JOSE LUIS BOTELHO GARCIA

Jose Luis Botelho Garcia was born on September 16, 1945, on the beautiful island of São Miguel, parish of Livrement in the Azores, Portugal, to his loving parents, Maria and Jose Garcia. Though life began with humble means, Jose was raised surrounded by love, laughter, hard work, and the rich traditions of island life that he carried with him forever.

As a young boy, Jose worked alongside his father on the family farm. One of his favorite stories to tell was during the Christmas season, when he would help prepare the turkeys for market by feeding them wine before the holiday rush. Neighbors and visitors would gather in amusement at the sight of the intoxicated turkeys wandering around the property, bringing laughter and joy to everyone who witnessed it. Those memories remained a cherished part of his upbringing and reflected the humor and warmth that would define Jose throughout his life.

Jose was an intelligent, hardworking, and ambitious man. His academic abilities earned him a scholarship to attend university on mainland Portugal. However, out of deep love and devotion to his mother, who could not bear the thought of him leaving the island, Jose chose to stay close to home and instead began working at the rubber factory. It was there that he met the love of his life, Beatriz Raposo. The two married within two years and quickly began building a beautiful family together.

On April 11, 1969, Jose embarked on one of the most courageous journeys of his life when he immigrated to Canada in pursuit of greater opportunities for his young family. Arriving with little more than determination and hope, he faced long flights, bitter cold, snow up to his knees, and harsh winters unlike anything he had ever known growing up on the islands. Unprepared for the unforgiving Canadian climate, without proper winter clothing or boots, Jose persevered with remarkable strength and resilience.

He eventually settled in Thompson, Manitoba, where he worked in the mines and devoted himself tirelessly to providing a better life for his family.  A year later Jose moved to Winnipeg and  through sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering dedication, Jose and Beatriz raised their children: Joe, Tina, Sara, and Rui.  Over the years, Jose achieved many of his dreams. He purchased homes, invested in rental properties, owned a beloved cabin, and created a life rooted in hard work and family.

Above all else, Jose’s greatest joy came from the people he loved. In his later years, nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Izabella, and Samantha. They were the light of his life and a source of endless pride.

Jose will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man whose strength, sacrifice, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. His story is one of courage, resilience, and unconditional love — a legacy that will continue to live on through his family and the countless memories he leaves behind.

He passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Celebrant will be Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P.H.

Prayers will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., also at Cropo Funeral Chapel.  The Internment ceremony will be held at the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery at 3990 Portage Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes everyone  to honour dad’s spirits by remembering to love, cherish and care for one another.  

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.