Nolasco G Baldazo Obituary (1932 - 2009)

OGDEN - Nolasco "Noli" Gonzales Baldazo passed away, surrounded by his family, February 5, 2009. He was born January 28, 1932 in St. Rosa, Philippines to Jose Baldazo and Maria Gonzales Baldazo. Noli was raised in the Philippines with humble beginnings. As a child he was able to aid the U.S. soldiers, during WWII, by providing water and passing messages. Noli was a pilot in the Philippine Air Force. Noli received a B.A. in mathematics from San Pablo College in the Philippines. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Biometeorology from Utah State University. Noli taught mathematics and physical sciences for over thirty years in the Philippines and Salt Lake until retiring in 1996. While teaching mathematics at the University of the Philippines, Noli met the love of his life, Milagros "Mila" Belarmino. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 1, 2008. The marriage was blessed with four children, Gemini, Sagitta, Joe and Don. The Baldazo family came to America in 1968 in order for Noli to further pursue his education. Through hard work and sacrifice Noli and Mila were able to live the American dream. Noli was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Governor's Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Asian Community. Noli was also the first president of the Filipino American Association of Utah and was a member of the governing board of the Asian Association of Utah. Noli was an avid gardener. His garden provided a bountiful harvest to family and friends. He also loved to fish year round. Noli and Mila enjoyed traveling and cruises. They visited many places, including the Philippines, Russia, Hong Kong and the Panama Canal. Noli's family was his pride and greatest accomplishment. He wrote "My favorite pastime is caring for my grandchildren and taking them fishing whenever possible." Noli is survived by his wife, Milagros; daughters Gemini (Robert) Bourne and Sagitta (Phil) Boyer both of Salt Lake City and son Don (Suzette) Baldazo of Eagle, Idaho; twelve grandchildren; Tanna (Bill), Cara (Tom), Colby, Tanner, Joey, Matt, Sam, Ben, Tori, Sierra, Jade, and Sara; two great-granddaughters, Kate and Ava, and two on the way. Noli is also survived by two brothers, five sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Joe, December 1, 1980. Grandpa, We love and miss you! We hope the fish are biting. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 514 24th Street, Ogden. Friends may call at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, on Friday, February 13th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; where a rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 February 13, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceSt. Joseph's Catholic Church 514 24th Street Ogden, UT 84401 February 14, 2009 2:00 PM CemeteryOgden City Cemetery 20th and Madison Ogden, UT 84404 February 14, 2009