[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 203 (Friday, December 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1363-E1364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN MEMORY OF ONASSIS ``ONI'' TAMAYO YUMUL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 30, 2022

  Mr. LOWENTHAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the life 
and memory of my constituent Onassis Tamayo Yumul, known by most as 
simply Oni, and to celebrate his life.
  Oni was born on a cold Saturday night, on May 10, 1975, in Quezon 
City, Philippines. The youngest of five children, he was the apple of 
his parent's eyes, and he was doted on by everyone, especially his 
paternal grandmother. He was a quiet boy who loved to play with his 
Legos and as early as 4 years old he began to express creative artistic 
skills.
  Growing up, Oni made a lot of friends, both his age and older, due to 
his easy-going attitude in life. He liked to enjoy life as much as he 
could with what he was given. He received a Catholic school education 
and was active in a religious organization called ``Days With The 
Lord.''
  Oni began his work career with his family's business, expressing his 
creative skills designing furniture. His impressive aptitude of the 
arts earned several awards in school leading to his graduating with a 
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising. Oni landed his 
first professional job as a compositor and graphic designer for the 
largest media company in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. Due to the 
recognition of his work at the station, he soon earned a Creative 
Director role for a travelogue where he was able to use all of his 
talents in arts, video editing and post-production.
  In 2013. Oni joined his three sisters and moved to the United States. 
He was married shortly thereafter to Jeff LeTourneau, a long-time LGBTQ 
and Democratic Party activist. For approximately the next 8 years, Oni 
was active as a member of Men Alive, the Orange County Gay Men's 
Chorus, while working with his husband for LGBTQ rights at the state 
and local levels. Professionally, Oni continued his professional career 
as the Marketing Director of the Bicycle Hotel and Casino in Bell 
Gardens where he was loved and respected by his many co-workers.
  Sadly, Oni passed away on December 1, 2022 after a long battle with 
colon cancer. He was loved and respected by his husband, family 
members, friends and co-workers. The world is certainly a lesser place 
without him and he will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing 
him.

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