Roberto Abad Sabay

Roberto Abad Sabay (known as Ruben) was 76 years old when he passed away on September 2, 2013 in Seattle, WA. He was born to Pedro and Marcella Sabay in Caridad, Cavite City, Philippines on December 6, 1936. Ruben is the youngest of nine children and was the last surviving sibling. Ruben joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 while living in the Philippines. He brought his young family to San Francisco, CA in 1965 they were the first of his relatives to migrate to the United States. While in the Navy, he moved his family all over California, but finally settled down in Seattle, WA in 1972. Ruben served the Navy honorably for 30 years, working on the USS Jason, USS Neches, USS Chemung, USS Guadalupe, USS Chandler, and USS Higbee. He was an excellent cook in the Navy and he continued in his civilian career at various restaurants within the Seattle area, including the Space Needle. Rubens last job was working for King County as Head Cook he retired after 20 years of service. Ruben loved to cook and bake it was not just his job, it was his hobby. He had his own style of measuring ingredients and had so many fabulous recipes. In the late 1970s, he was the Washington State Chili champion, twice! Once he even represented Washington State at the International Chili Cook-Off competition in Hollywood Park, CA. He did not win there, but his chili was still the best! Besides his wonde cooking, fishing and ballroom dancing were Rubens passions. He enjoyed owning a boat and went fishing and crabbing just about every weekend with his friends. They would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and be out the door by 4:00 AM, so they would not miss the best fishing and crabbing opportunities. Ruben also loved ballroom dancing. He won several dancing contests and taught ballroom dancing at the Filipino Community Center. Ruben and his friends would dress up and attend dance parties around the Seattle area. He truly enjoyed it. Ruben is survived by his three children; Maria (Don) of Snohomish, Roberto Jr. of Seattle, Sarah (Steve) of Seattle; four grandchildren, Alexa, Mattheu, Nicholeus, and Bobby; and great-grandson, Benjamin; adopted daughter Yvonne Cheri, and first cousin/caretaker Amelia. ; Ruben will be greatly missed...his dancing spirit will live on forever.