Quirino C. Colobong
March 25, 1934 - February 2, 2013
Obituary
Quirino “Rene” Canaveral Colobong, Sr., MD
Quirino “Rene” Canaveral Colobong Sr. was born on March 25th, 1934 in Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines. He received his pre-med training from the University of the Philippines and earned his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from Far Eastern University in 1967. He worked as a general practitioner in Pasig General Hospital in Pasig, Rizal, Philippines.
Rene moved to Seattle, Washington in 1971. He was trained in hemodialysis by Dr. Belding Scribner, innovator of the first chronic hemodialysis access. He worked passionately in the dialysis lab to care for individuals living with kidney failure for over 26 years, and retired from the University of Washington Medical Center in January 2000.
Rene married Dolores “Lita” Robles on May 12, 1973 at St. James Cathedral. They raised their two children, Nancy & Quirino Jr., as part of the St. Joseph parish. His children graduated from St. Joseph School and went on to HNA, O’dea, and UW which was a source of pride for Rene. Rene’s grandchildren, Conor & Isabella, attend St. Joseph school today and were the light of his world. Rene was a hard worker, dependable, strong-willed, believed in the importance of education, and had a love of growing his garden and his family. Rene could grow anything from vegetables to fruit trees, and beautiful roses. Rene filled his home with the products from his garden, and shared his bounty with friends and family.
Rene passed away peacefully at home with his family on February 2, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Inocencio & Gregoria Colobong, his brother Benjamin and sister-in-law Clarita. He is survived by his wife, Dolores, and children, Nancy (Tim Smith) and Quirino Jr.; grandchildren Conor & Isabella Smith; brothers, Jaime (Precy), Romeo (Ching), & Jun (Phoebe); sisters, Flora (Placido Manzano), Violy (Roger Bendico), Linda (Joaquin Palencia), & Nellie; 21 nieces and nephews, and several grand-nieces & grand-nephews.
Our condolences from the Yip family.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Rene for 23 years, and then with Nancy for more than 10 years. Rene demonstrated and role modeled the highest standard of work. He was always cheerful and looking at issues positively. The Kidney Dialysis Lab was awarded the best team work at UWMC when he was leading the Lab.
I condole with you upon the loss of your loved one. I certainly will join you in the celebrating Rene’s life.
Nancy, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
Love, Clarice and Frank
Dearest Nancy, our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your whole family as you mourn the loss of your father.
My condolences to you, Q, and to your family. It is a great loss.
With our deepest sympathy.
As a young undergrad at UW, I had the great opportunity to work with Rene in the Kidney Dialysis lab from 1976 to 1982. Rene was my mentor and a great role model in my early career. I remember in our conversations, how Rene always spoke proudly of his daughter, Junior, wife Dorothy and his Philippine heritage.
My condolences go out to the family.
Mike and Gail Zorich
Dear Colobong family, I always enjoyed Quirinos visits and the many talks that we had. I was impressed by the caring of his family during his later years.
It was an honor to have taken care of him for so many years and I know that he was and is surrounded by the love of his family. James Olson MD