Mr. Eddie Baculo Montejo

Eddie Baculo Montejo, 78, born on January 8, 1941, in Manila, PH, passed away June 25, 2019. He resided in Los Angeles, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California. My name is Jennifer, I'm the eldest daughter of Eduardo B. Montejo, also known to most of you as Eddie, or his endearing nickname that only close family call him by… Bee, spelled B-E-E, like a bumble bee. On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank you so much for all your prayers, your love, your kind words, and most importantly, your support for our family, throughout the years. I would like to share with you today, my Dad's life story. Eduardo B. Montejo was born on January 8, 1941 in Sampaloc Manila, in the Philippines. He was born to loving parents, Mauricio Imperial Montejo and Teofila Hilbano Baculo. Mauricio and Teofila had a total of 10 children: Teresita, Vilma, Anacleto, Eddie, Helen, Rodolfo, Elena, Rosemarie, Corazon and Adoracion. Three of the children are deceased and now My Dad is the 4th to join them in Heaven. My Dad grew up in Catbalogan Samar, where he finished 2nd year college in Electrical Engineering. After he graduated from college, he moved to Manila for better livelihood. In Manila he worked as a telephone technician for Philippines Long Distance Telecommunications for many years. He then landed a contract in Vietnam where he worked for 5 years, again in the field of telecommunications. Inhis first year of working in Vietnam, My Dad's father passed away, and he took on the responsibility of being the breadwinner for the family, providing for his Mother and siblings back in the Philippines. He was the "Patriarch" of the Montejo Family. He was so selfless; his entire salary literally went to his family back home, leaving only a limited allowance for himself. But that's my Dad; he was very generous with his earnings, and his heart. He always thought of everyoneelse first, especially his family. He finally left Vietnam in 1970 and moved to Guam where he worked under contract for Guam Telephone Authority. He loved his job, and was very good at it.He worked out in the field most of the time, on the telephone poles, in office buildings, in homes, and he was one of the best telephone technicians in that industry. My mom, and my Auntie Marcy (who my Dad fondly called them Doloretta and Mercedita) remembered the times when my Dad would put on his work boots that had spikes on it and work belt to latch on, and climb a coconut tree in the backyard, and he would get the young coconut, cut them up and everyone enjoyed fresh, organic, coconut water and fruit. That was the treat back home that everyone looked forward to, every weekend, when life was more simple. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Dolores Cababaro. They were both introduced by a mutual friend. But as they say, it was love at first sight. My Dad fell head over heels in love with my mom, Dolly, instantly. It was one year of old fashionedcourtship that transpired. My Auntie Marcy recalls my Dad coming to my mom's house every Sunday afternoon, all dressed up, pomade on his pompadour, with expensive chocolates, or exquisite cookies, or anything of high quality, in his hands, to offer to my mom. But of course, my Auntie Marcy (who was 8 years old at the time) was the one who benefited from all those gifts as she wouldn't leave them alone if they didn't hand over the gifts to her. My Dad soon began to realizewhat it took to spend time with my mom, so he had to bring extra gifts to bribe my Auntie Marcy to leave them alone. My Dad was very respectful not to overstay his welcome at my Mom's house because he knew my grandfather was very strict so he only stayed for no more than 1-2 hours, with every visit. Only on Sundays. No going out on dates, no holding hands. No kissing. Very strict old fashioned courtship, but my Dad didn't mind. He, too, was old fashioned himself, he was a true gentleman. In 1975, my Dad finished his contract on Guam. He was scheduled to leave Guam and go back to Manila, but he threw away his plane ticket when he realized he could not take a chance of losing my mom by leaving, so after one year of courtship, he asked my mom's parents for her hand in marriage and for their blessings. My grandparents were more than happy to give their blessings. On March 19, 1975, my parents were wed! Exactly 9 months and 4 days later, they welcomed their first born son, Jeffrey (who he calls Jeppree) and later in 1977, God blessed my parents with a beautiful baby girl named Jennifer (aka Jennie) – that's me! Guam was beginning to be a little too small for our family of four, so we ventured out to the big City of Angels in March 1978 where we started out in an apartment, then eventually in 1980, my parents bought a home on Edgemont Street in Hollywood. My Dad used to tell my cousins Arlene and TingTing that he owned that street because of the "ED" in Edgemont, and of course, they believed him. LOL My mom pursued a career in the banking industry and My Dad continued his telecommunications career. They were very happy with their new zip code, adventures were vast as California was big with many destinations to explore and so they did just that. Throughout the years, with all the kids and nieces and nephews in tow, my Mom and Dad enjoyed many trips to the Swap Meet in Nogales, picnics at Redondo Beach, cherry picking/orange picking in the orchards,visiting with siblings who lived nearby, visiting families all over California, or simply enjoying parties at home with friends and relatives.In 1985, they were blessed with the third child, another beautiful daughter Joyce (my dad would fondly call her Gigi); and finally on June 1986, another gift from God, Judith (my dad's endearing name for her was Oodit), she's the youngest (bunso) of the family. My Dad was lucky enough to retire early in his mid 50's. He enjoyed his life immensely; content, happy, and full of life and love….his family was complete. His 3 older children were married, the youngest engaged to be married, and My Dad was blessed with 11 beautiful and delightful grandchildren. In April 2008, his life took a turn for the worst and My Dad suffered a major stroke. Tragically, he was paralyzed on the entire right side of his body. My mom was by his side and took care of him consistently for 5 years until her body and health was also in jeopardy. My Dad was then admitted to a nursing home where he lived for 6 years, and his health declining every year. Sadly, on June 25, 2019 at 3:07 am, Our Dear Lord called him home to Heaven. Dad, I know you're listening, and I want you to know that it's been very difficult and overwhelming these past few months, weeks and days. I've been going through a flood of emotions: both happy and sad, good and bad, mad and joyful, crying and smiling, rain and shine. Dad we missed you when we celebrated three of your grandchildren's graduation and promotion; we missed you on Mother's Day and birthday celebrations. Even though I may smile and laugh, I'm not 100%,but with God's amazing grace, I am able to handle those situations and overcome them. Dad, you have always been there for Mom, my siblings and I, through the good times and bad times. You've shown us what responsibility is, what love is, and how far respect and honesty will get us to. Thank you for being the BEST FATHER in the whole wide world. You are my rock and my hero. You are the strongest man and fighter I know. You kept going and didn't give up until God called for you. To God be the glory! I'm going to miss you by my side, but I am comforted knowing you are no longer suffering, and no longer in pain. I've accepted God's will. Dad, I will always keep your loving memories in my heart. I will always love you forever, Dad, for the rest of my life…..Until we meet again in heaven one sweet day!