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Obituary for Ruben Cabral Yabut

OBITUARY

Ruben C. Yabut deeply cared for his family, as well as his countries. He forged a new life by migrating to America and faced trials and tribulations to give his children greater opportunities for education and the future. To this day, his strengths and sacrifices resonate throughout his descendants, and he will always be remembered as a man of culture, grit and pride. Even as he laid the foundation that the Yabut family continues to stand upon today, he never forgot his roots.

“As an American citizen, my loyalty is with the United States of America; however, my heart is still with my former country of the Philippines. I would say that I prefer to consider both countries as my home, as my immediate family lives here and my ancestral family lives in the Philippines. I consider myself a Filipino-American. I still don’t forget my culture and upbringing in life as a Filipino. I believe that to get to your destination, you have to look back from where you came.”

In passing, Ruben C. Yabut was surrounded by loved ones who will forever carry his memory. We, his family, will continue to look back at his storied, fulfilled life and try to make him proud as we move toward our destinations. It will be the small interactions that will bring the most smiles: His mirthful chuckle and the strong clasp of his hand on our shoulders when he’d ask us how we were. Always remembered, always family.

By Christian T. Yabut

 

May 25, 2019:  A distinguished Filipino World War II veteran, a Philippine Air Force retired Colonel, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a mentor and a friend to many…peacefully passed away. Colonel Ruben C. Yabut (and his friends, the retired officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines residing in the United States) was an influential force in the lobby for the recognition and benefits of Filipino WW2 Veterans. It was work that he passionately loved and wished to have come to fruition before his passing.

Colonel Yabut is survived by his loving wife, Norma, and his four children, Claire Yabut, Marjorie (and Jeff) Kuchta, Ruben Yabut, Jr. and James Yabut. His loving family includes his precious grandchildren: Casey Yabut, Christian Yabut, Elysse Kuchta, Johanna Yabut, Jenna Yabut and Leila Yabut. He is also survived by his siblings Oscar, Cely, Simon, Remedios and Bienvenido, as well as a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and loving friends. He was pre-deceased by his father, Valentin Yabut, his mother, Consolacion Cabral Yabut and his sisters, Valentina and Enriqueta.

According to Ruben’s wishes, his body will be cremated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California.