Carlos Santos Lanting

Carlos Santos Lanting M.D. December 24, 1922- December 9, 2007 Dr. Carlos S. Lanting passed away at his home in Artesia on Sunday, December 9, 2007. Dr. Lanting had been in failing health recently. However, he never stopped striving to do his best throughout his eighty five years of life. Born on Christmas Eve, 1922, in the town of Bulacan, in the Philippines, Carlos was the first-born son to Maria Santos and Juan Lanting. Growing up in the Philippines, he earned his Eagle Scout, survived the war and occupation, and persevered to graduate with honors from medical school, earning his doctorate from the Un iversity of the Philippines (Class of 1948, Alpha Sigma Nu honor fraternity). In 1950, he came to the United States to begin his surgical residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in New York City. The day he arrived, he met the "love of his life", Margaret Caminati. Five years later, they were married. He and Margaret wove 52 years of marriage together and raised a family of three children. In 1961, Dr. Lanting drove his family across the country to Artesia, California. Here, he began his medical and surgical p ractice at Artesia Community Hospital and Clinic which he would later come to own. In 1962, he earned the distinctive recognition of Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. It was not unusual to find him making house calls or to find him donating his time to Artesia High School or Gahr High School providing physicals for their athletes or attending various athletic events as the team doctor. After all, Dr. Lanting was a boxer in his college years! During his practice that spanned over 40 years, he perfo rmed countless surgeries at Artesia Community Hospital, Bellwood Hospital and Bellflower Hospital, and cared for his many patients, all of which he loved. A dedicated and gifted healer, Dr. Lanting retired from medicine in May of 2004. He was 81. Giving to his faith and Holy Family Parish, Carlos belonged to the Holy Name Society and was a founding member of the JFK Council of the Knights of Columbus. He looked forward to serving as an usher on Sundays at the 9 o'clock Mass and later at the Saturday evenin g Mass. From 1998-2000, he served as President of the FilAmCC. Throughout the years, he actively served his parish in many advisory and supportive roles devoting much time and energy attending meetings and participating in activities. In 1999, he and Margaret were bestowed with the Benemerenti, a very special Papal honor by the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II in recognition of their years of devoted service to the Christ and the Church. Involved in the larger community, Dr. Lanting was the founding Presiden t of PhilSELA in 1971. He donated a portion of his building on Pioneer and 183rd to house the Cerritos Valley Help Center to provide clothing and food to those in need. As a conscientious member of the planning commission for the city of Artesia, he would review and visit every project that was on the agenda. He served on this commission from 1992 through 1999. He was later recognized by the City of Artesia for this and tireless service to the community with a special award in 2004. It was directed by the C ity Council that the flag be flown at half mast this past Wednesday in his honor. As an entrepreneur, he owned and operated a small chain of restaurants named appropriately, Casa Carlos from 1974 until 1993. The Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College in Quezon City was named in his honor. Despite this vast dedication to his medical practice and his community, he was a loving husband and father. His family never doubted their importance to him. Each and every day, he made time for them. He taught his children to swi m, how to ride a bike, how to drive a stick shift, how to change a flat tire and that vegetables were good for the complexion. He placed highest values on their education by sending them to the best schools. Through it all, it is he and Margaret who continue to be the teachers from whom they learn values, compassion, strength and love. He is preceded in death by his brother, Paul who died in 1944, and a son, Joseph who died in 1958. Carlos is survived by his beloved Margaret; daughters, Adriana, Donna, Car la, Ruby; and grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Sarah and Anna. A loved and loving husband, father, Lolo, brother-in-law, friend and doctor, Dr. Lanting always was able to find the strength to be kind. He was a man of great courage and faith. His life was defined by his integrity. His goodness continues on in the lives of all he touched. Thank you to those who share our grief. Please also share in the celebration of Dr. Lanting's remarkable life and the joy to know he is celebrating his first birthday in He aven. Services for Dr. Lanting were held on Thursday, December 13th and Friday, December 14, 2007 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia. He was laid to rest on Friday at All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the City of Hope in Duarte, California. Chapel of Memories (562) 863-8731