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AUGUSTO (GUS) FERNANDO VAZ
Born: Oct 10, 1933
Date of Passing: Oct 08, 2008
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryAUGUSTO (GUS) FERNANDO VAZ It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Augusto (Gus) Fernando Vaz, on October 8, 2008, at his home two days before his 75th birthday. He is survived by his loving wife Diane (nee McColl); daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and David Zubricki; Tracey Mastromonaco and her fiancée Mike Van Roose, and Sherri and Dominic (Mico) Costa; his precious grand-children, Janelle and Jared Zubricki; Carly and Marc Mastromonaco; Giuliana, Adam and Marcus Costa; his brother and sisters: Leonel and Maria Vaz, Maria Martins, Alcina Canto and Ilda Castro; sister-in-law Marlene Ethier, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Sebastiao and Beatriz Vaz and sister Evangelista Vaz. Fernando was born on October 10, 1933, in Cornes, Minho, Portugal. He came to Canada in May 1957, settling in Winnipeg in February 1958. He worked in construction then at Canada Packers where he obtained the nickname Gus . His entrepreneurial endeavours included owning his own taxi, owner/operator of Rio Amusement Club and finally he established Leisure Limousine Service which he owned and operated from 1980 until he retired in 2004. He was well respected in the livery industry. Fernando was a fiercely independent, outspoken person with a gruff exterior but he had a heart of gold. Mom and Dad would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on October 11. He cherished his family and was extremely proud of his three daughters. His seven grandchildren were the light of his life and brought enormous joy to him in his later years. He was the patriarch of his family and would do anything he could to help out when needed. Fernando had a love of cooking and many of our family gatherings revolved around Vovo's elaborate meals. His passions included eating the wonderful food he prepared, drinking wine and watching European soccer. He loved to recount stories of the old country, his short stint in the army and our numerous family vacations. His grandson Jared said it best Vovo will live in our hearts forever . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in E. J. Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. with reception to follow immediately after. The Coutu family in care of the arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2008
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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I’m 52 years old now. I first met Gus in Winnipeg at the age of 14. I was attending St. John’s Ravenscourt School at the time. I would always hire Gus to take me to the airport and to pick me up when I returned. His attention to detail was second to none. Gus took tremendous pride in his service and his silver Cadillac limousine. He would always have the radio tuned to 92 CITI fm for me and know that I was always wanting to go to the MacDonalds drive through. As silly as that was, he would always serve with a smile. The man was world class, kind hearted and always smiling. I still have a picture of me standing next to this car. I will always remember Gus as a man with integrity and one who provided the best of the best when it came to customer service. I always enjoyed our conversations during the rides. I still remembered his name to this day. His family should be proud - Gus was world class, a man with class and integrity. John Williams Calgary AB - Posted by: John D Williams (Former Customer) on: Mar 12, 2021