Dominico Del Donno Tayag

Dominico (Nick) Del Donno Tayag, 68, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with liver cancer. Nick was surrounded by family gathered in celebration of his life when he passed peacefully in Seattle, Washington. Nick was born in Makati on February 26, 1955, to Victorino and Encarnacion Tayag. He grew up in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines in Gandus a province of Mexico, Pampanga. Nick, sometimes jokingly known by his brothers as “George,” and to whom he also referred to as “George,” was described by childhood friends as wild and funny. Nick had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling. After graduating from high school, Nick moved to the United States to claim his maternal birthright as a U.S. citizen.

Nick eventually migrated to Seattle, Washington, where he built a life for himself outside of the Philippines and raised three children with his former wife, Ruth. Nick worked as a service station mechanic alongside his brothers before joining his older brother Willy in opening “Tayag’s Auto Repair” on 4th and Michigan in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. Tayag’s Auto Repair became a Georgetown institution of nearly 40 years and was one of the longest running shops in Seattle before closing its doors in 2016. Nick also spent some time traveling around Alaska, working as many Filipinos do in Alaska’s fishing industry, where he met his long-time partner, Beth Oanes. Nick and Beth were life partners for nearly 15 years and shared a beautiful life together in adventure. She was the love of his life, and he was happiest when he was with her.

Nick was an avid gardener who would frequently smuggle seeds and plants between his farm in Gandus and his various garden projects in Seattle. Many of those seeds are still growing strong. Nick was also a lover of horses, cars, and fashion. He took pride in dressing well when he wasn’t in his work clothes. In his life, he owned many dream cars, including a blazing yellow 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a midnight blue T-top Ford Thunderbird, a Mercury Cyclone, a Gran Torino, and his all-time favorite car, a 1972 Mustang Grande, yellow with black stripes. His family isn’t sure whether he ever actually owned a horse, but he did finance many. More than his love of gardening, cars, and equestrian activities, Nick loved his grandchildren. Nick was an amazing grandfather who loved nothing more than simply spending time with Lexi, Dom, Remy, and all the children of his nieces, nephews, and friends, many of whom were gathered at his bedside in the days before his passing.

Nick is survived by his life partner Beth, his three sons Michael (Natonia-wife), Carlos (Karen-wife), and Marco (Kelsey-wife), his three grandchildren, Alexis, Dominico, and Remy, his siblings, Ruben, Myrna, Virginia, Perpetua, and Enrico, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Victorino, his mother, Encarnacion, and his two brothers, Romeo, and Wilfredo.

A celebration of life will be held for Dominico Tayag in the banquet room of the SeaTac Community Center on Sunday, March 26th from 3-6pm. Please come by to share some food and memories with the Tayag family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (previously Seattle Cancer Care Alliance), where Nick received the best care in the world, or to the University of Washington Medical Center, Montlake or Northwest campuses.

To share your condolences and memories of Nick, visit his Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -