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WALTER MADDELA
1953—1994
As you are aware, Mr. Maddela has served the Cause for years with unwavering devotion and boundless zeal—in his native land, and as a stalwart and much—loved pioneer in Kiribati and most recently in your region. No matter the capacity or community in which he laboured, it was clear that Mr. Maddela was a
pillar ofstrength, earning the commendation of the Bahá’í institutions and the admiration of his fellow believers, and his untimely passing is without question a great loss for your region and indeed for the Bahá’í world. All can take comfort, however, in knowing that, aside from the souls he is responsible for bringing to the Cause, he has won, by his example and character, many friends for the Faith, and these seeds will no doubt come to glorious Fruition through great spiritual Victories. To this end will the Universal House of Justice offer prayers at the Sacred Threshold on his behalf.
By copy of this message to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Kiribati and the Philippines, the House of Justice requests those Assemblies to assure his friends and loved ones ofits prayers in the Holy Shrines on behalf‘of this clear servant of the Blessed Beauty, for
Waller Maddc/a
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IN MEMORIAM 1992—1997 177
the progress of his precious soul in
the Abhá kingdom.
Department of the Secretariat October 10, 1994
ouisito Laear Maddela Jr. was born
June 9, 1933. “Walter,” as he was fondly called, was the grandson of the distinguished first Filipino Bahá’í, Felix R. Maddela. I could say that Walter was the only one among the many grandchildren of Lolo (Grandfather) Felix who dedicated his life for the Cause. Even in childhood a manifestation ofa “true Bahá’í” was evident in him. I remember a story about Walter that was told to me by an aunt. When he was about six years old, he would choose the role of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during Children’s Class presentations in the Bahá’í gatherings. He would put on a robe and turban and paint his chin and the sides of his face with charcoal as a beard. He was never quarrelsome, and it is said that he was a little boy with the views of an adult.
Walter was a consistent honor student. He quit college to pioneer and resumed his studies after his return, earning his diploma as a teacher.
Walter was very active in youth activities; he taught children’s classes, was a ‘member of the youth committee, and became the youngest member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines.
In one of his visits to the Philippines, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Rahmatullah Muhájir asked Walter to go to the mountains ofMindoro. Uncomplaining he packed his things, went, and taught in the tutorial school. Thus began his pioneering work. He later went to Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands), Samoa, Fiji, Malaysia, and finally Russia.
People who knew Walter knew of his humor. He was a contributor to the “Laugh In” section of the Philippine Free
Press. During a Bahá’í radio seminar at the National Bahá’í Center, he and some friends presented a skit so funny that the friends laughed until their stomachs ached. Walter had written and directed the skit.
With regard to his non—Bahá’í activities, Walter was admired by his colleagues and students at the technical school where he served as an administrator. He never missed an opportunity to inject Bahá’í principles into his work. His attitude for giving high quality education was remarkable. This may be one of the reasons why the school became the best in the region. He motivated students to academic excellence and was a source of encouragement in extracurricular activities. He coached chess and refereed volleyball games at intersehool competitions.
Walter was a prominent figure in the community. A politician once urged him to be his running mate. This he naturally turned down and instead ofFered his services to governmental organizations whose laws and principles were not in conflict with those of the Faith.
Walter was a brother, father, friend, and counselor rolled into one. When I received news of his passing, memories of him flashed in my mind. Forty—one years of his earthly life were spent worthily; he lived a life which he tried so hard to pattern after the qualities of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
In January 1995 I received a seven page letter from Walter that he had written two months before he passed away. It was the longest he had ever sent to me. He wrote, “I will be back in October 1994, probably on Daddy’s birthday.” Our father’s birthday is October 10, the day we received news of Walter’s passing. He passed to the Abhá Kingdom on October 8 while pioneering in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, but he was with us in spirit on October 10.
Messages Oflove and sympathy poured in from the Universal House ofjustice, the
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178 THE BAHA’I’ WORLD
International Teaching Centre, the Hand of the Cause of God Rt’ihiyyih Khánum, the Continental Board of Counsellors, National Assemblies, and individuals. To quote portions from those messages:
Mr. Maddela has served the Cause for years with unwavering devotion and boundless zeal in his native land and as a stalwart and muCh—loved pioneer in Kiribati.
The sad news of the untimely death of out much—loved and admired Walter has cast a deep pall on all our hearts; his uncomplaining acceptance and hardships, physical
and economical, was a lesson to all.
The seeds oflove and unity planted by Walter’s pioneering service will now be literally planted in that faroffsoil as a permanent reminder of the historical ties that must hence indissolubly bind the spiritual destiny of Russia to that of the Philippines; the Local Assembly of Krasnoyarsk, in a telephone conversation, informed the National Spiritual Assembly that Siberia will be blessed that the remains of Walter will be with them forever.
Dear Walter is gone, but he left behind a legacy of selflessness, strength, and determination to move for the Faith, whatever
the odds. joy L. Maddelzz
