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 Santiago Camba Castillo 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, Santiago was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Santiago knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Santiago was born on July 30, 1931 to Pedro Castillo and Lebrada Camba in San Vicente, Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Santiago 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, Santiago 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. Santiago was the youngest of seven children. He had one brother, Placido, and five sisters. Santiago 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 Santiago, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Santiago's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Santiago enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Santiago took part in volleyball and played the saxophone. Coming from a poor family, Santiago worked hard planting rice on the family farm.
Santiago’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. Santiago’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 Santiago 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 BA in Liberal Arts Education.
An objective and conscientious individual, Santiago reveled in the security of his family. On January 28, 1958, Santiago exchanged wedding vows with Hilaria Guadilla Trinidad who later passed away on March 29, 1996. He then married Meding Bello Bides on June 25, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of Santiago’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.
Santiago 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. Santiago 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. Santiago was blessed with four children who call him, "Dad",Raymar Trinidad Castillo, Ella Chavez-Harbrecht, Larry Castillo, Joel Peter Castillo; and three children who call him "Papa Sonny", Ricardo Bides, Dinah Bides Jenkins, and Debbie Bides Alon.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Santiago 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, Santiago 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, Santiago upheld his standards. Santiago was a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and then later retired as a social worker for Santa Clara County. He was employed with the Navy for 22 years and in social services for 18 years. Santiago was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Santiago was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He enlisted in March 1954 in the Philippines. He served in many locations in the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, Guam, NAS Alameda, and retired at NAS Moffett Field. He was a crew member of the USS Holmes County LST 836, USS Tutuila AR6-4, and VP-48. Santiago saw action for the Korean War and Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Personnel and Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including six awards for Good Conduct, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Medal, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Award.
Santiago 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 gardening, watching sports like volleyball, boxing and basketball, and helping family and friends. He also liked to play the saxophone, harmonica, guitar, and liked to sing. Santiago was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Santiago loved to laugh.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Santiago to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Santiago played volleyball. Recreational sports included volleyball, dancing, playing blackjack and scrabble, loved to drive, and was a mentor to all. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were volleyball, boxing, and basketball.
A civic-minded person, Santiago was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Santiago was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Lakewood Village Filipino-American Association where he was one of the Founding Fathers. He was also in the Knights of Columbus. During these years, Santiago applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
Faith was important to Santiago. 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 Parishioner of St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church for fifteen years.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Santiago 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. Santiago had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Reno, Hawaii, San Diego, and Southern California.
Santiago was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Santiago’s favorites was Fred, a black Labrador. They were best friends for 7 years.
Santiago retired from the Navy in 1975 and from Santa Clara County in 1993. He worked hard all his life, taking second and third jobs to support his family - teaching, farming, door-to-door sales, janitorial, security guard, bus driver, and as a research assistant to a NASA Ames scientist. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing blackjack, ballroom dancing, gardening, and playing cards. In many ways, Santiago loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Santiago passed away on August 10, 2015 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Santiago fought multiple illnesses and suffered a final heart attack. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilaria Trinidad Castillo. He is survived by his wife, Meding Bides Castillo; seven children; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church. Santiago was laid to rest at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
All who knew him would agree that Santiago 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. Santiago Camba Castillo 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.
Santiago was born on July 30, 1931 to Pedro Castillo and Lebrada Camba in San Vicente, Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Santiago 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, Santiago 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. Santiago was the youngest of seven children. He had one brother, Placido, and five sisters. Santiago 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 Santiago, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Santiago's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Santiago enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Santiago took part in volleyball and played the saxophone. Coming from a poor family, Santiago worked hard planting rice on the family farm.
Santiago’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. Santiago’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 Santiago 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 BA in Liberal Arts Education.
An objective and conscientious individual, Santiago reveled in the security of his family. On January 28, 1958, Santiago exchanged wedding vows with Hilaria Guadilla Trinidad who later passed away on March 29, 1996. He then married Meding Bello Bides on June 25, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of Santiago’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.
Santiago 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. Santiago 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. Santiago was blessed with four children who call him, "Dad",Raymar Trinidad Castillo, Ella Chavez-Harbrecht, Larry Castillo, Joel Peter Castillo; and three children who call him "Papa Sonny", Ricardo Bides, Dinah Bides Jenkins, and Debbie Bides Alon.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Santiago 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, Santiago 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, Santiago upheld his standards. Santiago was a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and then later retired as a social worker for Santa Clara County. He was employed with the Navy for 22 years and in social services for 18 years. Santiago was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Santiago was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He enlisted in March 1954 in the Philippines. He served in many locations in the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, Guam, NAS Alameda, and retired at NAS Moffett Field. He was a crew member of the USS Holmes County LST 836, USS Tutuila AR6-4, and VP-48. Santiago saw action for the Korean War and Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Personnel and Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including six awards for Good Conduct, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Medal, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Award.
Santiago 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 gardening, watching sports like volleyball, boxing and basketball, and helping family and friends. He also liked to play the saxophone, harmonica, guitar, and liked to sing. Santiago was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Santiago loved to laugh.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Santiago to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Santiago played volleyball. Recreational sports included volleyball, dancing, playing blackjack and scrabble, loved to drive, and was a mentor to all. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were volleyball, boxing, and basketball.
A civic-minded person, Santiago was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Santiago was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Lakewood Village Filipino-American Association where he was one of the Founding Fathers. He was also in the Knights of Columbus. During these years, Santiago applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
Faith was important to Santiago. 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 Parishioner of St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church for fifteen years.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Santiago 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. Santiago had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Reno, Hawaii, San Diego, and Southern California.
Santiago was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Santiago’s favorites was Fred, a black Labrador. They were best friends for 7 years.
Santiago retired from the Navy in 1975 and from Santa Clara County in 1993. He worked hard all his life, taking second and third jobs to support his family - teaching, farming, door-to-door sales, janitorial, security guard, bus driver, and as a research assistant to a NASA Ames scientist. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing blackjack, ballroom dancing, gardening, and playing cards. In many ways, Santiago loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Santiago passed away on August 10, 2015 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Santiago fought multiple illnesses and suffered a final heart attack. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilaria Trinidad Castillo. He is survived by his wife, Meding Bides Castillo; seven children; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church. Santiago was laid to rest at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
All who knew him would agree that Santiago 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. Santiago Camba Castillo 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.
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 Santiago Camba Castillo 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, Santiago was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Santiago knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Santiago was born on July 30, 1931 to Pedro Castillo and Lebrada Camba in San Vicente, Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Santiago 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, Santiago 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. Santiago was the youngest of seven children. He had one brother, Placido, and five sisters. Santiago 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 Santiago, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Santiago's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Santiago enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Santiago took part in volleyball and played the saxophone. Coming from a poor family, Santiago worked hard planting rice on the family farm.
Santiago’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. Santiago’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 Santiago 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 BA in Liberal Arts Education.
An objective and conscientious individual, Santiago reveled in the security of his family. On January 28, 1958, Santiago exchanged wedding vows with Hilaria Guadilla Trinidad who later passed away on March 29, 1996. He then married Meding Bello Bides on June 25, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of Santiago’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.
Santiago 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. Santiago 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. Santiago was blessed with four children who call him, "Dad",Raymar Trinidad Castillo, Ella Chavez-Harbrecht, Larry Castillo, Joel Peter Castillo; and three children who call him "Papa Sonny", Ricardo Bides, Dinah Bides Jenkins, and Debbie Bides Alon.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Santiago 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, Santiago 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, Santiago upheld his standards. Santiago was a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and then later retired as a social worker for Santa Clara County. He was employed with the Navy for 22 years and in social services for 18 years. Santiago was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Santiago was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He enlisted in March 1954 in the Philippines. He served in many locations in the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, Guam, NAS Alameda, and retired at NAS Moffett Field. He was a crew member of the USS Holmes County LST 836, USS Tutuila AR6-4, and VP-48. Santiago saw action for the Korean War and Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Personnel and Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including six awards for Good Conduct, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Medal, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Award.
Santiago 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 gardening, watching sports like volleyball, boxing and basketball, and helping family and friends. He also liked to play the saxophone, harmonica, guitar, and liked to sing. Santiago was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Santiago loved to laugh.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Santiago to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Santiago played volleyball. Recreational sports included volleyball, dancing, playing blackjack and scrabble, loved to drive, and was a mentor to all. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were volleyball, boxing, and basketball.
A civic-minded person, Santiago was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Santiago was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Lakewood Village Filipino-American Association where he was one of the Founding Fathers. He was also in the Knights of Columbus. During these years, Santiago applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
Faith was important to Santiago. 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 Parishioner of St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church for fifteen years.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Santiago 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. Santiago had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Reno, Hawaii, San Diego, and Southern California.
Santiago was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Santiago’s favorites was Fred, a black Labrador. They were best friends for 7 years.
Santiago retired from the Navy in 1975 and from Santa Clara County in 1993. He worked hard all his life, taking second and third jobs to support his family - teaching, farming, door-to-door sales, janitorial, security guard, bus driver, and as a research assistant to a NASA Ames scientist. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing blackjack, ballroom dancing, gardening, and playing cards. In many ways, Santiago loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Santiago passed away on August 10, 2015 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Santiago fought multiple illnesses and suffered a final heart attack. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilaria Trinidad Castillo. He is survived by his wife, Meding Bides Castillo; seven children; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church. Santiago was laid to rest at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
All who knew him would agree that Santiago 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. Santiago Camba Castillo 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.
Santiago was born on July 30, 1931 to Pedro Castillo and Lebrada Camba in San Vicente, Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Santiago 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, Santiago 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. Santiago was the youngest of seven children. He had one brother, Placido, and five sisters. Santiago 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 Santiago, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Santiago's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Santiago enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Santiago took part in volleyball and played the saxophone. Coming from a poor family, Santiago worked hard planting rice on the family farm.
Santiago’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. Santiago’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 Santiago 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 BA in Liberal Arts Education.
An objective and conscientious individual, Santiago reveled in the security of his family. On January 28, 1958, Santiago exchanged wedding vows with Hilaria Guadilla Trinidad who later passed away on March 29, 1996. He then married Meding Bello Bides on June 25, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of Santiago’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.
Santiago 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. Santiago 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. Santiago was blessed with four children who call him, "Dad",Raymar Trinidad Castillo, Ella Chavez-Harbrecht, Larry Castillo, Joel Peter Castillo; and three children who call him "Papa Sonny", Ricardo Bides, Dinah Bides Jenkins, and Debbie Bides Alon.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Santiago 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, Santiago 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, Santiago upheld his standards. Santiago was a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and then later retired as a social worker for Santa Clara County. He was employed with the Navy for 22 years and in social services for 18 years. Santiago was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Santiago was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He enlisted in March 1954 in the Philippines. He served in many locations in the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, Guam, NAS Alameda, and retired at NAS Moffett Field. He was a crew member of the USS Holmes County LST 836, USS Tutuila AR6-4, and VP-48. Santiago saw action for the Korean War and Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Personnel and Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including six awards for Good Conduct, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Medal, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Award.
Santiago 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 gardening, watching sports like volleyball, boxing and basketball, and helping family and friends. He also liked to play the saxophone, harmonica, guitar, and liked to sing. Santiago was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Santiago loved to laugh.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Santiago to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Santiago played volleyball. Recreational sports included volleyball, dancing, playing blackjack and scrabble, loved to drive, and was a mentor to all. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were volleyball, boxing, and basketball.
A civic-minded person, Santiago was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Santiago was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Lakewood Village Filipino-American Association where he was one of the Founding Fathers. He was also in the Knights of Columbus. During these years, Santiago applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
Faith was important to Santiago. 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 Parishioner of St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church for fifteen years.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Santiago 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. Santiago had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Reno, Hawaii, San Diego, and Southern California.
Santiago was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Santiago’s favorites was Fred, a black Labrador. They were best friends for 7 years.
Santiago retired from the Navy in 1975 and from Santa Clara County in 1993. He worked hard all his life, taking second and third jobs to support his family - teaching, farming, door-to-door sales, janitorial, security guard, bus driver, and as a research assistant to a NASA Ames scientist. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing blackjack, ballroom dancing, gardening, and playing cards. In many ways, Santiago loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Santiago passed away on August 10, 2015 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Santiago fought multiple illnesses and suffered a final heart attack. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilaria Trinidad Castillo. He is survived by his wife, Meding Bides Castillo; seven children; 22 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church. Santiago was laid to rest at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
All who knew him would agree that Santiago 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. Santiago Camba Castillo 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.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
