Ambassador Carlos Valdez, 88

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After a brave stand in St. Lukes Hospital ICU, the ailing Dad of Gabby Valdez succumbed last Sunday. Up to the end, this family patriarch was in a way, still in charge. According to Gabby, Ambassador Valdez was cognizant of his situation although he could not speak or open his eyes. He responded by hand pressure to signify that he appreciated those near him in the ICU.

The flag-draped remains of the Ambassador was interred at the La Salle Greenhills chapel. The chapel was filled with relatives, colleagues and friends of the large Valdez clan. Mostly, the wake that night was like a DLS alumni homecoming. Ambassador Valdez was a past President of the DLSAA and subsequently, so were three of his boys namely Gabby, Butch and Johnny. Batch63's Bambi Goco, Jack Arellano, Arthur Alvendia (with Angel), Joey Ingles and Oni Mayo came Monday evening to condole with the Valdez clan.

I was informed that on the first day of the wake, the country's first couple paid their respects to the fallen Ambassador. The Macapagals are provincemates and friends of the Valdez family from way back. I learned that Gabby's great grandfather and grandfather were active in Pampanga politics (Governor and Senator respectively) and who were supportive role models of the young Cong Dado then.

From Batch63, we wish to offer our sincere condolences to Gabby and his better half Pam. So too to all the Valdez brothers that many of us also know. Below are photos of Gabby and Pam, some of Butch's children (around the photo display table at the wake) and Pam's classmates from STC.