away December 5, 2010 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born to Saturnino and Emiliana (Frias) Gatbunton in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Philippines on November 11, 1939. He was a member of the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 and stationed in Fort Lewis. He was a musician who played the saxophone and clarinet. He also played the piano, which he enjoyed teaching to his grandson, Aidan. He loved dancing, playing pickle ball, singing karaoke, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved sports cars, especially his 1955 T-Bird, Barracuda, Firebird, SVX, and his Audi TT Roadster. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lourdes Corazon (Santos) Gatbunton, whom he has now happily joined in heaven. He is survived by his mother Emiliana, son Michael, daughter Christine Gatbunton Ocampo and husband Paul, granddaughter Nina, grandson Aidan, brothers Cesar, Benny, and Roy, sister Terry Gatbunton Medel, and their families, and many nieces and nephews. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and a dear friend to all who knew him. Although he missed his beloved Corazon, he was determined to live life to the fullest extent. Fort enjoyed the companionship of many relatives and friends and was a rock of support for many of them. He died doing what he loved, playing pickle ball and surrounded by many loving friends. A Memorial Vigil will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2010, 3:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd in Lakewood. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 13, 11:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church in Tacoma. A reception will follow at approximately 12:30 pm at the Clover Park Technical College Events Center in Lakewood.