Antonio Budy Santelices died April 7, 2023, while traveling in the Philippines. He was 93. Tony’s immigrant tale spanned the width of the Pacific and stretched nearly a century, ending in the place it began. His life was a treasure to family and friends. His infectious laugh will echo forever in our memory.
Tony was born May 22, 1929. He was raised on the coast in the provincial town of Tabaco, Philippines, where he went to elementary and high school. He went to college at the University of the Philippines in Manila, and medical school at the University of Santo Tomas. Tony practiced medicine in the Philippines for four years before moving to the USA. When he finished his residency in Chicago, he moved to Minot, ND with his family and worked as an anesthesiologist at Trinity Medical Center for 27 years.
He’ll be remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, dogs, cats, horses, carpentry, cashews, ribeyes, Andy Williams, fighting roosters, impulse purchases, and inorganic gardening. He was confident and decisive. He’ll be remembered for his friendly banter with friends and the unforgettable impression he made on his grandchildren. He admired the ocean, prairie, waves, and windchill. And he had a deep love for North Dakota, his home. Most of all, he’ll be remembered for his fierce independence. It was defined by an uncompromising need to live to no one’s standards but his own. He was a fish always swimming upstream and he wore that badge honorably. To share in his life was a blessing.
Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 44 years, Lydia Levosada; his parents, Lorenzo and Anatolia; and his brother, Vivente.
Tony is survived by his sister, Sylvia Tablada (Roman Tablada), and his nephews, Noli, Alan, and Eric; his daughter, Mae Yoro, and his granddaughter, Jasmine; his daughter, Gina Dennis (Mark Dennis), and his grandchildren, Hayley, Rachel, and Julia; his son, Jeff, and his grandchildren, Mateo and Ryan; his son, John (Jennifer Percy), and his grandchildren, Lydia, and Will.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at Thomas Family Funeral Home.
