Mr. Henrique Sebastião

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Henrique Sebastião at the age of 92, on May 1^st, 2023. Born on October 17^th, 1930, in the town of Rabo de Peixe, São Miguel, Açores to Henrique and Albertina Sebastião. At a young age he helped support his family by working on the local fishing boats. This was the start of his journey out at sea where he found his passion for fishing. In his teenage years he found love in Natalia, who lived in the same town. They soon married on November 5^th, 1953, and began to start their family. Henrique was a devoted husband and father who was committed to ensuring his family had everything and more. He embarked on another journey on a Portuguese fishing vessel on its way to Canada in April 1957.  Soon after, he settled in Toronto and was able to send for his family to join him in May 1962. Here is where he found his business ambitions and determination to succeed. As a new immigrant with very little English, he aligned himself with individuals that educated him on the ins and out of a business. He then opened Perola Dos Açores. Here Henrique and Natalia and with the help of their four children, Henrique Jr, Adelia, Leonor, and Lucia ran their family business. For many years the business was a little taste of home for other new immigrants in the community. It was a space where all were welcome. Henrique and Natalia, who were both devoted Catholics always supported their church and local community by volunteering their time and donating to the church. In later years, he developed a love for traveling with his wife Natalia. As they explored many warm destinations and enjoyed life as it came to them.  Along with this, he also took pride in his gardening. Especially his front lawn and beautiful arrangement of flowers that always bloomed full and bright. (He is still yelling at us to get off the grass). He also enjoyed his daily walks for coffee and laughs with his friends at a local coffee shop on Dundas.  He built many meaningful friendships, and in these relationships, he created a loving environment for himself and his growing family. Those who knew him well, will remember his kind nature, sense of humor and generosity. Along with his smile and big personality. He was a strong believer in making your own destiny, creating a life for yourself, your family and loved ones. We will remember his strength, his bravery and courage and most of all his love for his family. He was surrounded by his four children and “sons” and “daughter”, Henrique Jr and Mary, Adelia and Carlos, Leonor and John, and Lucia and James. Also, his beautiful grandchildren, Billie-Jo, Jonathan, Christine, and Jessica. As well as his wonderful great grandchildren, Kayden, and James.

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