Urbano Quijance (1916–2011), veteran, Filipino activist

Urbano Quijance

Urbano Quijance, 95, died peacefully at his home in Seattle, on Jan. 22. Born in the Philippines, Urbano served his country as a defender of Bataan in WWII. He was captured as a prisoner-of-war and was forced to walk the infamous Bataan Death March.

After retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of major, after more than 20 years of distinguished service, he served his country for 20 more years as an administrative supervisor (GS-10) for the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Lawton, Wash. Major Quijance was a lifetime member of VFW 6599, the Philippine Historical Society (PHS), and the Bataan Death March Survivor & Their Families, serving as its commander and adviser for many years.

He dedicated his retirement years and energy to the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) serving as the president and adviser. He led the unprecedented effort by the FCS to document the rich history of the Filipino community in the Seattle area through 3 published PAMANA books.

Quijance is survived by his partner, Fannie Sumaong, his 9 children (Rudy and wife “Nanette” Virginia, Millie and deceased husband Larry Rollolazo, Robert and Robin, Arvel and Martha, Norma and Sal Milluzzo, Linda and Shane Simmons, Edna and Jerry Tiedeman, Jimmy and Laura, and George), 20 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aurelia, in 1997.

Quijance’s viewing is on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an evening vigil at 7 p.m., both at Bonney Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway, Seattle. The funeral mass is on Friday, Jan. 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edwards Parish, 4205 S. Orcas Street, Seattle. Mass will be followed by a Christian burial at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery. ♦