Obituary of Jose Adolfo Dicang

June 6, 1950 - San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

June 1, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Our dearest Jose Adolfo Dicang, also known to his family as “Ping”, had lost his six-month battle with cancer, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in Calgary, Alberta on the afternoon of Thursday, June 1, 2023. He was 72 years old – only five days shy of his 73rd birthday.

Jose was born in San Gabriel, in the province of La Union, Philippines on June 6, 1950, the third of six children, and the only son of Felimon and Apolonia Dicang. From a young age, Jose was always spending time with his friends and relatives, having fun and enjoying life. He attended Lyceum of Baguio, Philippines, and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He went on to work for the Municipality of San Gabriel, La Union, for more than ten years prior to moving to Canada.

He immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1990 along with his mother, Apolonia, to start a new chapter in life that would last for over 30 years. Throughout the decades, he continued to enjoy living independently and prided himself on his culinary skills, often cooking his favourite dishes at home in his free time. Jose worked hard – at times working multiple jobs at once – and he stayed in his last position for over 25 years. Many of his friends and colleagues would always speak highly of his generous personality and reliable work ethic. Even in his last months of life, he was known for bringing a smile to the faces of everyone he met with his light-hearted sense of humour.

Jose was a bachelor his entire life and was never married or had any children, however he lived his life just as he wished – independent and free. He will always be remembered with love by his siblings Maura, Maria (Nestor), Ana (Bassam), and Fresca. He will also be mourned by his nieces and nephews, Ethelbert II, Jesus, Johnny, Jacqueline, Marne, Younes, Maria and Erika; as well as many more family and friends.

Jose was predeceased by his parents, his sister Teresita, brothers-in-law, Garde and Bert; and nephew Julius.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and healthcare aides, in Unit 57 of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, for their constant and attentive care and concern for Jose during his stay at Foothills Hospital.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary AB) on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00am with graveside service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219, 4 St NW, Calgary AB). The family invites all relatives and friends to join them for a reception to celebrate Jose’s life, immediately following the funeral services. Details to come. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jose Dicang, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.