Felix Abutal Valde

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and our hero and inspiration, Felix A. Valde Sr on March 19, 2012 in Sinait, llocos Sur, Philippines where he lived his retirement dream.

Dr. Felix Valde was born on January 14, 1937 in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines son of Lorenzo and Simeona Valde. Felix worked his way through high school and dental school earning a DMD degree from Phillippine Dental College. He married his dental school classmate and sweetheart, Gloria Dayoan in 1963 and raised three children.

Dr. Valde immigrated to the United States in 1968 first settling in Chicago, Ill. His young family followed in 1969. The California sun and the chance to practice dentistry lured the family to move to Los Angeles, CA in 1971. Dr. Valde maintained a dental practice in Oxnard, CA but also practices with his wife in Hollywood, CA before retiring in 2001.

Dr. Valde was active in numerous philanthropic organizations as Optimist International, the Rotary Club and held numerous leadership roles in several Filipino dental organizations. After retirement Dr. Valde could not relax and live a retirees' life, so with his wife built Dayvee Resort and Hotel in Sinait, llocos Sur, Philippines. Although Sinait is not his hometown, Dr. Felix managed to learn the dialect of the province and was respected by many of the town's political officers and citizens. Sinait took him in as one of her own sons.

Always with a smile on his face he loved life. Considering the impoverished childhood he was born into he achieved many goals and eared many accomplishments. A dentist by profession, his hobbies included photography and remodeling. What made him the life of any party were his jokes and his singing. He definitely enjoyed the blessings bestowed upon him.

Dr. Felix Valde will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 11 a.m.

Dr. Felix Valde is survived by his wife, Gloria, children, Jane, Julia Ann, and Felix, son-in-law Alex, daughter-in-law Florezel, grandchildren Zachary and Joshua, sisters, Amada Santos and Ching Valde.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Norberto Doyoan Memorial Scholastic Merit Award and Dr. Felix A. Valde Teacher of Merit Award. These awards are given to outstanding students and teachers at the Sinait National High School, Sinait, llocos Sur, Philippines. You can mail your donations to 1640 Wildwood Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90041.