Leonardo Capunitan Almeda

Leonardo C. Almeda, known to many as “Narding,“ “Ka Narding,” or Dad to his children and “Lolo” to his grandkids, passed away peacefully in the morning of September 14th, 2022 at the age of 88 years.

Born on January 5th, 1934, he is the eldest among 11 siblings that Salvador and Rosario Almeda brought into this world. Leonardo grew up in a fishing village called Cuyab, which borders Laguna Lake, a small barrio in the township of San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines.

Being in a huge family meant that at an early age he was assigned numerous chores, often helping out to earn a living for their growing family. He would tell stories of how he would look after his itiks (native ducks) before leaving for school; and how after school, he would squeeze in doing his homework while taking care of his ducks. Leonardo was also known for selling popsicles on the weekends, peddling them out of a styrofoam box that he would carry around the neighboring barrios (towns) to make a few cents. He always said his childhood was not easy but he was proud to have helped support his family. These were the foundational lessons that would serve as a precursor to a wonderful and hard working life ahead.

While continuing to help raise his parents' family, Dad was also able to save enough money to get himself enrolled into university, finishing with a Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Accounting and Economics at FEU. Immediately upon graduation, he joined the National Bureau of Investigation Academy (FBI of the Philippines). Being a federal agent was one of the milestones he was most proud of. Many wanted to become an NBI Agent, but only few passed the rigorous physical and mental trainings. Dad saw himself as the local version of that famous British super spy. And it was rightfully so. He would be in many newsworthy operations which lead to the apprehension of big time internationally connected criminals. It was also in the NBI where he met his match, Amelita, our mother. No, she was not a super spy but could have easily been one.

They were blessed with 7 children in total. Their 3 sons, Joseph, Jeffrey, Jason, 2 daughters, Fatima and Leomerita and two angels who left us at birth, Ramona and Arthur who will now welcome Dad along with Mom into their loving arms.

Growing up with dad was fun. He was a masterful storyteller and a jokester on the side. He loved the boys and tried to shape them into his likeness, to be tough, funny, level headed and gentlemen. The young girls captured his heart, and they eventually became the apple of his eye.

Eventually, dad left the NBI and was recruited into the Bureau of Immigration, Intelligence Division - which was headed by his cousin. As a senior officer, he was responsible for apprehending foreign criminals staying in the country. It was the job that he left moving to Canada in 1987. It was a difficult start in this foreign land, but Dad ensured that we got our footing here. He and Mom knew our future was here, and so they did what they could to sow the roots of future generations to come.

Dad missed the adrenalin of his work, so he went back to the old country and continued his work, visiting us here in Canada regularly. He kept this routine until tragedy struck in ‘99, he would suffer a massive stroke which would lead to half his body paralyzed and losing the ability to speak. By God’s grace, he survived and got strong enough to travel back to Canada.

It was here in Canada that he lived his remaining 23 years, semi-independent but managed to have a peaceful and happy life. He still had a sharp mind and never missed smiling when we were around. Through therapy, he was able to utter the names of his children. He could even sing Happy Birthday and Bahay Kubo. And for us it was enough.

Amelita, our mother, cared for him until she was diagnosed with dementia in 2013. Dad moved into a nursing facility that year, and Mom followed him soon after. Despite his disability, he was able to look after Mom ensuring her daily meds were taken and other needs were looked after. He watched over her like a hawk and it was a wonderful and precious sight to see.

Unfortunately, Mom’s dementia started to progress at the height of Covid. He knew the end was near; and in November of 2020, Dad said goodbye to his soulmate and best friend.

In the months ahead, Dad began a battle with pneumonia and a plethora of health issues including Covid. He was in deep sleep, the week leading to his passing. Being the tough guy he was, he fought to be awake for a few days to see our family together one last time. He was smiling, cheered up and was looking at us intensely, trying to remember every shape and curve of our unique faces. He passed in the presence of all his children and loved ones.

He is survived by sons Joseph, Jeffrey, Jason, daughters Fatima, Leomerita & Luisa; in-laws Gina, Mitzi, Agnes, Fernan, Andrew & Jeng; grandchildren Sam, Joash, Christel, Jamie, Jorelle, Faith, Aimee, Xavier & Shalayna; a great-grandchild Takaya, brothers, sisters and numerous nephews and nieces.

His life was a shining example of devotion to one’s family and abiding by integrity. His loyalty to his family and friends is second to none. His legacy and stories continue to flow in every one of us. He rests knowing that he was loved deeply and will never be forgotten.