Vince, the seventh of eight children, was born on July 22, 1932 to Anastacio and Augustina Gascon in Zapat, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He spent his early childhood working beside his family in the tobacco fields and harvesting rice. It wasn’t until 1958, when his older sister Emily petitioned him to come to the United States. He then made the bold decision to venture to the U.S. to make a better living.
While receiving a high school education at Wapato High School, he toiled alongside Uncle Ernie, Auntie Emily, and their children harvesting fruits and vegetables. Upon graduation in 1962, Vince continued his education, moving to Seattle to pursue a culinary arts degree from the Thomas A. Edison Technical School. While living in south Seattle he met his wife, Lolita, and married in April 1970. In 1971 Vince became a naturalized citizen of the U.S.
Before retiring in 1997, Vince spent the remainder of his career in the restaurant and hotel business as a chef. He loved to cook, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed spending time with family.
Vince passed away September 23, 2013 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 43 years and their three children: Debbie (Edgar) Masmela, Robert Gascon, and Lisa (Mark) Banate; grandchildren: Galen, Gabriele, Gisele, Gwendoline, Sienna, and Marli; his sister Leonida (Marcos) Imperio, his brother Plegonte (Cidad) Gascon, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
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