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Felipe Macay Obituary
5/9/49 - 10/10/17
His light has joined the One Light. Felipe Arturo Macay passed on October 10, 2017. Born in San Francisco on May 9, 1949, to Marina (Arandi) Macay and Felipe Arturo Macay II. He is survived by wife Cathy, children Lisette (Mike), Xavier, Felipe Jr., Roberto, Marco. Siblings Rene, Sylvia (Rich), Magda (Holden), Vilma (Mike), Alicia (deceased).Grandchildren: Fidel, Esperanza, Xochitl, Madison, Cruz, Nia, Enzo. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and students. And Bandit his faithful friend to the end. Felipe touched many lives.
He attended Horace Mann M.S. and graduated from Mission H.S. class of 1967, and received his BA in Social Science from SJSU. He worked in food sales for many years, even owning a restaurant, until he began to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. He began in Santa Rosa as a bilingual paraprofessional in the public schools, and later at SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) before he made his way back to the Bay Area to help found the Oakland Partnership Program where he earned his teaching credential. Felipe taught in Oakland, Redwood City, and Brisbane school districts. He also worked as a realtor at Laurel Realty where he helped many friends and families achieve their dream of owning or selling a home.
Felipe was a highly ranked martial artist practicing and teaching for over 45 years: Okinawan Shorin Ryu, Chinese forms & weapons, Tai Chi, Capoeira, and Filipino Kali. He boxed in his youth and in later years could still out-spar men half his age. He also sparred on the chessboard. He played and taught chess to many students in the schools, and was a firm believer in the the connection between chess and martial arts and learning. He was an advocate for arts in the schools - always knowing that students could not sit all day in a room but needed to move about and express themselves in various ways. He was instrumental in bringing Capoeira classes to the schools in Oakland and Santa Rosa. Felipe touched so many with his warmth, charisma, and high energy, and the world will miss his light.
Family and friends may join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 4, 2017, from 11:00-2:00 at UFCW Local 5 building at 208 Miller Avenue in South San Francisco. Felipe's favorite foods will be provided - please bring a healthy side dish to share. Feel free to wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
The ALS Association
www.alsa.org/donate
Ayuda Puerto Rico
http://donatepuertorico.com/
North Bay Fire Relief
https://www.redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Felipe Macay
Kenneth Toley
November 7, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am blessed to have met you.
Hakan Guven
November 3, 2017
It's has been my honor and privilege to know this kind-hearted man. Till we meet again Felipe Macay...the journey goes on. May yours be smooth and fulfilling.
Adriana Touhey
October 31, 2017
My Deepest Condolences to Cathy and family, Felipe will always be alive in our memories.
Bill Touhey
October 31, 2017
Felipe, I will always remember the times in Montague with Cathy and the boys watching the sunsets and then the stars. May your rest be peaceful and blessed.
Bill Touhey
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Cliff Poremba
October 29, 2017
I miss you my friend, and will always have great memories of our adventures at your ranch in the country.
Two of the most amazing men in my sons life
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
Graduating and saying good bye for now
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
Branden and Mom today a Sophomore in HS
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
In Oakland With Torpedo (Branden) & Felipe
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
The Chess Master and his class Branden in yellow
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
Annierose Robel
October 27, 2017
October 27, 2017
My dearest brother, I truly hope you are resting in peace. You certainly deserve it after the last 2 years. I am spending time remembering our childhood; riding in front of you on your bike down So Van Ness and 23rd st (no helmets!) Having you peel me off the top of the fence at Hawthorn school because I was too afraid to go down into the schoolyard on a weekend. Your presence on my wedding day, you were my first visitor after Carla was born. Knowing you were around when laughter could be heard at our family parties. Your great big hugs, especially at the end. I will always hold you in my heart my big bad brother.
Little Sis,
Vilma
Larry and Helga Shay
October 27, 2017
It was first at our daughter's wedding where we met all the Macay's together, as newcomers to this wonderful family. We cannot describe how Felipe warmed our hearts and impressed us with a message of so much warmth and love to his nephew Daniel and his bride. This was a man of compassion and kindheartedness and full of light indeed.We have not known him long, but he sure touched our hearts. We grieve with Cathy, his sons, his brother and his sisters and family, friends and all who cared deeply about him and for those who experienced his laugh, his warming light, even for a moment.
Thank you for being in our lives, as we are passing your light on, never to be extinguished.
Larry and Helga Shay
October 27, 2017
The pictures we sent of our daughter's wedding into this lovely family, was the first time we met all the Macay's together. Immediately one could only but be impressed and taken in by the sincerety and compassion of Felipe for life, and interest in people.
The sincere love and care he expressed for the newly weds, was for us, as parents and newcomers in the family, an utmost expression of welcoming love and understanding of what life was about and the needs of the individual on this sometimes trying journey. He did not know how much he needed the compassion, love and support in the few years he had left, so much himself.
We are grieving with Cathy, his sons, his siblings and all his family, friends and those who remember him as a special light that warmed the heart to never be forgotten, like he did for us. We need to pass on the light of those encounters, as a living memory. We miss you Felipe.
Felipe with brother Rene, sisters Sylvia, Magda and Vilma
Helga (Coveen) Shay
October 27, 2017
The Felipe Macay Family at the occasion of nephew Daniel's Velarde's wedding to Emily Shay
Helga (Coveen) Shay
October 27, 2017
A Shining Light forever
Helga (Coveen) Shay
October 27, 2017
Jessica Maldonado
October 26, 2017
My Godfather Felipe I will miss you so much, you were always there with open arms for me no matter what was going on you will be miss dearly.
Love your
GodDaughter
Annierose Robel
October 25, 2017
An amazing man and an amazing teacher, mentor and friend. He changed my sons (Branden Robel/2012/5th grade) life for the better. He had the patience and leadership wisdom my son needed at the perfect time. He was a godsend for my son and I. We will always love and respect him for everything he has ever done for us. With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes I have to say he will truly be missed. God bless you Felipe fly with angels R.I.P. and a million thank you s from Branden & Annierose Robel
October 23, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to Cathy and to the entire family.
Michael Rubano
October 22, 2017
My condolences to all of Felipe family and friends.What I always remember about Felipe, was that he always had a smile and an upbeat attitude and was warm and welcoming. May you Rest In Peace.
Aaron Lewis, MD
October 22, 2017
It was an honor to get to know Felipe and to care for him in the ALS clinic at Kaiser San Francisco. I am only sorry we could not do more to help him. He was a wonderful, warm, thoughtful guy and we will miss him. Our best wishes go out to Cathy and the entire family during this time of sorrow.
Anita Hazen
October 22, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cathy Macay
October 22, 2017
Missing your light - you said you wanted a candle and music. I am feeling music in my heart - I hope you feel it too.
Love,
Cathy
Rolando Salazar
October 21, 2017
My sincerest condolences to Cathy and all of the family. We grew up with Felipe in San Francisco in the Noe Valley and Mission Districts. He was the fourth oldest of the male cousins on my maternal side of the family and followed me, Leopoldo (my brother) and Rene. We were all a year apart, one after the other. His passing brought me much sadness. I hadn't seen him personally in quite a while, possibly my aunt's funeral being the last time. However, we were connected on Facebook and messaged on and off.
May he rest in peace in the arms of our Creator. My memories of him will always be cherished and be with me forever.
Gloria and Bill Perkins
October 21, 2017
Bill and I will always remember our trip to San Francisco to visit our niece Cathy, her husband Felipe and two sons. Roberto and Marco. Felipe gave us a beautiful tour of San Francisco. He was so gracious and charming, he made our trip very special and one we will always remember because of him.
Rosa Della Casa
October 21, 2017
We spoke of many things but your dream of living overseas captured my imagination and inspired me. You taught me that even at an older age things are possible . Felipe you now have the time to travel the world, the universe and all the dimensions of heaven.
Thank you for being there when I needed you but that was always the case with everyone, your generosity of spirit and deed will be mìssed.
Sending prayers and condolences to the family and friends.
October 21, 2017
Dear Felipe,
A candle was lit for you here in Albi, all the way in the deep south-west of France. Many meals at your table with Cathy's delicious cooking, animated conversations, laughter, and so much energy coming from you! Thank you for all this. You have joined the big Unknown, the One Light as was said...the best of travellings to you!
Laurence
Felipe Macay Jr.
October 20, 2017
Dad, I'm at a loss for words to express how much I miss you and love you. You taught me so much right up until the last moments we spent together. See you when I get there Pops.
Shawn Tighe
October 20, 2017
I only knew Felipe the last few years. Such a gentle and kind man. I was lucky to know him the brief period I did. My warmest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
Michael Rayo
October 18, 2017
My old friend from High School. Can't understand why God always takes the good people ...We laughed, we sang, and we lived...You'll always be in my thoughts and of course everyone that knew you. Rest in peace my old friend...
October 18, 2017
My sweet cousin Felipe, I truly will miss you. When you would walk into a room your smile so radiant, your energy was amazing. Thank you for all your love and memories you will always be with us. Thank you for
teaching us to be strong your words "you are a Macay" we don't quit. Mano Fuerte. and so much more.
RIP Cousin
Love,
Irene Macay O'Hair
October 18, 2017
Miss you so much precious primo. Thank you for all your support, love and laughter all these years. You are forever in my heart.
Love your cousin,
Gloria Taylor
October 18, 2017
I will miss your beautiful smile & your zest to live life to the fullest.
Rest In Peace my cousin, you will live in our memories forever.
Thelma Shea
October 18, 2017
You will be missed by all, dear brother. You have left a whole in our lives and in our hearts, but we are so glad you are once again riding your horses and running with Vago.
All my love,
Magda
Nancy Clothier
October 18, 2017
Sylvia and family, We are so sorry to hear of Felipe's death. He was an amazing person who gave so much to so many. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Tom and Nancy Clothier
Theresa Pardo
October 17, 2017
There are no words to describe the sorrow.....my dearest cousin, Felipe! SO many memories of long ago, I'll treasure in my heart forever. Rest in peace, Primo, until we meet again. Your "dancing partner" as young teens, Theresa.
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