Tranquilino Guillermo Barruga

Tranquilino Guillermo Barruga, lovingly known as "TG," passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the Hospice Unit of the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, California. He was 92 years old. A resident of Loma Linda since 1983, TG was born on September 15, 1933, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, to Ricardo and Fausta Barruga. He was the eldest son born after four sisters and followed by the loss of an infant sister. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Avelina Tungpalan, Rosita Cadavona, Consolación Dacuycuy, Gumersinda Abugan, and an infant sister who passed away in the Philippines at a very young age. TG attended public elementary school in Laoag before completing fifth and sixth grades at the Laoag Seventh-day Adventist School. He finished his first year of high school at Northwestern High School in Laoag and completed his remaining three years at Philippine Union College. On November 28, 1958, TG enlisted in the United States Navy, faithfully serving his country for 10 years, 4 months, and 21 days. During his military career, he served aboard the USS Denebola (AF-56), which was actively deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the fall of 1962. He also served aboard the destroyer USS Nicholas, operating in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged following his dedicated military service. Following his Navy career, TG held several jobs in Hawaii, including work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, maintenance, security, and as a short-order cook. Through hard work and sacrifice, he provided Christian educational opportunities for his children. In 1983, he relocated his family to the Loma Linda area, where he continued serving his community. He worked as an agricultural assistant at La Sierra University and later as a courier at both Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital. Combining his military and federal civilian service, TG completed 30 years of government service before retiring. Never one to stay idle, he continued working until his final retirement around 2010. Faith was the foundation of TG's life. He faithfully served as an elder at Honolulu Central Seventh-day Adventist Church for 20 years, where he also assisted with the broadcasting ministry of Voice of Hope. After moving to California, he continued his ministry as a deacon at Loma Linda University Church for 35 years, quietly serving with humility and dedication. TG found great joy in listening to music, spending time with his family, and faithfully serving both God and others. His life was marked by perseverance, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family, church, and country. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 63 years, Leonila Barruga; his children, Marvin James Barruga (Kathy), Kimberly Mae Champlin (Chris), and Kimberly Joy Carney (John); his cherished grandchildren, Alexander Mathewson Champlin, Elizabeth Ashley Champlin, Benjamin Marvin James Barruga, Brianna Michelle Jenna Barruga, John Paul Carney III, and Joseph Richard Carney; his great-grandson, John Paul Carney IV; and his brother, Richard Barruga. Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the hope of Christ's soon return and the promise of the resurrection. There are people whose lives are measured by the positions they held or the accomplishments they achieved. Our dad measured his life differently. He measured it by faithfulness. Dad was a quiet man. He didn't seek recognition, applause, or attention. He believed that if something needed to be done, you simply did it. Whether serving his country, working long hours to provide for his family, helping at church, or lending a hand to someone in need, he lived with humility and purpose. He taught us that love is shown through sacrifice. Because of his determination and tireless work, we were blessed with opportunities he never had. He believed deeply in Christian education and worked whatever jobs were necessary so his children could learn, grow, and build lives rooted in faith. Looking back, we now understand the many sacrifices he quietly made on our behalf. His relationship with God was the foundation of everything he did. For decades he faithfully served as an elder, a deacon, and a willing helper in God's church. He didn't need to be in the spotlight. He simply wanted to serve. His example reminded us that the greatest acts of faith are often the quietest ones. Dad loved music. Many days, you could find him simply sitting and listening, finding peace in familiar hymns and melodies. Music seemed to reflect the calm spirit that characterized his life. One of Dad's greatest gifts was his steadiness. Through life's joys and challenges, he remained dependable, hardworking, and faithful. He taught us perseverance without ever having to preach it. His life spoke louder than words ever could. As a husband, he loved our mom faithfully for 63 years. Together they built a home grounded in love, faith, sacrifice, and commitment. Their marriage became an example to all of us of what it means to remain devoted through every season of life. As a father, he gave us security, encouragement, and unconditional love. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he delighted in watching the family continue to grow. His legacy is found not only in the generations he leaves behind but also in the values he instilled within us. During Dad's final days, we witnessed the same quiet strength that defined his life. Surrounded by family and held in God's care, he completed his earthly journey with dignity and peace. While our hearts ache because we miss him, we are grateful that his suffering has ended and that he now rests, awaiting the glorious morning of the resurrection. We imagine the day when Jesus returns and calls His faithful children home. We look forward to hearing Dad's familiar voice again, seeing his gentle smile, and embracing him once more. Until that joyful reunion, we hold tightly to God's promise: "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Thank you, Dad, for showing us what faithfulness looks like. Thank you for every sacrifice no one saw. Thank you for every prayer you prayed. Thank you for loving Mom so well. Thank you for loving us. We will carry your example in our hearts until we meet again. With all our love, Your Family

Tranquilino Guillermo Barruga

September 15, 1933 - June 29, 2026