Terrell Domingo Santiago

Terrell D Santiago aka “Tigo”, aka “Daddy Boo” aka “Chef” aka “Big Head” was born November 4 th 1959, in San Francisco, California. He is survived by his daughter, Nakita J Santiago (43), Father, Walter B. Planiczka (83), and sister, Nicole J Planiczka (54), cats, Steven & Mimi, and an entire tribe of family and friends. Terrell is reunited with his mother, Norma J Planiczka, in the heavens. While my father’s passing was premature and unexpected, make no mistake, he lived a full life. Football was perhaps his first love. His height and size perfectly equipped him to play the beloved sport in High School, College, and in the military. After graduating from Balboa High School, he left San Francisco to attend college at Idaho State University, with a scholarship to continue playing football. During his time as ISU he was scouted by the Miami Dolphins AFC team. However, the universe had other plans for Dad! In January of 1982 Dad and his then college girlfriend, Quannah Powell, gave birth to a baby girl. While in college, Dad pledged and was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, where he walked the “burning sands” and became a forever “pretty boy” nupe. Kappa Alpha Psi gave Dad brotherhood and chosen family, who became an integral and invaluable part of his life and our family. He cherished the time he spent with his brothers and their families. Every year he looked forward to the NCAA Championships men’s trip that he attended. Following in the footsteps of generations of men in our family, and in an effort to provide for his new family, Dad signed up for Army military service. He was shipped off to Germany and my mother and I followed shortly after. After returning home he worked for the Idaho Falls Fire Department. In 1988 life took a twist and our family moved to Austin, Texas. Dad began work at Fresh Plus in Clarksville where he discovered his passion for food and cooking. Learning all he could about the industry and trade, he moved on to become a Sous Chef at a prominent Austin staple, Castle Hill. There, Dad expanded his network of lifelong friends, chosen family, and colleagues. Scorpio parties continue to be a favorite pastime for Castle Hill alum. Dad used to say, “You only get three great loves in life”. During his years in Austin Dad met a new love, Dana Sprute. With Dana came a family that was known as “The Sprute Clan”. An additional group of chosen family who would help to shape and influence how we experienced and perceived life. Dana’s Mom affectionately called Dad her “Tall drink of water”. One of Dad’s favorite memories was late night phone calls with Mike Sprute, Dana’s youngest brother, as they shared a cigar, conversation, and admired the moon and stars. In 1998 we headed back to Idaho where we reunited with Kappa family. Dad went on to be a Chef at a downtown restaurant called Noodles, then Asiago Ristorante, continuing to master a variety of flavors and techniques. Following my graduation from high school Dad moved back to California where he chefed at several restaurants before finally opening his own Italian restaurant in Oakland, California, called Trattoria Laurellinos. After three years Dad decided it was time to hang up the apron. He briefly managed hospital kitchens before becoming a county clerk. Next on Dad’s journey, he transitioned to become an Alameda County Sheriff’s Department Technician where he worked for the last ten years. He built a community of friends and colleagues during his time with Alameda County, taking great pride in his work. In 2020 Dad was proud to have purchased his first home in Stockton, California. With his own hands he built three large garden beds using a German gardening method called “Hügelkultur” to grow vegetables and herbs. Dad never stopped learning, always curious about new recipes, how to grow various plants, countries he wanted to travel to, politics, religion, golf, bowling, playing the guitar, film, and do-it-yourself home repairs. He loved fishing and dancing, riding his mountain bike, lifting weights, and reading. He leaves behind an impressive collection of Albums, CD’s, and cassette tapes. Dad’s passion for music and art was a gift that he continued to share with me over the years. There was nothing, ever, to stop him from trying new things and meeting new people. Dad loved his family! Even when he was ill he would prepare and deliver food for his aging parents and his sister, Nicole. Dad had a work ethic that few could contend with. He didn’t allow sickness to stop him from working, traveling to the British Virgin Islands, visiting friends and family, going dancing, attending the yearly Memorial weekend family reunion, or working in his garden. The last weeks of his life his best friend and brother, Dr. James “Byrd” Yizar, and brother, Regis Harvey, cared for Dad, going above and beyond in the name of brotherhood. After fighting the good fight, on Friday, February 28 th at approximately 9:48pm Dad was called home. Holding his hand until his final breath me and my cousin, LeJames Riggins, said farewell to the big guy. He will forever be remembered by the many who’s lives he touched. Rest easy Pops. “Do not go gentle into that good night” (Dylan Thomas, 1951).

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