Juan Cruz Taitano (1916-2014)
Juan Cruz Taitano passed away peacefully in his home in Cornet Bay in Oak Harbor, Washington, on Sunday morning, October 12, 2014. He was born on May 19, 1916, on Guam to Joaquin Garrido Taitano and Maria Quichocho Taitano Cruz. He was 98 years old when he died of bone cancer under home hospice care.
At the time of his death, Juan was surrounded by many of his children and grandchildren. They had diligently fought hard, even in the wee hours of the morning, to ensure he was cared for, comfortable, and without pain in the final weeks of his life.
Juan married Mary Hudson, also a Guam native, in 1947. They were long-time residents of Oak Harbor after Juan was transferred here in 1956 as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. He had previously been assigned duty in San Diego and Guam. His nine children John Taitano, Eloise Taitano Geiger, Corrine Taitano Powers, Jim Taitano (deceased), Jackie Taitano Lee, David Taitano, George Taitano, Frank Taitano, and Mark Taitano all attended Oak Harbor schools. He also leaves behind 30 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Although Juan and Mary maintained their family home in Cornet Bay, they also lived on Guam and Rota (Marianas Islands) from 1979-1987. They then returned to the Northwest and Oak Harbor. Sadly, Juan lost Mary in death in December 2008.
Juan was a familiar face around town. He was known for his outgoing personality, generosity, and willingness to share his knowledge and love of God. He loved to play the ukulele and sing a song for anyone who came to visit, which he did just the week before he died. His firm faith in Jehovah God’s promise of the resurrection and his desire to see his beloved wife Mary again brought him comfort in his final days.
Services for Juan will be held at 2:00 on Sunday, October 19, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 301 Ronhaar St., Oak Harbor. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Northwest and Whidbey Memorial for their care and comfort. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.