Celebrating the Life of David Ernst Katague III- My Youngest Son

David Ernst Katague III- November 22, 1962- March 17, 2022
 

It is with great sadness to write this post on the sudden death of my youngest son, David Ernst Katague III yesterday (March 17, 2022). It was not an expected event because a week before he was healthy and working. He was only 59 years old.  Three days prior to his massive stroke, he was feeling lethargic and sleep almost all day. I told him to have a check up with his doctor. As usual he never listen. He had an a minor episode at work and his superior immediately called an ambulance to the emergency room. A few hours later he was admitted and I was able to talk to him. The next day I visited him with Ian as my driver. He acted normal and we were able to chat, but had no appetite for lunch. The nurse informed me they are waiting for a cardiologist assessment. I went home and after 30 minutes the hospital informed that he had two stroke episodes and the last one they have to resuscitate him. He was transferred to the ICU cardiac unit, then had a stint and hooked up the pump to help his breathing. There were 2 cardiologists, one neurologist and two other physicians monitoring him during the next 3 days. His heart was not functioning well and after all PT scan. MRI, brain scan and other instrumental diagnostic tools, we learned that his brain was severely damaged and if he recovers he will be a vegetable. His kidney was not also functioning well. The kids and I opted after 4 days to unhooked him from all the machines. Dodie and I were there during the unhooking procedures. Prior to this, David had his last rites by a Catholic priest, two prayers with the Hospital Chaplains ( with Dodie and I present). The doctor said after the unhooking process death may occur fast( a few hours) or even a day or so. After the unhooking procedure, Dodie and I said our last good bye. We went home. After 2 hours I got the call! I signed him for the Organ Donor Program. I was informed he will be highly qualified as a donor, because he was young and fairly healthy,  Knowing that part of David's body could help and save the life of a few makes me feel good that his life was not a waste and he had save the lives of others. If for some reasons, the organs he donated do not qualify for the transplant it will be used for medical research. May he Rest in Peace Amen. 

 

Here's David Link-in Profile and professional accomplishments posted last year in my blogs.                 

 

David E Master's Degree Graduation, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh,1988

Transportation Security Officer, SMF

• Transportation Security Officer

  Jun 2005 - Present 16 years 2 months

  Ensures the safe arrival and departure of the traveling public. Screen baggage and passengers ensuring prohibited items are interdicted prior to boarding of aircraft.

• Senior Information Technology Consultant

  PricewaterhouseCoopers

  Sep 1997 - Feb 2002 4 years 6 months

  Provided Professional Services to State and Federal Clients. Clients included Inspector General of the House of Representatives, Department of Navy, Westpac 2000, Department of Transportation - Virginia.

• Policy Analyst

  Executive Office of the President

  Aug 1992 - Sep 1995 3 years 2 months

  Provided management and oversight of Federal agencies, during the Clinton Administration. Required specialized knowledge of government operations and financial systems in the Federal environment

Education

• Carnegie Mellon University

  Carnegie Mellon University

  Masters Public Policy & Public Management

  1986 - 1988

  Management Information Systems - Government Systems

• University of California, Davis

  University of California, Davis

  Bachelor ScienceAgricultural & Managerial Economics

  1982 - 1986

  David is single and currently works for the Federal Government (TSA) in Sacramento. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy with concentration on Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He used to work for the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) in Washington DC during the Clinton and Gore Administration. During the time of his employment with OMB we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and Parties for OMB employees. David E is learning how to speak Tagalog. During our 50th wedding anniversary party in 2007, he addressed the guests in Tagalog and made a good impression. His Tagalog is improving but still has the American accent. Macrine and I are proud of his desire to learn the language of his ancestry. Without David's help, we will never be able to enjoy staying in our island paradise in the Philippines for as long as we desire. Today, he keeps me company in this big house and talks to me about his plans to retire in the Philippines.( Posted last year)
  

Prior to his sudden death, he was planning to retire early on his 60th birthday this coming November. He was planning to spend some time at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines during his retirement.

Lastly, My Heart felt thanks to All of you who sent messages of sympathy and condolences via my and Ditas FB pages and personal calls!