Francia Birulin
Uncle Tom. - You were always the coolest. My red-headed, Elvis-loving Uncle I will
always remember you since I was a little grade schooler in Alameda, California.
No wonder you and my Dad were best of friends, We've heard the stories, the shenanigans.
Naturally, Auntie Toshi and my mom, Julie were inseparable too.
We were all family. The same neighborhood, vacationing together, laughing, playing and meals together. I recall, it was the first time I was introduced to eating seaweed and a new palate was born. I remember being jealous of Linda's and Dale's fancy Japanese, strawberry-flavored kid's toothpaste. I didn't know there was such a thing, I only knew of commissary Colgate. Your family opened a new, very cool world to us. It meant a lot.
Dale was the cutest toddler ever, followed you around everywhere. We have pictures from his first birthday. Linda was like a sister to me and undoubtedly the apple of your eye. You both adored each other fiercely, truly Daddy's girl until the very end. Your family was always everything to you. Nancy and I loved our specially blended Japanese-Filipino-Navy- California household. As little kids, we thought it would ever end.
When we received news that the Wilson family was moving to Hawaii to our same Ewa Beach it was like we hit the Jackpot! We were so excited! Then life went its course.... we kids grew up and had families of our own. Too many years go by and tragically we lost our beloved moms to cancer. Reconnecting us and ripping our hearts out at the same time.
And now you too, Uncle Tom. Our hearts are heavy. Your best friend Mike, my father, is left with memories and sorrow. At 90 years old and unable to be your pallbearer, what he bears is the profound grief of losing a lifelong friend.
Uncle Tom, your legacy lives on with Linda and Dale and their beautiful families, and your grandchildren. A life well-lived, a man well-loved. We honor you, Uncle Tom. Rest easy, rest in Love.
We Love you,
The Bergado Family
