tribute for father final

In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Our Dearest PapaOur Dearest Papa

Benjamin R. ZarateBenjamin R. Zarate

““Son of the right hand”Son of the right hand”

May 23, 1934 – Dec. 23, 2007May 23, 1934 – Dec. 23, 2007

Our Dearest Pa

…the teenage boy from the hills

..he loved to climb trees

..with Jun Samson and mama

..such a young smoker

..Graduation ball

..with his best college buddy, Jun Samson

..with his dear Papang

..a portrait of their love

..his first born, Jaybee

..sleeping on duty

..a young and happy family

Christmas ‘68

..his children were his real treasure

..1972

..1974

..fathering little Iah

Father and sons

Juan F. Zarate and Family

..he loved his brothers and sisters

..1992

..his first apo

..with his sons

..our typical noche buena

..joking around with his little apos

..always sets up the fireplace for everyone to be warm during cold nights

..he loves to see what’s cooking

..a visit to the grave of his parents

..with Uncle Tom

..beer drinking with his brother

..a very loving Lolo to his apos

..”Beer-jamin” as he so fondly calls himself

..the Bakakeng community he so loved

..playing cards is his favorite pastime

..16th Annual Assembly of the Men’s Choir, October 2003

..Bakakeng Senior Citizens, Jan. 2001

..so good and gentle

..watching over his fruit trees

..a father like no other..

..a certain sadness in his eyes, 2006

..no goodbyes Pa..only good mornings!

“..Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit..”

As we grow older, the more we realize

what a great influenceyou’ve been in our

lives.

You’ve always been there for us,

guiding us in our decisions

while encouraging us to stand on our

own.

You’ve offered suggestions

and opinions.. while respecting our own.

You’ve inspired us to dream big

and make it real, 

supporting our endeavors

and aspirationswhile allowing us

the freedomto experience

the world ourselves.

You never let us down Pa… forever, you’ll be our hero

and our treasure.So, for all the words we’ve left unsaid..

THANK YOU for the happy memories,

the funny jokes, the utmost

understanding,

the silent sacrifices,the endless caring

and unparalleled loveyou’ve showered us

all these years.

But most of all, thank you for being

the best father in the whole wide world!

Although parting now

is only temporary, we await that day when we will all be

together again..

..somewhere beyond the sunset…

We love you Pa, and we miss you so much!