May 22, 1946-February 15, 2009
“The ultimate Canuck fan has left the building.”
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Manuel, beloved Husband, Father, Vavô, Son, Brother and Friend. Manuel passed away courageously at the age of 62. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, that adored him more than life itself, Virginia, his five beautiful children, Carlos (Becky), Libral (Tara), Oscar (Jennifer), Karen (Shane), Ricky (Ariane) and his nine grandchildren and one on the way, Blake, Brooke, Hazen, Vienna, India, ‘Baby’, Marcus, Mersaya, Eve and Kusius and loyal canine companion, Diesel.
Manuel leaves behind his Mother, Maria Paixão, siblings Adelina (Manuel), Antonio, (Manuela), Senhorinha (Virginio), Manuela (Antonio), Isabel (Barry), Armando (Helen), Natalia (Vivaldo). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and amazing friends.
He was born in the village of Ponta Garça, on the island of São Miguel, Açores (Portugal) and immigrated to Canada in 1963. He founded Victoria Landscaping Ltd. in 1970. That same year he married his best friend.
Manuel and the family enjoyed frequent vacations back home to São Miguel. He always looked forward to planning his next adventure with his wife and family. He lived life to the fullest and will forever be in our hearts. His zest for life, respect for others, positive attitude and selfless acts will always be remembered. And you will be met at the gates in Heaven by your father, Manuel, cousin, Antonio Maria, brother-in-law, Artur and many good friends and family previously lost.
You fought with grace and are the warrior we will never forget!
A rosary service to be held on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 6:00PM and the funeral service on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 11:00AM both at Our Lady Of Fatima Church on 4635 Elk Lake Drive.
In lieu of flowers a charitable donation can be made in Manuel’s name to the BC Cancer Foundation (Lung Cancer), 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria BC, V8R 6V5.
25 Responses
We would just like to add our condolence to the Furtado family on Manuel’s passing..to Lib..I know our son, Jason ,would have been there to stand by and help strengthen you at this time of great loss…our thoughts and prayers to all…mike & Trudy
At this sad time a happy memory comes to our minds. . . . it takes us back to our Victoria visit in October 2005 when we had a most enjoyable visit with Manuel and Virginia at their lovely home. We are so happy now that we had this opportunity to meet Manuel, share a drink and create a memory. Our loved ones leave us, but our memories live in our hearts forever.
God bless
Elizabeth Power and Louise Clark
We are thankful to have known Manuel – such a welcoming, warm and friendly man. He will be sadly missed, but always remembered for his devotion to family, his hard work, enthusiasm and kindness – an inspiration to all.
Our thoughts & prayers to the family.
Daryl and Marjorie Born
Dear Virginia & family.
I have no words to describe how deep my sympathy is to all of you. Together,you were the “picture of love”,and like it says in the obituary,you loved Manuel more than life itself….it really touched my heart.and I wanted you to know (for the few times that you and I met and talked) that my prayers are with you all.God Bless!
Most sincerely,
Idalina Serpa & son Jason Serpa
Dear Virginia & family,
I have no words to describe how deep my sympathy is for all of you.
You and Manuel were “the picture of love”,and like it said in the obituary, your love for him was larger than life itself. How beautiful it is that you have those memories…it really touched my heart.and I wanted you to know (for the few times that you and I talked) that my prayers are with you and ALL your family. God Bless!
Most sincerely,
Idalina Serpa and son Jason Serpa