Cesar GONZALES

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GONZALES: Cesar Salaysay, 1934-2015. It is with extreme sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Cesar Salaysay Gonzales on August 8, 2015 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, at the age of 80 years. Cesar was surrounded by his wife and family at the time of his passing. Cesar was born on August 26, 1934 in San Miguel, Manila, Philippines. He completed his post-secondary education in the Philippines where he received his Teaching degree. In 1967, Cesar, along with his wife Rosita and five children moved from the Philippines to Canada to begin a new life in Brandon, Manitoba. Cesar spent many years as a Special Education teacher with the Brandon School Division. Unable to sit still, after retirement he continued to work as a special education teacher in northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Determined to not let anything slow him down, Cesar worked well into his late seventy’s. Cesar enjoyed driving, so summer family vacations were spent driving throughout Canada and the United States visiting relatives and experiencing many new adventures! Chocolate cake is fondly remembered by all involved. In his younger years, Cesar enjoyed a variety of sports including boxing, basketball and golf. He was nicknamed “Speedy” by his co-workers and students while refereeing basketball games. He also took great enjoyment attending his children’s gymnastic meets, hockey, soccer and football games. With great pride and joy he loved watching his 11 grandchildren grow and looked forward to his many conversations and stories with them by phone and in person. Family was very important to Cesar. He worked hard at making sure his family was provided for, whether feeding them or picking up and driving them in all different directions while working two jobs. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his entire family. Remaining to cherish Cesar’s memory are his wife Rosita, son Tony (Elaine), grandchildren Jessica, Alex and Morgan of Kelowna, BC; son David of Toronto; son Cesar “Chuck” (Lisa), grandchildren Carlos, Simeon, Mikal, Mia and Bella of Winnipeg; son Manuel “Manny” (Lisa), granddaughter Eva of Nashua, New Hampshire; daughter Mary-Anne Gonzales-Shaw (Chad), grandchildren Taylor and Kieran of Calgary, sister Christina “Mitzi” Foss ( Jeff ) of Victoria, BC, sister-in-law Myrna Gonzales (Vancouver, BC) and brother-in-law Colin Moran (U.S.A.), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. Cesar is predeceased by his brother Chico Gonzales, sister Sonia Moran and parents Teofila and Simeon Gonzales. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Cesar will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, Brandon, Manitoba. Donations in memory of Cesar may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 19, 2015