Marcelo Capati Canlas, M.D.

Marcelo Capati Canlas, M.D. age 96, of Sarasota, Florida and formerly of Battle Creek, died peacefully with his daughter at his side, in Battle Creek, Michigan on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Marcelo was born on September 4, 1929, in Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Carol (Horn) Canlas, whom he met while in the residency program at Wyandotte General Hospital in Wyandotte, Michigan.

He is survived by their three children: Richard (Louise) Canlas, Debra (Andy) Johnson, and Randel Canlas; ten grandchildren: Nicolette (Patrick) Bobolts, Jozlin (Erika Dvorak) Johnson, Drake Johnson, Noah Canlas, Dane (Kyleigh Ratcliff) Johnson, Gabrielle (Justin Crebo) Canlas, Francesca Canlas, Hope (Garrison) Danzer, Grace Canlas, and Christian Canlas; and two great-grandchildren: Jovi Bobolts and Rhett Bobolts. Marcelo is also survived by five siblings: Milagros (Rodolfo) Henson, Blas (Alma) Canlas, Fay Canlas, Raul Canlas and Noel (Paz) Canlas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ricardo Canlas Sr. and Nicolasa Canlas, and by his siblings Fortunato (Leonora) Canlas, Easter (Servillano) Viray, Gertrude (Jose) Herrera, Olympia (Justo) San Jose, Jose (Fortunata) Canlas, and Ricardo (Abe) Canlas Jr.

Marcelo settled his family in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he worked as an anesthesiologist and served as Chief of Surgery at Leila Hospital. He was highly respected in his profession, beloved by nurses, and fondly remembered by patients as “the doctor who sang them to sleep.”

When not at work, Marcelo could often be found on the golf course. He was a member of both Bedford Valley Country Club and Battle Creek Country Club. He loved cooking traditional Filipino food—rice was a staple at every meal, and his adobo was a favorite among family and friends.

In his early retirement, Marcelo fulfilled his dream of owning a small farm. He hired a farmer to manage it while he spent his days golfing on the property and enjoying time with the animals. He especially loved bringing his grandchildren there. In his later retirement years, Marcelo relocated to Sarasota, Florida, where he played regularly at Bobby Jones Executive Golf Course and other local courses. He always preferred to walk the course rather than use a golf cart. His frugal nature showed even on the golf course, where he gathered every ball he found in the woods and ponds. His garage had tubs full of those golf balls.

At age 93, when he could no longer golf, Marcelo spent his days playing Sudoku and Solitaire, watching the news and golf on television, and enjoying weekly games of pool with close friends. Phone calls from family always brought him great joy.

Friends will be received November 17, 2025, from 2-4 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a memorial service to celebrate Marcelo’s life will be held 4 pm. Monday, November 17, 2025. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5494568 Please join Marcelo’s family for a gathering at the funeral home following the memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be made to

• WORLD VISION PHILIPPINES Quezon City Metro Manila
• Binder Park Junior Golf Academy, https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=6875
• American Cancer Society

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.