Hector Pascual Morales

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Hector Pascual Morales who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Hector was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Hector knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Hector was born on October 5, 1959 at home in Laoag City, Philippines. His parents were Ireneo and Elena Morales. Hector was raised in Barit, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Hector learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Hector was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Hector was raised with six siblings. He had an older sister, Filipinas, two older brothers, Pacifico and Mely Elan, and three younger brothers, Inocencio, Virgilio and Jesse. Hector had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Hector, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Hector's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Hector enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked to read comic books and magazines.

In school, Hector was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Hector was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Hector’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades in 1979. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Hector’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Hector’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Hector saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the Divine World College of Legazpi. His favorite courses were English.

An objective and conscientious individual, Hector reveled in the security of his family. On December 18, 1992 Hector exchanged wedding vows with Rosario Pascual Morales at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Laoag City, Philippines. One of Hector’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Hector was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Hector would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Hector was blessed with two sons, Malcom and Michael.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Hector was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Hector was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Hector upheld his standards. His primary occupation was in Housekeeping. He was employed at Good Samaritan Hospital. Hector was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Hector approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading and watching TV. Hector was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Hector to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included jogging and walking. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball.

Faith was important to Hector. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Hector used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Hector had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Chicago, and Canada.

Hector passed away on May 18, 2012 at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, CA due to heart failure. He is survived by his wife Rosario; his children Malcom and Michael; his sister Filipinas; and his brothers Pacifico, Mely Elan, Inocencio, Virgilio, and Jesse. Services were held at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose, CA. Hector was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, CA.

All who knew him would agree that Hector was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Hector Pascual Morales did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.