I am honored to present to you a short biography of one of my dearest friend and compadre – Raul Abayon. He was born on June 3, 1932 to Lazaro and Consuelo Abayon and the oldest of two brothers, Manding and Ruben and two sisters Amorfina and Linda. Their family is well known in Olongapo City and it followed that he too was known that when you mention Raul, one does not need any last name or additional identification to know who is being referred to.
His schooling started at the Asinan Elementary School, to Olongapo High School class of 1950, St. Joseph Vocational School for typing energy monitor, then to college at Far Eastern University for his bachelor in management recreations.
His career highlights: He was a supervisory accounting technician at the U.S. Naval Supply Depot; Assistant to the Chief Construction Accountant at Iligan Integrated Steel Mills, Inc. in Mindanao; Technical Assistant to Olongapo City Mayor Amelia Gordon; Athletic and Youth Sports Director at MWR, U.S. Naval Base; and Manager, Olongapo Fil-Am Youth where he formed teams and trained youths in baseball and basketball, being a star baseball player himself. When he moved to the United States, he worked as Gym Manager at the U.S. Naval Station and the Marine Corps Community Services at Camp Pendleton where he retired. After retirement, he continued his passion for sports and worked part-time at the Hilltop Community Center of the City of San Diego. These may seem short but they actually covered a lifetime for him.
His affiliation were as a 4th Degree with the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the prestigious ONSE Fraternity of Olongapo City although he participated and supported many community activities in Olongapo, being one of the community leaders.
Raul and his family migrated to the United States on November 12, 1988 and settled in San Diego. He formed the ONSE Fraternity USA and as the founding father and president for three years, he was fondly called “Tata” by the members.
Our friend Raul passed away peacefully on April 15, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his brothers and sisters, he left behind Celia, his loving wife of 54 years, their son Ronnie and twin daughters Carol and Carina and grandchildren Maria Criselda, Raymond, Lloyd, Justine, Kevin and twins Yvette and Yvonne.
Raul does not end here. His memory will always live in the hearts of his family, his relatives and friends. Go in peace my friend, my compadre.
