CRESENCIANO GERARDO (CRES) PRESINGULAR

Peacefully with his wife and first-born by his side, an asawa, tatay, and lolo left this world at the break of dawn on Friday, April 14th. After a short but relentless battle with liver cancer, Cres Presingular succumbed to his illness.

Cresenciano Gerardo (Cres) Presingular was born on November 24th, 1937, in Parañaque, Philippines. Cres’ most beloved story was that of his parents, José and Maria, two young venturers who made the lifechanging decision of moving to Baclaran from their traditional beginnings to create a new possibilities for their young family. There, José legally changed their last name from Persincula to Presingular and raised his three sons and two daughters under his new name.

Cres was the youngest brother of the five siblings. He was strong-willed, stylish, and had many friends. Cres was a very talented tailor who loved designing and sewing his own swimming trunks. He also enjoyed cooking…and eating. Sinigang with sapsap fish cooked with slices of tomatoes and a touch of salt was a beloved breakfast dish. Cres was a fighter who never seemed to back down in a scuffle. He always had his friends’ backs, fending off “goons” with his karate punches and kicks.  He had grit in his teeth but he also had a song in his heart. He was loved by many, especially his wife. After he graduated from the Lyceum Philippinarium with a Bachelor of Commerce degree on April 11th, 1968, his life began when he married Aurora Almiñe Chavez. She and her family were tenants living in the Presingular’s multi-family dwelling in the 60s. After four years of courting, Cres and Aurora got married one month after his university graduation on May 18, 1968, at the Sta. Rita Parish in Baclaran. The following year, their firstborn child, Jingo was born.

Cres followed the progressive footsteps of his parents and moved to Winnipeg with Aurora, Jingo, and their 2-year-old son, Boycee on November 11th, 1974, to start a new life as Canadians. Cres and Aurora’s family grew even bigger when they welcomed two daughters to their household: Heidi and Donnah. A new generation of Presingulars were born on Canadian soil.

Throughout his years living in Winnipeg, Cres worked in hospitality at the Westin Hotel and Holiday Inn, and managed three Mac’s Convenience stores from 1989-1995. He also shared responsibilities in the family’s business, Dahl’s Groceries in the 90s. Not long after his retirement, Cres’ health slowly started to decline. He kept his spirits high by spending his time playing card games and mah-jong at his neighbour’s house, and listening to his favourite music by Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Barbara Streisand. Cres loved fishing with his family, barbecues during the summer months, testing his luck at the casino, and singing karaoke in his basement. He quenched his thirst for adventure with action movies, especially those with Steven Segal. Yet, he fed his inner child by playing games like Tetris, Solitaire, and Slots on his iPad. He would often get caught playing games on his Game Boy back in the early noughts. But Cres’ most treasured moments were of his entire family spending evenings or holidays together, sharing stories and laughter over a homemade meal. Cres’ family witnessed his downward slope throughout the latter years, but the love that they shared for each other over food and togetherness only grew stronger.

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Cres is survived by his wife Aurora, his sons Jingo (Sandra) and Boycee (Nelia), his daughters Heidi and Donnah (Tyler), his brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and countless nieces and nephews from Canada, the US, and the Philippines. Cres also leaves behind his beautiful grandchildren, the third generation of “Presingulars”: Mateo, Isaiah, Diego, Ethan, Selah, Sophia, Jackson, and Austin.

Cres is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Maria, Venancio (Brother), Erminda (Sister), Jose Jr. (Brother), and Teresita (Sister). He now joins his entire family in the afterlife. Cres went through life with adventure in his soul and love in his heart. He stayed true even into his final days on this earth. Cancer may have taken his body, but his heart and soul will live on forever.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Sandi Dean and the staff in the Palliative Care Program from the WRHA, the staff of Riverview Health Centre for the round-the-clock care they provided for Cres in his final ten days, and the countless doctors and nurses that ensured he made the last steps of his journey as painless and peaceful as possible. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, April 25th, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Burrin Avenue at 11:00 am. A private viewing for family will occur at 10:00 am and a reception will follow the mass in the basement of the church. Special thanks to Father Dominic Yuen for his endless faith, guidance, and love in showing Cres the way home.

For those who are unable to attend, continue to keep strength in your spirit and love in your heart.

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For what is a man?

What has he got?

If not himself

Then he has naught

To say the things

He truly feels

And not the words

Of one who kneels

The record shows

I took the blows

And did it my way

Yes, it was my way.

“My Way” Sung by Frank Sinatra

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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