Dominic Santiago

Dominic Santiago, 78, of Seatac, Washington, passed away on June 13, 2020 in Seattle, Washington.

Dominic was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines to Ildefonso A. Santiago and Teresa Toh. He is survived by his wife, Rose; his sons, Christian and Michael; granddaughters, Alexandria and Catherine; brothers, Fred and Mario; sisters, Mila, Rosie, Connie and Marilou; nieces; nephews; cousins; brothers-in-law; grand nephews; grandnieces; family members of the Capalungan, Devina, Jones, Martinez, Gamet, and Querubin; godmothers, Minda Delcarmen and Nena Inocentes; Listo and Audax members; Jim and Lisa Coballes; Eduardo and Marlene Campos; and other close friends. He is predeceased by his parents, and sister, Aida.

Dominic went to schools at Ateneo de Zamboanga University; University of the Philippines; and University of Washington. He graduated with a law degree from University of the Philippines School of Law, and with a Juris Doctor from University of Washington School of Law. 

For many years, Dominic worked as a lawyer both in the Philippines and in the United States. He was involved in many civic organizations, and community/school activities. Also, he enjoyed playing golf, reading, cooking, and karaoke singing.

Dominic left a lasting legacy to the families he loved, the friends he respected and treasured, fellow Filipinos and other people he helped, the organizations, communities and schools he made contributions to, and most especially to his love and lasting devotion to his wife, Rose, the love of his life.

Dominic Made A Difference

Dominic made a difference locally and internationally.

Helped raise scholarship funds for students by selling halo-halo during Seattle, Washington’s Seafair,

Helped raise funds for the University of the Philippines by caroling during Christmas seasons,

Helped raise funds for Catholic and/or Jesuit schools through fund raising activities, and by having Fr. Kreutz be the guest during events in Seattle, Washington and Chicago, Illinois,

Helped the deceased Filipinos, who at the time of their deaths, had no relatives in Seattle, Washington, by coordinating with the Seattle’s coroner office and airlines, and by processing the necessary transactions in order to transport the deceased back to their families in the Philippines, and

Dominic extended his efforts to help not only locally but internationally. Dominic was part of the professional delegation for “The People to People Ambassador Program,” which was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Being a lawyer, he was able to communicate directly with some European’s courts and/or lawyers with the purpose of solving differences and finding a way to live in peace, and of taking the caring attitude to a foreign country as one of the selected ambassadors of American good will.

“Domeng” - the Enforcer

Dominic was called by his classmates “Domeng” when he attended University of the Philippines School of Law. He was a member of a study group, which comprised of 6 law students. When he suggested to call the study group as “Listo Corporation” (meaning, Always Alert and Ready to Work), the rest of the members agreed.  The task of the group daily, was to digest dozens of legal cases for each subject. To complete the task in a timely manner, the group stayed behind after classes, and summarized the cases using portable manual typewriters with enough carbon papers to accommodate 6 copies (one copy for each member). The group only left home after completing the digested law cases for each member to study these further at home. Domeng was remembered as the enforcer of the group. As the enforcer, Domeng made sure that the members completed and submitted their case assignments promptly. Domeng being the “makulit” (meaning, being annoying) was the most appropriate member for the enforcer job.  The “Listo Corporation” lasted on until they finished law school and became their “gang” for going to parties, and out of town trips, for example, a trip to the Ati-Atihan Festival. As part of the gang’s activities, they travelled to members’ parental homes to meet and greet their parents. They also had fun playing bowling, swimming, and picnicking at Cawa-Cawa beach. Domeng enjoyed flying with a member who had a Piper Cub airplane. He constantly exchanged jokes with the group. There was a lot ribbing too among members. (Contributed by the group members).

Acknowledgement

We, the family members of Dominic extend our sincere thanks: to Dr. Steven Hayashi and other staff at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington; to those who were able to visit and support him and Rose when Dominic was still with us; to those who prayed and will pray for the eternal repose of Dominic’s soul; and to those who sent flowers, made donations, and expressed their love and support during our time of bereavement.

Donations in Dominic's memory to: https://connect.virginiamasonfoundation.org/donate