With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear father, Adolfo "Rudy" Macabitas Viernes, who peacefully departed this life at the age of 91 on February 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his five daughters: Angie Wilson (James), Mai Viernes (beau, Arnel Gabilan), Emily Stewart (Craig), Liza Revives (Gino), and Joyce Garma (Denzil). Rudy was a proud grandfather to Mark and Camille Wilson, Casey Revives, Dreanna, Matthieu, and Marqus Garma. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Jovencia Marquez, along with cousins, nieces and nephews across the United States, Philippines, and Canada.
Rudy's journey began in Bangar, La Union, Philippines, where he led a humble life tending to crops and caring for animals on the family farm. Determined to pursue his dreams, he moved to Manila, where he completed his education, earning a Journalism degree from the prestigious University of Santo Tomas. His career path led him through diverse experiences, including a short stint with Pan American Airways in Guam in the air traffic control division, and also worked as a DJ at a local radio station in Agana, playing Glenn Miller, Perry Como, Eddy Duchin, Joni James and Ilocano songs.
Upon returning to Manila, Rudy found success in the public relations and purchasing departments of United Laboratories, Southeast Asia's largest pharmaceutical company. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Virginia "Viring" Cortez (who predeceased him by 20 years). After Unilab, Rudy became the General Manager of Social Communications Center, a publishing, printing and media house which produced the Philippine Catholic Digest, amongst other publications. With support from his daughter, Angie, Rudy and Viring migrated to the United States in 1999, where Rudy continued to embrace new opportunities, obtaining certifications in nursing assistance and massage therapy and becoming a well-loved caregiver in Marin County.
Rudy's life was marked by noteworthy moments, including his participation in the L.A. Marathon and leading the Pledge of Allegiance to 1,310 new Americans at the U.S. citizenship oath-taking ceremony on July 29, 2010, at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. He found joy in journalistic pursuits, contributing to Filipino newspapers in the US and Canada, and sharing his musical talents on the harmonica. Rudy cherished time spent outdoors, hiking the trails of Novato, gym work outs, and recounting stories from his experience as a courier, delivering secret messages between guerilla groups during World War II.
His dedication to community and faith was evident in his involvement with organizations such as Student Catholic Action, Holy Name Society, Publishing and Printing associations, Rotary Club, Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Bibliarasal Group, and the Filipino Americans of Northern California Organization (FANCO).
A HOLY MASS IN HONOR OF RUDY'S LIFE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024, AT 1:00 P.M. AT OUR LADY OF LORETTO CHURCH, 1806 NOVATO BLVD., NOVATO, CA 94947.
Rudy Viernes will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. He touched the lives of many and left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service that will continue to inspire us in years to come. May he rest in peace.
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