Wilfredo "Willie" Garcia Santos

Wilfredo “Willie” Garcia Santos, 74, Portland, Oregon passed away on July 14, 2026.

Willie was born in Manila on July 8, 1952 to Celso and Natividad Santos. Growing up in the Philippines, Willie had an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for food, which he learned through his grandmother, “Big Lola,” who taught him about the restaurant and casino business. He attended high school at Ateneo de Manila followed by earning his bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of the Philippines. School proved integral for forming relationships that would propel him forward. 

He immigrated to the United States in 1986, living in California, and eventually settling in Portland, Oregon. Living in the Pacific Northwest was the perfect place for Willie to thrive in his passions. A great outdoorsman, Willie loved to fish, hunt for deer, bear, and elk, forage for mushrooms, and camp. Family memories were often forged in the outdoors where Willie would set-up elaborate campsites, with heated tents and even a bathroom! Willie had a love for gear, and will always be remembered for his level of preparation. Willie loved to cook for others and showed his love through his food. His clam linguine, pork adobo, and Korean BBQ were particular favorites in the family for special occasions. After a big meal, Willie would often joke, “Let’s go to McDonald’s now!”

Willie showed his care for people through actions rather than words and would give freely to others. He played an important role in the lives of many relatives who came to the U.S. who needed housing and support.

Willie is survived by his siblings, Alberto (Kathryn), Maricelna (Jose), Lilia Irene (Don), Celso, Jr. (Nancy), and Caesardo; wife, of 39 years, Maria “Chiqui” Santos; four children, Wilfredo, Jr. (Roselen), Nico (Zeke), Georgina (Adam), and Antoinette (Mike); and four grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Stehn Family Chapels, Milwaukie, Oregon. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 11:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Our Lady of Sorrows, Portland, Oregon. His remains will be laid to rest 11a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham, Oregon, followed by a reception at HK Cafe, Portland, OR.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to ALS Northwest which provided Willie much support in the latter years of his life.