MANUEL (AMARAL) MARQUES RODRIGUES

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MANUEL (AMARAL) MARQUES RODRIGUES It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Manuel (Amaral) Rodrigues in Leiria, Portugal, on December 6, 2012, at the age of 64. Left to cherish his memory are his father Manuel Trezentos of Portugal; his wife Aida - the love of his life; cherished children Terri and Michael; son-in-law Greg; daughter-in-law Lida; and his beautiful and adored grandchildren Emily, Christofer, Matthew, Anthony and Isabella - his reason for being. Dad is also survived by his sister Noémia, brother-in-law Jaime, brother-in-law Zé Manuel (Lena) all of Portugal, and brother-in-law John (Mary) of Winnipeg. Many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly, will also remember him. He goes on to be with his mother, Tereza, and sister Aurora, who predeceased him. Dad leaves many, many close friends behind, in Portugal and Winnipeg. He was a man who had an immediate presence and impact on the lives of all who had the opportunity to meet him. Dad came to Canada in 1966, as a student, to visit his sister. Soon after he met and fell deeply in love with Mom. He wrote beautiful, touching poems to Mom during their courtship and swept her off her feet with his romantic ways. The romance would continue for the next 42 years. In 1972, Terri was born, followed by Michael in 1973. The next few years would be spent travelling, visiting Portugal a number of times and spending summers with family and friends at West Hawk Lake. Dad was an absolutely brilliant man. He had so many skills, talents and interests. He had so much knowledge about people and places around the world and could answer any question we ever had. He took care of all of our needs and wants without any hesitation. Dad created many beautiful things in his lifetime and took such pride in planning and building for others. He was gifted in this area and most definitely a master of his trade. He was also an amazing chef and loved to cook for his family and friends. Dad was an incredibly caring man. He spent his life doing both small and big things for everyone, and always took the time to make life easier for others - family and friends. He was passionate about soccer, cheering on his beloved Benfica. He loved and was very proud of his homeland of Portugal and was his happiest when his children and grandchildren spent time with him there. There was not a day that went by that he didn't think of his grandchildren and there was pure joy in his eyes and heart every moment that he spent with them. His grandchildren adored him in return and would tell everyone that their Avô was the smartest, nicest man in the whole world. Knowing and valuing our roots and culture will live on in all of us forever. They say that there are some people who are unforgettable and Dad is without any doubt one of these people. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understandings with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our heart, and we are never ever the same. Our lives will never be quite the same. We will love you and remember you always Dad. Prayers and vigil were held in Portugal. Funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin St. N., on Friday, December 21, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Lico officiating, interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Rodrigues, Greg Warner, John Pacheco, Henrique Pereira, Manuel Santos, and Rui Almeida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dad's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2012