Mr. Manuel Almeida

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Manuel Medeiros Pacheco Almeida at 88 years of age. Manuel courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for several years until complications of the disease suddenly put out his flame.

Manuel is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rosa Mauricio Menezes whom he adored until his last breath. He will be greatly missed by his sons Carlos (Lucia) and Paulo, his daughters Cidalia (Fernando), Lucia and Elizabeth. He was the proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and two great grand-children: Matthew, Jennifer, Patrick, Michael, Eric, Luke, Stella, Alexander, Victoria, Ainsley and Scarlett.

Manuel’s life journey was one of immense courage that touched many lives and spanned over three continents. Born in 1934, in Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal) he was the firstborn of Belmira and Mariano Almeida, followed by siblings Benjamin, Jose, Maria dos Santos and Dorvalino.  Manuel’s family owned and farmed land, but he had other plans for his future. After completing compulsory military service, Manuel apprenticed as a carpenter with a proprietor, who would later become his brother-in-law. Manuel and Rosa married in 1957, built their first home and started a carpentry business. They had two children, Carlos and Cidalia.

In 1964, the family emigrated to the Portuguese colony of Angola, Africa seeking adventure and a secure future. Manuel continued to work as a carpenter and in the evenings collaborated in the new family venture: a bakery business specializing in sweet bread. His hobby at this time was passionately riding his Harley Davidson around town, piling the whole family on the motorcycle, which now included two more children, Paulo and Lucia (yes, all six on one motorcycle). They made friendships in Angola that lasted a lifetime. Life was good but the threat of civil war forced the family back to Portugal.

In 1971 Manuel once again courageously moved his family to Toronto, Canada where his sister now resided. With his strong work ethic, sensible lifestyle and entrepreneurial spirit, Manuel provided a comfortable life for his family. He retired from his love of the carpentry business in the late 1990’s. A fifth very special daughter, Elizabeth, was born in Canada.

Manuel loved his family, his country and he loved God. He instilled and modelled a sense of loyalty, integrity, work ethic, compassion for those in need and self-sacrifice. An example of his charity and compassion is when he donated his time to construct pews for his community church back home, where they still stand today. On request, he would also build simple coffins for those who could not afford a more elaborate one. He was a giant, a pillar of quiet strength and confidence and he navigated his life and family in the most principled manner.  But he also had a humorous side, often cracking jokes and recounting limericks from his homeland at family gatherings. Manuel and Rosa also travelled extensively in Europe and the Holy Land. Their favourite place to visit was the island of Madeira, Portugal.

Manuel’s memory and legacy will continue to live in our hearts forever.  The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support.  We would also like to thank the staff at Castleview Wychwood Long Term Care for their compassionate care.

Please see below for visitation and funeral details. To honour Manuel’s memory, there will be a Celebration of Life at Europa Catering, 1407 Dundas Street W, Toronto following the burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre.

Donate Now - THE SALVATION ARMY TORONTO GRACE HEALTH CENTRE (canadahelps.org)

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Burial