Obituary of JOAO JOSE RODRIGUES SOARES

Joao Jose Rodrigues Soares

1946 - 2018

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Joao Soares on Monday October 15, with his family by his side at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

 He leaves behind his wife of 50 plus years, Odilia, his sons; Luis (Lucy), Tony (Nicole), Danny (Kimberley), his grandchildren; Angelica, Isaac, Abigail, Tristan and Ashley, and numerous beloved family and friends.

Joao was predeceased by his parents Joao Pacheco, Maria do Carmo Rodrigues, his two eldest sons Joao and Daniel, and his siblings. Joao was born on April 3, 1946 in S. Miguel Acores, Portugal. He joined the army in Ponta Delgada in 1966 where he served as a cook and helped in other areas of interest up until his departure in 1970.

On February 22, 1967 he married the love of his life Odilia, and after a few years they chose to look outside Portugal in search of a better life for themselves and their young family. In 1971 Joao and his family immigrated to Canada, whereupon he secured a house and employment in construction. Since it didn’t take him long to call Canada his new home his mother soon after immigrated to be with her son and his family.

Joao spent his life working in construction, with a few different companies over the span of his career, as many do.  Sadly, due to work related injury he had to leave the work force, ending his employment at Cambrian Excavators in 1997.  He then dedicated his life to help raise his grandchildren and spend more time doing what he loved.

As an active member in the Roman Catholic Religion Joao loved to participate in various festivals in Portugal, and so The Immaculate Conception Parish here in Winnipeg quickly became a second home. He spent many a time helping the church in any way he could, from singing in the choir, to participating in fundraising events, to marching the streets of Winnipeg in celebration of various festivals. When he wasn’t working or participating in the church, Joao spent much of his time with his family, fishing, camping or tending to his beautiful gardens.   

He was a man who loved to be surrounded by his family and friends.   A man who wasn’t afraid of hard work.  A man who didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 

A man who will be dearly missed.

Prayer Vigil will be held on Thursday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.  Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin Street North with Rev. Fr. Tiago Coloni presiding.  Interment will be in the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue.

Pallbearers will be Luis Soares, Tony Soares, Danny Soares, Tony Ferreira, Emanuel Ferreira, Sergio Desousa.

A special thanks to the Palliative care staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre for making his last few days comfortable and for showing the family respect and empathy during this difficult time.