Dr. Juanito S. Bautista
June 24, 1930 to August 5, 2021
Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2021, in his 92nd year, Dr. Juanito S. Bautista MD, predeceased by his wife Aida C. Bautista, his sister Crecenciana and her son Roland, mother Agatona Santa Ana and father Santiago. Left with many fond memories, son Michael (Anne Macdonald, Lesley, Jennifer, Kathryn and their cousins Alex and Claire Riggs), daughter Dorothy “Donna” (Ken Milks, Gabby, Connor and Carrie), son John (Elizabeth Bautista, Emily, Megan, and Chloe), sister Eduviges Bautista, and nephews Pascual and Edgar Tangkengco. In 1956, Juanito graduated from medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. Juanito and Aida married in 1957, and later that year, with two suitcases each and little else in hand, emigrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA under a foreign graduate exchange visitors’ program, where he went on to a thoracic surgical residency. After much reflection, he left that area of practice, and took his family to St. John’s NL in 1962, where he began his career in the treatment of tuberculosis at the St. John’s Sanitorium. The Bautistas became the second Filipino family in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, joining their relatives, the Cruz family, who were the first Filipino family. From 1965 until 1968, they returned to the United States, where Juanito worked primarily in the field of tuberculosis, but returned to St. John’s to resume working at the Sanitorium as its Clinical Director. The Sanitorium was the main provincial TB referral hospital where patients would reside for an average of six months for TB treatment; he treated the whole variety of TB infections – lung, kidney and bone. When TB came under control, the province decided to close all sanitoria in 1972 and Juanito moved to St. Clare’s where he worked on the Chest Unit, the last vestige of the old San, until his retirement in 1992, when it closed. During those twenty years, he became involved in teaching internal medicine and anesthesia residents during their respiratory rotations; his son Michael had the pleasure of working on that unit with him and Dr. Duncan Rice. Juanito was active in the Newfoundland Thoracic Society, the Newfoundland Lung Association and the Better Breathing Club, and was granted lifetime membership in the Newfoundland Lung Association in 1993.
As a physician, Juanito was known to always have a smile, and to be a very kind and caring doctor. Former patients would often stop him in the mall or supermarket to say hello and he could remember many if not most of their names. As a husband, father and grandfather, he was loving, caring, dutiful and diligent. He drove children and then grandchildren where they had to go, whether it was school, university, gymnastics or music lessons. He was active in the Newfoundland Filipino Association. In the old days the annual meeting was held at his home, with Aida’s delicious cooking as a treat. He supported his family in the Philippines, to whom he was known as “Daddy.” He and Aida loved to visit family throughout Canada and the US. Always a stickler for detail, and gracious in his frank, blunt comments, Juanito remained as sharp as a tack, still balancing his chequebook without a calculator; keeping up to date with current events and golf on TV; remembering every birthday and anniversary and preparing the appropriate greetings cards a week in advance; and being critically instructive about the Filipino food Michael and his daughters made for him for their regularly scheduled Saturday lunches together. He generously supported his parish St. Pius X. With failing health and in the context of the pandemic, he attended Mass daily at home.
Thank you to Dr. Lynn Dwyer for years of kind personalized care, and to all the staff from the Health Sciences who were there in the emergency department on his last day.
Visitation will be at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL on Sunday August 8, 2021, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church at 9:30am Monday August 9. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend, please visit https://tom0349.wixsite.com/streamingservices/funerals
Donations can be made to St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s, NL.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 8, 2021
7-9 p.m. on August 8, 2021
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
9:30am, Monday August 9th
St. Pius X Parish, 16 Smithville Crescent
Michael and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle soul. I remember the many rides to MUN that he gave me…in all kinds of weather..never appearing to be stressed in the least! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
To the Bautista family,
It was inspiring to hear of Dr. Bautista’s travel to St. John’s in the early 60s. Dr. Juanito and Aida gave their energy and compassion to Newfoundland for over a half-century! The Bautistas are continuing that legacy! Newfoundland is a richer and better place.
Our prayers for the family and may God give you strength.
Micheal so sorry to hear your dad has died, I remember him well from his days with Dr Rice at the SAN
He was a dedicated physician and loved and respected by his patients
You have followed in his footsteps and are much appreciated in your practice and your life
God bless you all and be consoled by the beautiful memories you share
Mike, Anne and Family
Sorry for your loss but time to celebrate a life certainly and obviously well lived. A great contributor to his community and family. I’m sure he must have worked with my mother as she worked at the San but mainly the Harvey Road TB Clinics. Although difficult now your memories should be a comfort to all.
Take care
Ean and Jane Parsons
My sincere condolences to all Bautidta families at this difficult time. God Bless.
Sincere condolences to the Bautista family. I had the privilege of working on 4 South at St. Clare’s with Dr. Bautista. He was a wonderful physician. As a young RN it was a pleasure to learn from him and he was a generous teacher. He was always patient, kind and such a gentleman. Over the years I would see him at Mass and loved to see his smile and wave.
My sincere condolences to Michael and all the family. I fondly remember the kindness of Dr. Bautista to my husband both at the Sanitorium and SCMH. May he rest in peace.
Michael & Family
Sincere sympathy and prayers for you in the loss of you dear Father.. Good memories of his kindness and caring ways at St. Clare’s.
Donna, Mike and John,
So sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. I have nothing but the warmest of memories of him, a kind hearted soul who was gentle and supportive. My condolences to you on your loss. I’m sure he will always be in your hearts.
Dr. Mike & Family;
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories. Thinking of you.
To Michael and the family,
So sorry to hear of our father’s passing. I remember him from the chest unit and his gentle and supportive teaching manner. He taught me how to interpret the chest X ray. He was a humble and caring man who treated everyone so respectfully – a role model for us all. My condolences to you at this difficult time.
Mike , Donna , John and families, Our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather. As a next door neighbour for 34 years, we found your father to be a very kind and gentle person who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.. We hope your happy memories will get you through this sad time and bring smiles to you all.
May I offer my deepest sympathies on your loss
I’m saddened to hear Dr Bautista has passed but it sounds like he lived a full and lovely life. Dr and Mrs Bautista lived across the street from my parents. Every winter so many times I would see dad glance out the window and see Dr Bautista shovelling snow and dad would jump up and go out there too. It was funny to watch. After my parents passed the house and driveway was empty. When it snowed Dr Bautista would call me at work and ask me if he could park in the driveway. I would always say anytime, you don’t need to call, but he would always call. Such a sweet gentleman.
Michael, Anne and family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your father, father in law and grandfather. He certainly had a wonderful influence on you all. May his soul rest in peace. God Bless!
Brian and Dianne Kennedy
To Michael and the Bautista Family: We are sorry for your great loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. Anne and Keith Sclater
Our thoughts and prayers to the Bautista family in this time of sadness.
by Christie Cruz Militante and Children
Dear Mike , John and families,
I remembered your Dad from my days at St. Clare’s. He was caring and kind to all those who worked with him and he always had a smile on his face. May the happy memories you have of him sustain you in your grief. My heartfelt condolences to you on your loss.
My prayers and deepest sympathy to my cousins, the Bautista family. May his memory be eternal. Take care.
Our sincere condolences to the Bautista family. We join you in prayer. God bless you always.
My condolences to all the Bautistas on the passing of their dear father and grandfather. God bless you all. May Dr. Bautista rest in peace.
Mike, Anne and your immediate and extended families. Although I never met Dr Bautista, I remember his smile in the halls of St Clares. What an interesting life well lived. The thought of leaving your home country for another life so far away with two suitcases gives one pause. I love the phrase ‘critically instructive’ when passing on family knowledge and cooking skills – brings forth many memories for us as well! Janette and Paris Georghiou
Dear Mike, and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your loving father and grandfather. His obituary demonstrates a life of empathy and kindness towards others. It is clear to me that he has been a role model for his family, as I have been on the receiving end of Bautista kindness. I wish you peace and happy memories.
Janine
To all of the Bautista family,
Our families prayers will be with you as you say goodbye to your Father and grandfather this day. I hope the memories and happy times you have, keep you and help you get through this difficult time,
I know those memories will always be precious and keep him close in your thoughts.
Jane Walsh, Barbara-Kate and Helen Cavell
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the family.. I worked with Dr.Bautista in the Chest Clinic ,St.Clare’s Hospital for many years. We worked as a team, Doctor ,R.N and clerical staff. He was a wonderful Dr. ,well respected and a friend to all. We planned his retirement lunch , he was so appreciative of the Memory Box. for his cherish items. I will certainly miss the yearly Christmas greetings . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and family.
So sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences from Karen and I. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy
John, Elizabeth and girls.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers today as you bid farewell for now to a man who means so much to you.
Much love,
Evelena and Eric.
To Michael, Anne and family with sincere sympathy on the passing of Dr. Bautista.. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. .God Bless you all.
Martin and Annie Smart.
Donna, Ken, Connor, Gabby & Carrie,
Condolences to you on your loss. I remember seeing your dad/grandfather on the St Bon’s parking lot picking up the grand kids always with a smile.
To Michael /Anne, Donna and John,
So sorry to hear this news. I remember your dad as a quiet humble kind person. He was well respected at St. Clare’s during my school days and residency. My deepest condolences to all of you and your families for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear about your father’s passing Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time
Condolences to Michael and Donna and all the Bautista family. As a trainee in internal medicine, I had the privilege to attend TB clinic in the ‘70’s. Dr. Bautista , Dr. Rice and the radiologist, usually Dr. MacLoughlan led the discussion, inviting we juniors to interpret the chest x-ray , lab data or other clinical information.. It was a great teaching session , with lively discussion and also taught the art of collegial consultation. I remember Dr. Bautista as a gentleman who was supportive and generous to us as students. He always remembered us and took interest in our progress.
May he Rest In Peace. Maureen Hannaford
So sorry to hear that Dr. Bautista has passed away. I worked with him at the St John’s Sanatorium. Avery nice and friendly man who always has smile for everyone. He will be missed.
To Family,
Our memories are of a very generous and loving man. Our condolences for your loss.
Kathryn & family – I am so sorry to hear about your grandfathers passing. I remember how fondly you spoke of him and your lunches together. My sincere condolences to the entire family. RIP Dr. Bautista – your legacy is unsurpassed.
Sincere condolences to the family of Uncle Juanito and assurance of prayers for the repose of his soul. My father., the late Dr Emiliano Sta Ana Mendoza and Uncle Juanito were first cousins. I never had the chance to meet Uncle Juanito personally but I heard many stories from my father about him… They grew up together and both studied at UST.
Dr Michael and family
I am very sorry for your loss. Your Dads obituary reads of a life well lived and a very proud legacy. I’m sure he was proud of his family and his life’s work and Newfoundland has much to be grateful to him for. May your happy memories keep him close and bring you smiles. Loretta ( Grace hospital RN)
To the family of Dr Baustista,my sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of your father/grandfather & many other esteemed titles.I worked for many years at the Sanatorium & again at St Clare’s when we transferred there.He sure was a wonderful caring & very respectful doctor to hundreds of people & very much loved by all of us at the Sanatorium. God speed Dr Baustista.My thoughts & prayers are with you all during the next difficult days.
Condolences to Dr. Bautista’s Family. I would see him every Sunday at St. Pius X when I lived in St. John’s, always being friendly and polite. To Michael and Anne, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Brian Hamilton, Fredericton, New Brunswick
I express my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Bautista.. May he now enjoy the peace and fullness of life in the new life promised to those who love God and neighbour.
My deepest regrets to the Bautista family on the death of this fine family member .His life was one of service to many people especially those living in NL.
I will always remember his wonderful smile and the many good deeds he did for S.Pius X parish.
Cherish the many wonderful lifetime of memories he leaves to each of you.
May his soul R.I.P.
Dear Michael,
My deepest sympathies on the death of your father. May the Lord be gracious to him and welcome him into the warmth of his embrace. My prayers are with you.
Len
I know God will take care of you for eternity dear Dr. Bautista.. He was such a wonderdul doctor and the kindest person. I met him in the TB unit at the sanitorium as a patient then later years as an employee when I went to work at St. Clare’s. No matter where I would see him he always remembered me and would say hello. I was privileged to know him. Dr. Bautista, heaven will definitely be a better place with you up there. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace now. Elaine A.
The Bautista Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss, I worked with your father at the Sanatorium and St Clares for many years. He was greatly respected . He will be missed.
Judy Chubbs
You will always be remember kuya John..
Prayers of comfort to all Bautista Family.
Our deepest Sympathy .❤
With love,
Jhoy& Ricky
Mike Anne and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Regards Maureen and Bob Jenkins and family
Dr.Michael Bautista and family,My sincerest condolences to your family on the passing of your father.Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.God bless you all and take care.