Mr. Dimas da Ponte Medeiros

Obituary

What can you say about someone who did not say much about themselves? Dimas was a humble man who preferred to stay “under the radar” about his achievements. He came to Canada at the age of 18 and eventually found himself working at U of T in the custodial department. His diligence, hard work and steadfastness saw him move up over the years until he was in a management position handling half of the U of T custodial staff.  This was no small feat yet, he handled this with humility.  His fairness and kindness made him an excellent boss and in his retirement, when former staff would run into him, they would rave about his skill, not only as a manager, but also as a person.

He was the second youngest of six and the only boy. This made him the clear family favourite with all of his sisters (Maria Jose, Urania, Ermelinda, Dorvalina, and Fernanda) and the apple of his mother’s eye (Laurinda). Over the years, he was the family rock and he never hesitated to help his sisters if they needed him. He was a supportive and solid brother and, in turn, they all doted on him.

His first 18 years in Canada were spent living with one of his sisters (Maria Jose) and her family.  His easy going  nature and time spent with his nephew, Daciano, ensured they became more like brothers than the usual uncle-nephew relationship.  They forged a very close, special bond that lasted through the decades.

He was a wonderful great uncle to his grand nephew, Xavier and delighted in watching him grow from a tiny baby to full adult.  He was there for every milestone to be celebrated and every graduation, Easter and Christmas through the years. Each Sunday he would still return to have lunch at Maria Jose’s house with her family.  It was a weekly ritual that kept the family close. Many discussions and laughs were shared at those meals. His daily ritual was calling her each day at 11:00 am. They were very close until her passing, a year ago, almost to the day.

He was interested in cars, and took great care to have an immaculate vehicle.  He was always very organized and tidy and was pleased to spend his retirement taking care of his pristine garden and lawn.  He was generous with his time and also took great care to maintain the gardens of family – trimming grape vines, cutting their lawns and weeding, all without a fuss.  He would just show up and work and then leave, with us coming home to find the grounds looking perfect.  His handiwork in evidence again. Under his careful care, the lawn never looked as good as when Dimas took care of it.

 

He also loved watching soccer, hockey, and nature shows and, when the TV wasn’t on, he had the radio on listening to calming classical music. Classical music was always a fixture in his house.

 

We will miss Dimas and his quiet, humble, industrious ways.  Rest in peace dear man.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Mansfield Avenue.

Visitation

Service

Cremation