Loved ones are mourning the death of Ray Sa’aga Asuega, a family man, Navy sailor and 2009 graduate of Granite Hills High School in Apple Valley.
Asuega, 35, was a son, brother, husband, father, friend and U.S. Navy Sailor, whose life was taken while visiting his family in the Philippines, according to his family.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 21, in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
A life of service
From Pago Pago, American Samoa, family member Margaret Palupe Asuega-Tasi shared heartfelt words about Ray with the Daily Press.
Asuega-Tasi said that July 10 is the day her family received the heartbreaking news “that our dearest brother, Ray Sa’aga Asuega, had gone home to be with the Lord.”
“A precious life, taken far too soon, yet forever held in God’s eternal embrace,” she said. “Ray was so much more than a brother. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, the eldest of his brothers and sisters, and a steady light for our family.”
She said Ray carried love with quiet strength, shared kindness without hesitation, and left footprints on hearts that time can never erase.
Victoria Asuega-Niusulu, of Barstow, said her brother, Ray, touched many lives during his life on Earth.
Ray’s military career included his recent service with the Naval Weapons Station’s Seal Beach Security Department.
“This year in May, he completed 16 years of service with the United States Navy as an E6 Master at Arms,” Asuega-Niusulu said.
Training a ‘warrior’
The Granite High School Football team took to social media this week to express their sadness over the death of the former player.
“Ray will be remembered fondly by his teammates, coaches and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the school said. “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Reyes’ family friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
In 2010, the Navy contacted the Daily Press to announce that Seaman Apprentice Ray S. Asuega, had recently completed the U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Ray completed training that included first aid, firefighting, water safety and shipboard and aircraft safety, according to the military.
He also attended the capstone event of boot camp, “Battle Stations,” an exercise to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the core values of honor, courage and commitment, Navy officials stated.
Granite Hills High School also encouraged the community to consider supporting Ray’s family by donating to the “Honoring Ray Asuega’s Life and Legacy” GoFundMe, established in his memory.
Supporting Ray’s family
AJ Bard organized the GoFundMe on behalf of Ray’s sister and beneficiary, Asuega-Niusulu.
The family said Ray’s unexpected passing has left the family devastated and navigating unimaginable emotional and financial burdens. Asuega-Niusulu has been helping coordinate funeral arrangements, transportation of his remains, and support for Ray’s immediate family during this incredibly difficult time, the family said.
“She is the beneficiary of this fundraiser and will receive the donated funds on behalf of Ray’s family,” the family said. “All donations received will be used solely for expenses related to Ray’s passing.”
Every dollar donated will be used for, but not limited to, the following:
Any remaining expenses directly related to his death will go toward supporting his family.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and generosity shown during this heartbreaking time,” the family said. “Your support means more than words can express and helps relieve the financial burden so our family can focus on honoring Ray’s life and caring for those he loved most.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Remembering Ray Sa’aga Asuega, Navy sailor, Granite Hills High graduate
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
