In Memory

Dino Saparilas

Dino Saparilas



 
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03/13/16 09:28 AM #1    

Ken Helser

Pull up Dino Saparilas photo and look at the handsome man.  So young.  So alive.  So hopeful for a future.  A wife.  A family.  A job and provision for children and grandchildren... and it was so long ago.  I loved Dino since we met about 2nd grade at Fred Olds Elementary.  We didn't call him Dino, he was "Gus."  And the last name, well, not onc could pronounce it, so he was always simply, Gus.  He stood out as one with a continous tan all year long, for Gus came from a Greek family, and it was reported that his mother was one incredible cook, but Dion/Gus was an outstanding athlete.  The best.  He's the only kid who could knock a soft ball over the fence at recess.  Later it was football, and though he was short and outstanding basketball player.  So I always looked up to him with admiration.  I never figured myself, "Skinny Kenny" to have a relationship with the heralded athlete.  Any athlete.  For they were like "gods."  But one particular day in the 6th grade I played a solo on my trumpet.  It must have been okay cause there were many standing ovations.  But what I still treasure most was Dino waited behind until all the crowds and applause had ended.  And there, all alone stood Dino.  He wasn't smiliing and he wasn't frowning.  I didn't know what to make of it.  But I went up to him and in Dino's own humble and fumbling way said, "Kenny.  That was amazing what you did today.  I wish I could play like that.  You was good man..."  And later when music became my life, Dino let it be known that though he knew he was above normal in all sports, "Oh, what I'd give to be musical..."  So today I sit and remember Dino.  He's gone. but what remains after death is the memories of those who have loved us and we have loved them.  If you are one of the class of '63 and get this far in reading this, I appeal to you on the basis of living for the pasy 46 years with the living God in Christ Jesus, that you please give some thought and time to your future.  He is the Savior of the world and is the true Son of the Living God who came to reveal His Father.  There is no other way than Jesus to inherit eternal life.  I take this occassion out of my love for Dino to share this with you.  If Dino was able to come back just for a short text, it would surely be:  "Wait till you see what I see.  Get your house in order.  And listen, I may not have been able to sing on earht, but you should hear me now!  Come sing with me and all of heaven, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!"  Bless you my friend, Dino/Gus Saparilas.  You will be missed.  Ken Helser 

 

 

 

 

 


03/13/16 09:37 AM #2    

Ken Helser

Love this man that I grew up with and pray peace on those who loved him, his family––his friends.  And I pray that his life and the way he lived would inspire all of the class of '63 to be prepared for the inevitable, that we all are going to end up on one of Steve Stephenson's email news that with regret and sorrow, so and so have passed.  And one day if Steve outlives us all, you and I will be included.  Oh the great glory for all who have made Jesus Christ Lord of their life, that the good news is we have overcome the fear of death and can hardly wait to be in the Glory of HIs presence forever in eternity... and that will be a class reunion that will outshine them all.  Bless Dino Saparilas' life with the memory Lord of his love and kindness that live on in our hearts.  Truly the Scripture is correct when it says, "Death has lost its sting and grave has lost the victory, for truly Jesus Christ has conquered death, hell and the grave."  O Lord, speak to us all YOUR Love at a Cross made it true:  "That God so loved this present world that He sent His son, Jesus, and if we would only believe on Him we shal have eternal life."  More than a sign at a ballgame, John 3:16 is REAL.  Ken Helser


03/14/16 11:20 AM #3    

Virginia Sanford (Farmer)

I was the little country girl come to the big city school and was scared.  One of my first memories was being in Dino's homeroom with him being helpful and nice.  I cannot remember any specific details (it's been a long time) but throughout the years I would find myself fondly thinking of Dino and wondering where he was and what he was doing.  May he rest in peace and I hope he knows we are thinking about him.


03/14/16 03:07 PM #4    

Sylvia Griffin (Campbell)

Didn't really know Dino personally, but knew him from the class.  I want to thank Ken Kesler for his outstanding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his commitment to be bold to His witness.  Too many of us are not bold in our witness as we should be.  My faith is the most important thing in my life and I want to "boldly" proclaim that to all of you from Class of 63.  Thank you, again, Ken, for your witness and I am thankful that Dino must have al;so been a good witness.  When you hear about my "passing" some day; don't worry about me,  I will be in Heaven with my Savior Jesus Christ and hope to see "all of my classmates" there also.  

 


03/14/16 03:08 PM #5    

Sylvia Griffin (Campbell)

Sorry spelled Ken's last name wrong.  

 


03/14/16 06:06 PM #6    

Frances Haywood (Bullock)

I only knew Dino slightly.  He was always so kind.   If any of us has a friend like Ken who writes such wonderful memories of his friend Gus/Dino, we have succeeded in our life.   Dino was such a successful athlete and, yet, admired his friend's accomplishment.   What a wonderful person he was.  


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