IN REMEMBRANCE : Regulo Tobias , MD 9 / 5 / 1939-3 / 19 / 22
My dad came from humble beginnings originating from the village of Santo Domingo , Iloco Sur , Philippines . He was the third of nine children . It was there that he studied the art of medicine while serving in the Philippines Air Force , while he also he flew jets with his friends and other pilots . Low and behold , one of those flights led him to the southern region of the Philippines , where in Ceby City he met a regional beauty queen named Carmelita . They married , and beginning with meager belongings , they left the Philippines and set their sights on the land of opportunity , where they would spend the next 50 years together .
When I think about my dad , I think about all the good times that we enjoyed , but still remember those challenging times as well . My dad had a strong personality and a commanding presence about him . He was compassionately disciplined when he cared for his patients .
He taught us how to focus and achieve your dreams that you set for yourself . In fact , he would always use a phrase that motivated me to try harder : “ If others can do it , so can you .” Even today , I still use those words of motivation for myself and my own children .
Another characteristic of my dad was that he wanted his boys to attain as much knowledge as possible . He always stressed academic , but also to be well-rounded regarding all aspects of life . He taught and loved basketball so much that he bought three season tickets in the early ‘ 80s for the Louisville Cardinals Men ’ s Basketball .
My dad was a devoted man - to his religion , his profession , but most importantly to his family . He made sure his four boys received a Catholic upbringing . Coming from a third world country , he was raised with a deep commitment and belief in God . He regularly attended Sunday masses and he participated on multiple pilgrimages to Europe .
My father loved his profession . He practiced diligently , compassionately and never strayed from the Oath that all physicians have in common . He listened to his morals and conscience and practiced with his heart . This was the art of medicine , and he was truly a master of this craft . Many physicians tell me that it was my dad who helped them start their medical practices with consults or advice . Or they come up to me , “ Are you Reggie ’ s son ?” How much prouder as a son can you get knowing that you ’ re walking in the footsteps of one of the pillars and icons of the Louisville medical community ? Dad , I can only pray that I accomplish even a quarter of what you did for my home city .
But nothing compares to his devotion to his family . My dad sacrificed a lot of time and money to see that his family became successful . He was and , I believe still is , protective over the safety of this family . No matter the cost , he would spoil his four boys with whatever they wanted . After he found out what we wanted , he would attempt to “ upgrade ” it to a better one … because he only wanted “ the best .”
In closing , my dad was my role model . He was my Superman ! I have attempted , and always will , to follow in his footsteps .
Thank you , dad , for my childhood upbringing .
Thank you , dad , for all the sacrifices that you and mom endured for me .
Thank you , dad , for continue to give me advice when times were difficult .
Thank you , dad , for your love !
I am so proud to be called “ Reggie ’ s son .” You will never be forgotten . -Derrick Tobias , MD
DR . TOBIAS WAS A GLMS MEMBER FOR 40 YEARS .
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