Roland L. Santos' Obituary
Roland Lanuza Santos passed away November 15, 2019 in Seattle Washington.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years Cresencia Vivas Santos. Roland also leaves behind his children; son Victor Santos, daughter Remedios Santos Sami, son-in-law Ioane Sami, son Rey Phillip Santos, son Rowland Santos and daughter-in-law Pamela Santos. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Devin, Rowland Iesu, Rosary, Brendan, Nevaeh, Cresencia, Landon and Raveena. Lastly, he leaves behind his great granddaughter Harmony.
Roland Lanuza Santos was born December 19, 1937 in Manila (Malate), Philippines. He was the proud son of Filipina Lanuza and Pedro Miranda Santos. Roland was the brother to Kuya Ed, Rosy, Rey (Bok), Pedro (Jack), Lulu, Lilia, and Dory. Roland also known as Lando learned very early the value of life and the meaning of survival.
Lando barely survived the violence and chaos of WWII. As a young boy he was separated from his family in the heart of Manila during the Japanese American War. After several days of experiencing starvation and extreme thirst he was finally reunited with his family at a Red Cross Camp. After the liberation from the Japanese by the Americans, Roland needed to work to help support himself and his family so at 8 years old Roland became a street vendor. He supported his family by selling various items amidst the busy streets of metropolitan Manila Philippines
Lando eventually graduated from Araullo High School in 1955. Being a natural leader, risk taker and go getter, Roland pursued a military career. He successfully passed the Navy recruiting requirements in October 1957. Roland was admitted and sworn into the U. S. Navy April 4, 1958. He then crossed the Pacific Ocean to the USA on board the U.S. Navy Passenger Ship USS Shank.
After 23 years of cruising and crossing the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean on board the largest ships, aircraft carriers and submarines Roland retired from the U.S. Navy March of 1981 as a Chief Electrician’s Mate (E-8 selectee). In addition to the several skills Lando obtained within his military career, he formally received a Teaching Degree (Secondary High School) under the U.S. Navy Associates Completion Degree Program.
After retiring from the Navy Roland pursued a degree in Real Estate and a degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Pierce College of Washington. Roland obtained his Real Estate Broker’s license during the first 2 years as a licensed Realtor. He was very successful as a Real Estate Broker and received numerous awards within the industry. Lando desired spending more time with his grandchildren so he decided to begin working part time which led him to establish his own real estate company “Abaca Realty.”
Roland valued his faith, family, and culture. Beyond his career Roland ensured to make lasting memories with his loved ones. Nearly every year he would travel out of state or out of the country with his wife and family. Lando was a proud Tacoma resident who was extremely involved with several community organizations in which he volunteered his time serving and meeting local needs. He held numerous leadership positions within several Filipino American organizations preserving and educating others of the Filipino traditions/cultural practices.
Lando’s recent years were spent writing, reflecting and strengthening his faith. He especially enjoyed spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. Roland loved God, his darling wife and family deeply. His joy, smile and love for life will be missed immensely.
A Viewing for Roland will be held Tuesday November 26, 2019 from 12pm-8pm at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, WA
His funeral service will be held Wednesday November 27, 2019 from 12:30-1:30pm at St. Charles Borremeo in Tacoma, WA
Roland’s Burial Service will be held at 2:30pm Wednesday November 27, 2019 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, WA
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