Gervacio Indon Santos
elevated rnaxQ June 19, 1927 ~ September 13, 2024
elevated rnaxQ Funeral Mass
Monday, September 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
elevated rnaxQ Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated rnaxQ Click here to view the Funeral Mass
elevated rnaxQ Inurnment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario L3T 2C7
elevated rnaxQ God called Gervacio Indon Santos peacefully on September 13, 2024 at the age of 97. He will be forever missed by his loving wife Aurora. Cherished by his dear children, sons & daughters-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be held dear in the hearts of his family, relatives and many friends.
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In loving memory of my dear Pa.
Thank you for being the greatest father anyone could ask for. Your love, strength, and unwavering support have been the foundation of our family. You dedicated your life to raising us and providing everything we needed, from education to guidance. Your sacrifices and hard work shaped our futures, and I am endlessly grateful for the values you instilled in us.
I cherish the memories we created together and will carry your love in my heart forever. I miss you deeply and will carry your love with me always. Your legacy will live on in all of us.
Rest peacefully, knowing how much you were truly loved.
Dear Pa,
You have been a pillar of strength all those years. No matter what, you have fulfilled your role as a guardian and a father. You have provided us both spiritual and material needs ahead yours. I will always be thankful for your love and care for all of us. But now as you have departed I am sending you a prayer that you will get to see the face of God and to come into his presence with singing. I will forever cherish all of you!!! God bless, Pa!
My loving husband Bas,
Thank you for the beautiful moments we shared, for your unwavering love, and for being my partner in every sense for 68 years! Thank you for always taking care of our family. Your spirit will live on in our hearts especially mine. Though my heart aches with your loss, I find comfort in knowing you are in the arms of our Lord. Eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon you.
With all my heart,
Aurora (Lily) Santos
Thank you for happy and good memories.RIP Tiyong🙏
Rickytik
In loving memory of my father Gervacio Santos, or as we affectionately was known to each other as “bobo”. To call you my father-in-law does not convey the bond, friendship, and respect we had for each other. I became your son-in-law, and afterwards we became inseparable friends.
Small in stature, you were a giant to me with a huge heart whose presence commanded the utmost respect. It has been my privilege to have known you and to have been able to call you “Pa” and to become part of your family. So, yes, to me you were my father.
We used to laugh that I was your chauffeur, grocery shopper, plumber, electrician, PSW, landscaper and snow removal contractor just to mention a few. We had a special bond I will sadly miss but will never forget – our time together, trips we took, meals we ate, and places we visited.
Rest in peace dad, knowing we will look after Ma too.
Thank you for everything Pa. You did well. Take our love with you…until we meet again.
I love you,
Thank you Pa for your love and kindness you have given me. Even though you’re not physically here anymore your memories and presence will always live in our hearts. You are now in the hands of God and your spirit will always be with us. I love you Papa
Eulogy (at Funeral Mass)
We gather today to celebrate the remarkable life of Gervacio Santos, known to us lovingly as *Pa* –
a man whose 97 years were filled with love, wisdom, generosity, and unforgettable stories. Pa was not only a devoted husband and father but also a proud grandfather, great grandfather, a gifted film editor, mentor, and a man of deep conviction.
As one of the best film editors in the Philippines, Pa’s career was nothing short of legendary. He edited hundreds of films and earned numerous prestigious awards. Some of his most acclaimed works include *Kalibre 45* (1957), *Cavalry Command* (1963), and *Scout Rangers* (1964), all of which earned him FAMAS awards. He also received Best Film Editing awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival for *Remembrance* and at the Quezon City Film Festival for *Alyas Bagsik*.
Beyond his personal accomplishments, Pa believed in passing on his craft. He mentored many aspiring editors, helping them navigate the complexities of the film industry. Pa also served as president of the Film Editors Guild of the Philippines, where he worked tirelessly to improve working conditions for his fellow editors, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Despite these accomplishments, Pa remained humble. He often said that true success wasn’t in the accolades but in the impact you have on others’ lives. His generosity was boundless—Pa was always there to help, whether it was friends, family, or even strangers in need. His kindness was just one of many qualities that made him extraordinary.
Education was another cornerstone of Pa’s life. He made sure we, his children, received the best schooling and often shared stories of his own early challenges—like walking seven miles barefoot to school in the Philippines. He always told us, “Education is the only wealth no one can take from you,” a lesson he lived by. Even at 69, he continued his passion for learning by enrolling as an adult student at the University of Toronto.
Pa was also a man of great faith. Church was a vital part of his life. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and led courses on Mariology, sharing his deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. His faith shaped every part of his life, and he made sure to instill those values in us as well.
There are so many stories that define who Pa was, but one that stands out is his pride in his heritage. When he first moved to Canada, Pa cooked *tuyo*—dried fish—despite knowing its strong smell might stir up trouble with the neighbors. True to his character, instead of backing down, he laughed and cooked even more *dilis*. Pa taught us to never lose sight of where we came from, no matter where life took us.
Pa was also a man of resilience, shaped by his experiences during World War II. At 17, he worked as a spy for the Filipino guerillas, once counting Japanese trucks as they passed by his home. One day, he was spotted by a soldier. The truck stopped, and the soldier entered the house, ready to take him. But quick-thinking Pa, in broken Japanese, convinced the soldier he was just a student, saving his own life in a moment of incredible bravery.
In addition to his creativity and faith, Pa was a gifted speaker. He was an active member of the Grace Park Toastmasters Club in Caloocan City and won awards for his extemporaneous speeches, including a notable win at the club’s 1988 Christmas Party and Turnover Ceremonies. His ability to speak eloquently and from the heart was something we always admired. Whether he was speaking in church, at work, or with family, Pa’s words carried weight, reflecting his belief that “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
One story that truly captures Pa’s spirit is the time he received a traffic ticket. Even though the case was dismissed because the officer didn’t show up, Pa was insistent on presenting his side of the story. The judge, amused and perhaps a little exasperated, finally said, “Mr. Santos, you can go home now.” But Pa’s dedication to seeing things through to the end was always part of who he was—he never backed down when it came to standing up for what was right.
Pa was more than just a father to us—he was a pillar of generosity. He constantly helped friends, relatives, and even strangers, whether through financial support for education or offering help in times of illness. As a barangay captain in the Philippines and later as a community leader in Canada, he always found ways to give back. Pa never hesitated to be there for those in need.
Today, as we honor Pa’s life, we remember the lessons he taught us: to embrace resilience, be proud of who we are, give generously, and always continue learning. His spirit, humor, unwavering kindness, and deep faith will forever resonate in our hearts.
Thank you, Pa, for everything.