Santiago Licardo Mamales passed away on Dec. 4, 2008 at the age of 85 after an extended illness. He was the sixth child of Felicisimo and Emilia Mamales, born on July 25, 1923 in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines.

Santiago was known as “Santy” to friends and family, “Lolo” to his loving grandchildren, and “Tiago” to his Palompon townmates. In 1953, Santy married the love of his life, Leonarda (Lenny) Campos Sevilla. In 1966, near the close of 24 years of active duty in the United States Navy, Santy and Lenny made Penn Cove Park their home to raise their children Ray, Elma, Neil, Steven and Emily.

As a young man, Santy was a courageous soldier of the Palompon town militia in World War II, and during his Navy enlisted career, served tours of duty in both the Korean and Vietnam War conflicts. Following his naval service, Santy was a chef at the Nor’wester Club, Acode’s in Anacortes and the Steak House. From 1971 to 1982 Santy worked with the civil service at the naval commissary. And finally, Santy worked with Olympic Bank as a courier. Santy was a charter member of the Oak Harbor chapter of the Fil-Am Association, as sergeant of arms at its formation in 1971. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.

Santy was known for his quick smile, joking manner, and love of family and friends. In his latter years, bingo and casinos happily kept him off the street, with Reno a favorite destination. His early pastimes included cooking up a storm for family luncheons, throwing crab pots, raking smelt, fishing around the island, growing an abundant garden, and Monday nights at Oak Bowl. He had an incredible knack at construction and enjoyed craftsman projects around the home. Santy also had a passion and true talent for dancing and was a popular partner at every port in his sailing days, the Palompon town fiestas, Fil-Am events and family celebrations. It was always a joy to watch Santy and Lenny cut the rug, as the Filipino equivalent of the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

In addition to his wife and children and their spouses, Santy leaves behind his grandchildren Christopher, Addison, Maryn, Erica, Haley, Michele and Jennifer, and many, many dear relatives and friends. Santy was both loved and respected by all whom he touched. We will sorely miss him.

An evening Vigil will be held Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., also at St. Augustine’s Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Santiago Mamales Memorial, Fil-Am Association Club House Trust Fund at the North Whidbey branch of Whidbey Island Bank. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where friends and family may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest book for Santy.