Joaquin Malanao Solis

Joaquin “Aquin” Malanao Solis was born on August 12, 1930, in Naic, Cavite, Philippines, and was the oldest of three siblings. He was a hardworking father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who kept busy in order to provide for his family. Sadly, on January 11, 2022, he joined his beloved wife, Lydia Incoy Solis, and daughter, Jinky Solis Williams, in heaven after passing peacefully.

During his childhood, he was a boy scout and was honored with the position as scout leader. Although he didn’t finish high school, he had a knack for carpentry which would carry on in his various lines of work throughout his life. During the 1940s, he met his future wife, Lydia, and after several months of courting they married on March 20, 1950. They would eventually go on to have seven children: Edgardo, Dante, Charito, Marissa, Ronaldo, Ariel, and Jinky. In his early adult life to help provide for his family, he worked as a sharecropper on a rice field, rain or shine. He also helped start a family business -- a sari sari store specializing in cooked food by his wife, with all the children helping out the night before by prepping ingredients for the next day. Later, he would go on to accept work away from home for years at a time in countries like Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

In 1980, he, along with his wife, immigrated to the U.S. through a family petition from Dante to find better opportunities and escape poverty. They resided with family and relatives in Long Beach, California. One of his first jobs was at a paint factory, and soon after, he found work in Delano, California, picking grapes. Once the rest of the family was finally able to immigrate to the U.S., he started working as a custodian for LA County’s Probations Department where he would eventually retire in 2000.

While still in the Philippines, one of his hobbies was to catch frogs at night with his family during the rainy season after rice harvesting season. After his retirement, he enjoyed carpentry, cleaning, watching Lakers games, playing music, and biking. He was also an expert gardener. He loved to plant various vegetables like eggplants, string beans, and tomatoes in addition to oranges, tangerines, and calamansi. It was one of his most treasured hobbies.

During family get-togethers, he loved playing bingo and LCR games for money. He would eventually put his own money towards the grand prize. For the family karaoke singing contest he gave money to whomever scored 100. To all guests he was welcoming and always made sure there was plenty of food to eat, share and bring home.

When Tatay’s beloved Nanay Yoyang passed away on February 14, 2013, and after the family had a meeting, Tatay’s only request was for his loved ones to take care of him. Alagaan ninyo lang ako in tagalog were his exact words. With the help of the Batario family at first, then the Lapan family (Charito especially),24/7 care was given to Tatay until January 4th, 2022. That day, a 911 call was placed and he was transported to Kaiser Downey hospital. His wish was fulfilled.

Let us all learn from Tatay, that with hard work, sacrifice and love for your family, you can live a fulfilling life.

He is survived by six of his children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

On behalf of the entire Solis family, we would like to express our gratitude for the continuous love and support that we have received during this difficult time.