Virgilio Barayuga Raquel's Obituary
Virgilio Raquel Obituary
Virgilio Barayuga Raquel
July 5, 1944 – August 10, 2023
Virgilio Barayuga Raquel was born on July 5, 1944. He was raised in Brgy. 22 Catuging, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and was the eldest of 11 children. He moved to Hawaii in 1966 at the age of 22, where he started his career in culinary arts. He attended Kapiolani Community College and made many friends. He met his wife Nida Semana of 17 years, had a son and a daughter, and later divorced. He passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023 at the age of 79, with his loving son Randy by his side.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Cherish Marie Raquel, father Justo Saoit Raquel, mother Rosenda Barayuga Raquel, sisters Emerencia Raquel Blas, Julia Raquel Tabios, Eflaida Raquel, and brothers Arsenio Raquel and Paterno Raquel.
He is survived by his son Randall Raquel, brothers Florentino (Ledesma) Raquel, Jerry (Marlyn) Raquel, sisters Anastacia (Bernard) Tagalan, Monica Raquel Watson, Angelina Raquel; brother in law Rogelio Blas, sisters in law Elizabeth Ansagay Raquel and Meriam Pangilinan Raquel, numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Virgilio was known for being a talented chef and avid culinary artist. He worked his way up from being a cook to sous chef to becoming an Executive Chef. His employment included travels throughout the USA as well as outside of the country. Companies he worked for included Kelly’s Drive Inn, U.S. Military facility in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands; Hawaiian Regent Hotel-3rd Floor restaurant; Liberty House restaurants; Volume Services, Inc. & other corporations that operated food services for Neal Blaisdell Center, Dole Ballrooms, Proud Peacock, Elegant Catering, Sea Life Park; and finally Loulen’s restaurant. During his career, he owned and managed Blue Surf Catering and Blue Lagoon Restaurant. He catered multitude of events, made food carvings and ice sculptures, compiled hundreds of menus and shared his passion by teaching part time at Leeward Community College.
After 40 plus years in the food service, he finally retired. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, wood working, crafts, home improvement projects, and working on the computer. He also loved fishing and traveling. He traveled to Hong Kong, Japan and France.
He will be remembered as a loving father, brother and uncle, a kind and gentle soul, and by his generosity and love for cooking. He will be greatly missed and his memories will remain in our hearts forever.
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