Our Father, Maximo Fontanilla Paet or better as Minong, was born on June 15th, 1919 in Paing Bantay Ilocos Sur. He is eldest son of Ildefonso Paet and Gregoria Fontanilla. He married Venancia Velasco “Bansiang” in 1949 and had 9 children. Soledad Vinoray (Gil, deceased), Virgilio (deceased at birth), Cely Parilla (deceased, Max), Lucy Manlansing (Ramon), Joventino Paet (deceased, Linda), Lawrence Paet (Stacy), Andy Paet (deceased), Martin Paet (Sheri), and Roger Paet (Mary Jane). In the Philippines, Maximo supported his family through farming and retail selling of produce and livestock.
On March 3rd, 1969 and in search for a better life, Minong along with his eldest daughter Soledad were the first of their family to be petitioned to Maui Hawaii. They were petitioned by Maximo’s brother and Sister in Law, Zacarias and Cayetana Paet who were part of the first Sakadas of the family. Through their efforts, they were able to bring the entire Paet family to Maui Hawaii. Thank you Uncle Carias and Aunty Tanang for being the gateway. We are all eternally grateful!
Minong worked tirelessly and diligently to support his family back home so that he could eventually bring them to Hawaii. He had many different jobs such as construction, farming, and eventually gained permanent work with AMFAC golf course as a maintenance worker until he retired.
In 1971, the next petitioned family members were children Cely, Lucy, and Joventino. They were quickly followed by His wife Venancia and children Andy, Martin, and Roger. Lawrence was the final child to be petitioned which made the family whole again.
Minong was a man of few words, but was dearly respected by all of his family members. When he spoke, everyone listened. The Papa House in Kahului was the gathering place for parties and party preparations with slaughtering of pigs, chickens, and cows which would feed the entire family. Everyone would come to celebrate and assist whenever there was an occasion.
There was nothing more important than family! It was always a memorable time when family members would visit from off island such as Lelong and Lelang Teodoro and Juana Fontanilla, Sister in law Olon Fontanilla, Lelang Emiang Fontanilla, Aunty Elay Piano, and nephew Roger Osalvo-Cainglit who during his high school summers assisted with daily task and chores around the house and farm.
Maximo and Venancia were devout Catholics and religiously attended Sunday morning mass at Christ the King Church with his brother Zacarias and Sister in Law Cayetana. They would always enjoy their weekly breakfast after mass and enjoy eachothers company and fellowship.
Minong was an absolutely great cook and enjoyed watching boxing, horse racing, and volleyball. Often times while watching his favorite sports he would be yelling and imitating each movement as he cheered for his favorite fighter, team, or player. Don’t stand to close or you could get knocked out!
After retirement, Maximo and Venancia purchased land in Upcoutry Maui to settle down and get back to farming, livestock, and agriculture. He would sell his produce at the weekly Maui Swap Meet. He enjoyed selling his fruits and vegetables and having continued relationships with the Filipino and Maui community. It definitely reminded him of simpler times when he lived in the Philippines.
Maximo Paet passed away peacefully at home with family members at his side on September 11, 2005. He was joined by his wife Venancia on April 29, 2020. Their eternal legacy continues and is survived by their remaining children, grandchildren and great grandchildren! We love you Papang and Nanang! Thank you for the opportunity and continued blessings!
Ai Menoy!
