MARIO MACHADO PONTES

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MARIO MACHADO PONTES Following a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer, on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at Seven Oaks Hospital, our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather entered into rest at the age of 74 years. Mario was born in Terceira, Azores, Portugal on May 29, 1931. In 1970 he decided to open doors of opportunity for his family and immigrated to Canada on his own. After a year of hard labour, he was finally joined by his wife and by five of his six children. Family was the essence of his being. He adored helping his family and friends. Mario worked for Nel-Will, Maple Leaf and Borland Construction Companies as a cement finisher and labourer. Mario retired in 1994 but continued to keep busy by helping his sons and daughters in any way. Mario loved playing the guitar, dancing and listening to Fado. He also enjoyed being outdoors especially gardening. Since his retirement he dedicated his summer and fall months to harvesting vegetables. He often gave most of his harvest to family and friends. His generosity and passion for life was admired by all. Mario will be lovingly remembered by his wife Maria; sons, Mario (Margarida), Frank (Leonor) and Adelino (Cheryl); daughters, Lilia (Alberto), Anabela (Baltazar), Lucilia (Rui); grandchildren, Sandra (Mark), Christie, Jason, Crystal (Nelson), Carlos (Carlee), Leandra (Shawn), Justin, James, Amanda, Ashley, Adam, Jocelyn, Michael, Branden, Nykeah and Xavier; great-grandchild Randy. He is also survived by his brother Daniel in Toronto, as well as numerous other family members and friends throughout Canada, United States, Australia and Portugal. He was predeceased by his two sons, Jose and Victor, his sister Maria and brother Manuel. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Seven Oaks Hospital for their care and understanding. Also a special thank you to Palliative Care nurse Mary Ann and Pastors Lewis and Elda Vansteenkiste and to all who have kept him in their prayers throughout his journey. Vigil Prayers will be said on Sunday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed John XXIII Parish, 3390 Portage Ave. with Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P.H.,V.F. presiding. Entombment will follow in Assumption Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mario's memory to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 620 Colborne St., Suite 301, London, ON N6B 3R9. Mario found comfort in knowing that the Lord was holding his hand every step of the way. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2005