Part V. The Necrological Service
WILLIAM “BILLY” E. SAAVEDRA (+)
(September 25, 1952 – June 3, 2007)“He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.” Antoine de Saint Éxupéry
“Death gives us sleep, eternal youth, and immortality." Jean Paul Richter
Getting ready after the mass. The funeral coach – Butch the master necrological planner he being in that business, requested all the motorcycles to stay in front of the procession going back to Billy’s house in Binuangan (Km. 3) for the necrological service and interment.James Santos & Junie Natividad trailing Butch Natividad who was taking the lead vehicle of the funeral coach with Joren, Rene Alberto’s son & Billy’s nephew.
Junie & Peter Natividad, Egong and Beling Ong carrying Billy’s casket.
Carlo, Billy’s eldest son, placing the corsage on top of his father’s casket for the necrological service.
Guests, visitors, relatives and the bereaved family taking their seats for the necrological service.
Guests keep coming despite the heat just to say goodbye to Billy. Engr. Siok Solamillo and Mimi Natividad looking for a place to sit but assisted the guests instead.
The necrological service was emceed by Earl (Sammy Saavedra’s son)
Gino Luna rendering “The Greatest Love of All” song for Billy, while the guests listen with teary eyes.
Son Carlo, saying goodbye to Papang.
So with son Paolo (“Popoy”), who is a Billy’s look-alike.
Son Emil overcame with emotion and couldn’t hold of his tears.
Billy’s only girl, Chiqui taking part in the eulogy.
Joren, Rene’s son & Mila’s nephew, giving his piece for Tito Billy.
Michael Manapol’s eulogy for Billy includes introducing Billy’s basketball players and team mates during their Beejays days – Pedro Natividad, Banot Sanson, Butching & Ajoe Sanson, Maeng Taupan (Billy’s cousin), Soe Enriquez & Jungjung
Billy’s mom, Mommy Berta, Mila & kids with the BeeJays players with Engr. Siok Sollamillo.
Butch travails to Isabela included visits to friends.Taken the day before when Boy Lanete fetched Butch about 5:30pm at the local wharf. At Lolo Jose’s Restaurant at Sunrise to have dinner before proceeding to Billy’s wake. (L-R) Pedro, Mimi, Junie and Boy Lanete.
Taken at Ronald “Onak” Barandino’s farm before the interment. (L-R) Mike Manapol, Junie Natividad, Onak, Peter Natividad, Butch Natividad and the one sitting is Larry “the pogi” Sarino.