Obituary of DR. FRANCISCO CARRIEDO “PAQUITO” VIOLAGO, JR.

DR. FRANCISCO CARRIEDO “PAQUITO” VIOLAGO, JR.

On June 17, 2017, at Riverview Health Centre, beloved father, passed away at the age of 84 years.

Francisco graduated from medicine from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He moved to America in the 1950’s for training in general surgery, a daunting task by any measure. He was in residence at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Paul, MN when he met his future wife, Estela, in 1959. They furthered their medical training at various hospitals in the United States, eventually marrying in 1962.

Fran moved with Estela to Winnipeg in 1964, to raise a family and to complete training in general, experimental, and vascular surgery at Winnipeg General Hospital. They were one of the pioneering Filipino-Canadian families in Winnipeg. Over the succeeding years he and Estela participated in and supported many activities and service organizations within the community.

Fran practiced medicine for 6 decades. Estela often administered the anesthetic when Fran was operating. Fran was renowned for his skills as a physician and surgeon. He learned his craft from excellent teachers in the US and Canada, especially from Dr. Al Downs. Over the years so many of Dad’s patients and colleagues spoke about how much they admired both his skill and his kindness. Fran only retired a couple of months before he died, when his final illness forced him to stop.

Fran was a long-time patron of the arts. He loved attending opera, ballet, and live theatre in Winnipeg and in locations where they travelled, such as Stratford, ON and New York, NY.

In the twilight of Fran’s life, his religion was a strong comfort to him. He developed a special bond with the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery. One of his most treasured memories was of the pilgrimage he and Estela made with some of the Sisters to the Holy Land.

Fran is survived by his daughter Linda, son Eric, son David (Jennifer), nieces Rosario and Susan, grand-niece Melissa and child Tristan, siblings Lucia Violago-Isnani, Carmen Violago-Perez, and Antonio Violago, friend Jennie, and all Fran’s extended family, colleagues, and dear friends, who know who they are…

He was predeceased by his wife Estela (“Lily”), several brothers and sisters, and his parents.

The family would like to thank: Dr. Ben Yip; Dr. George Borrett; the staff at the Health Sciences Centre, Grace Hospital, and, especially, Riverview Health Centre; and the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery.  

A wake (Filipino lamay) is scheduled from 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. tonight, Saturday, June 24 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Wpg, MB. This includes a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., officiated by Rev. Mr. Stepan Bilynskyy.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 30 at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St., Wpg, MB. Celebrant is Fr. Joe Newman, SJ.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Benedict’s Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R4A 2A1; (204) 338-4601; stbensfoundation@mts.net