The family of Dignardino Espi
Fellow Officers that served with Dignardino Espi Today was a rather sad day. We were invited to come and represent the Security Department along with some officers to attend an internment service for Dignardino Espi who was employed here at the area office as an officer in the security department. He retired in 2007 and was noted by his peers as an exemplary officer and church member. The youth in his ward knew him as a friend and a teacher. Complications of diabetes gave Brother Espi many days of discomfort before succumbing to the disease with the exception of Sunday where he had renewed energy to come to church and teach the youth. Brother Espi was loved by all. Elder Burningham and I did not know him but we learned how others felt about him and we did not even need to know Tagalog. Both Elder and I were very touched by the service.
We first met at the funeral home where there was one last viewing before we proceeded to the cemetery for his burial. The Bishop of his ward explained to the gathering at the cemetery about how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had a dedicatory prayer before the casket was lowered into the ground. This was for the benefit of those who were not members of the church. Brother Espi has five grown children. Two of them are currently serving missions for the church.. One in Hong Kong and another on an island in the Philippines. Two of his children are married with a child each of their own. The youngest came from Hawaii where he works for the Church college of Hawaii as an accountant. He is engaged to be married before the end of the year. The dedicatory prayer was given by this youngest son and he did very well in spite of emotion. I conversed with him about his father and he said that his father had all of his affairs in order and was looking forward to preaching the gospel in the spirit world. His dear wife told me that he was prepared in all ways to continue on to his next life. She will miss him but has the faith to move mountains and is doing very well.
After the prayer the Bishop asked all Melchizedek holders to come encircle the casket and place the temple clothing correctly before closing the casket. Elder was asked to come also and help the fellow officers before they closed the casket. It was very touching. Elder came away with tears in his eyes and I couldn't help drying some off of my cheeks also.
It was a spiritual experience to know and understand the love and respect these people have for each other. We also were touched by their testimonies...we certainly felt it very strong.
The weather? Well warm and humid. About 95 degrees and about 75% humidity. We all had our fans going. The family passed out fruit juice which was appreciated by all.
I have posted pictures of his family in front of the casket and the officers he worked with while here at the MPAO
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