Percival Ylagan Javier

From being a “Good Boy” as a child, to being a “Good Husband” and a “Good Father” as a man, Percival Ylagan Javier did everything he did with a singular mission in mind: to provide for, care for, and support his family. That was his life’s vocation and he fulfilled it until his last breath. He died a hero - But heroes need to rest too.

“Tatay”, as he was known to his four children, Cherryl, Tricia, Andrew, and Patrick, was born in 1941 and was a product of the 1950s. Because his father, Abigail, was killed during the Second World War, he was mostly raised in Naujan, Mindoro and Manila by his mom, Velia, and her sisters Estrella, Beatriz, and Alice. They instilled in him a reverence for love through service and acts of kindness. He grew up with his siblings, Sister Velia Christine (“Dulce”), Rolando (“Lanny”), and Celia (“Des”). He graduated with a BS degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest existing university in the Philippines and Asia.

Shortly after completing university, he met the love of his life, Evelyn, whom he was married to for 53 years. During the earliest years of their courtship, they corresponded via letters which traveled between continents. They married in 1972, and first settled in Toronto, Canada, before settling down in Thousand Oaks, CA, in 1981.

He spent his career working for various architectural firms, specializing in commercial projects such as hospitals, theme parks, and more. But what made him light up the most, were moments spent with his family and friends. His love for his family was infinite, and he lived with intention.

He valued his faith, and was incredibly organized, driven and disciplined. Tatay had grit, and that is quality he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was known for his strict ways, such as, “no eating or drinking in the living room,” or “no shoes on the carpet”. He showed his love through his actions, and reminded us all about important birthdays and anniversaries without fail, or sending us a handwritten card on our most important dates. If any of the kids had a trip planned, he always had to have the itinerary so that he could wish us “bon voyage” right as we were boarding, or welcome us home as we returned.

Aside from his devotion to his wife, 4 children, and 5 grandchildren, he cherished time spent with his classmates from his “University days”, at UST. Throughout his retirement, they would make new memories on trips to Hawaii and Asia, or even during meet ups at local restaurants.

On the morning of Friday, October 24th, while driving to Andrew’s place to fulfill some babysitting duties, he began experiencing unexpected and serious symptoms which ultimately took his life despite the best efforts of the hospital staff. It was fitting because even up to his last moments, he ensured that Nanay was delivered to the destination safely. He was always eager to deliver on his role as not only a father, but as a grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

May he rest in peace in God's care.