Obituary of FRANCISCO (FRANK) SILVA

FRANCISCO SILVA (Frank)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dad on August 20, 2017 at Deer Lodge with his loving family at his side. Frank was not only a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather but also a kind, gentle person who loved helping others.

Frank was born November 10, 1930 in the beautiful island of Pico, Azores, Portugal. As a young man, he loved spending his time near the ocean especially fishing and had many fond memories to share. Dad lost his father at a very young age, and had several jobs in retail to help support his mother. Later, he went on to work in a prestigious restaurant in the island of Faial.  While on this island, at age 19 he met and fell in love with his wife Maria and they married four years later.  At the beginning of his married life, mom and dad moved to the island of Terceira, where he was employed at a restaurant at the American Air Base. They moved back to Faial where he owned a grocery store and operated a windmill. In 1965, Frank moved to Canada to pursue a better life and the family reunited two years later in Winnipeg.  In those early years, dad was employed at Greb Shoes and later, along with his wife began working for Bee Clean where they remained for over 30 years. 

Frank was a devout man and an active member of the Portuguese community, especially in the Immaculate Conception Church where for many years he served as a Minister of the Eucharist.  A kind and compassionate man, dad spent many hours with the sick and the dying in hospitals and homes, providing them with words of hope and encouragement.  Also, Dad would always be ready to open his home to others and help them through difficult times.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humour and started family traditions with love and laughter.  His most treasured moments were those spent with family, and those memories will forever be with us. He loved family gatherings such as birthdays, special occasions but his favorite time of the year, was undoubtedly Christmas.  Every year, he was filled with a contagious excitement and anticipation to prepare for this special occasion.  His legacy will forever live in his children and grandchildren who will continue many of these family traditions.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 63 years, Maria; his oldest son Fernando (Maria) from California and their children Spencer and Jessica; his son Terry (Maria) and their children Kathy (Ryan) and Andrew; his daughter Adelia (Steve) and their children Richard and Stephanie; his son John (Judy) and their children Jocelyn and Jordan and his great-grandchildren Luke and Amelia. Frank is also survived by his brother Gilberto from Portugal and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many friends and family who have offered support during this difficult time as well as the amazing staff at Deer Lodge 6 West for their compassion and care of our dear dad.

Prayer Vigil will be held Thursday, August 24 at 8:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin Street North. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. also at the parish.  Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave.

“Pai, the suffering is over.  Rest in peace.  We love you!”