Obituary of Manuel Medeiros

Medeiros, Manuel Jr. – 1940-2008 died peacefully surrounded by his adoring family on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at his residence. Beloved husband of 47 years to Irene. Loving father of daughter Liz Kelly and her husband Gary (Sarnia), son Vic Medeiros and his wife Colleen (Sarnia), and daughter Stephanie Foster and her husband Brett (Kanata). Cherished grandfather of Joshua and Melissa Kelly and Victoria and Michael Foster. Dear step-grandfather of Beau, Brett, and Ben Stonehouse. Oldest brother of Maria Oliveira (London), Joe (and Eduarda) Medeiros (Alvinston), Elvira Moniz (Portugal), Cremilde Ponte (Sarnia), Tony (and Alciria) Medeiros (Sarnia), Mike (and Maggie) Medeiros (Sarnia), Sara (and Mike) Ibrahim (Windsor), Daniel (and Yvonne) Medeiros (Sarnia), and Mary Jo (and Gordon) Norman (Ft. Saskatchewan, Alberta). Eldest son of the late Manuel and Maria Piadade Medeiros. Fondly remembered by a multititude of nephews, nieces, and cousins. At the age of 21, Manuel Medeiros emigrated from São Miguel, Açores, Portugal to Canada. He quickly became fluent with the English language. This enabled him to help countless Portuguese families with their new beginnings in Canada. Manuel was a key player in bringing the Portuguese-Canadian community of Sarnia together in the late 70’s by organizing a series of dances at the Polish Hall. Soon after, he was one of a trio of men to organize the first annual St. Antonio’s Festival. By the mid-eighties, one of his main goals was accomplished - the establishment of The Portuguese Canadian Club which continues to operate successfully to this day. In the last year of his life, he accomplished one more important goal – the organization of the first annual Medeiros Family picnic. Manuel worked at Imperial Oil for 30 years and was known as a dedicated employee that took pride in his work. He loved the surrounding lake and beaches. He loved to swim, and fish. He loved to “experiment” in the kitchen, and play Sueca with his family. But mostly, he loved and was fiercely proud of everyone in his family. We would like to thank Dr. Pratt, Dr. Dostaler, Dr.Yoshida, Dr. Lock, Dr. Welch, Dr. Ahmad and the nurses of Bluewater Health Palliative Care for their never-ending attempts to extend and improve the quality of Manuel’s life during his battle with cancer over the past seven months. We would also like to thank all our family and friends who provided their love and support during his illness. Visitation at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia on Friday from 4-8 p.m. where prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Matthew Bedard at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 714 Lite St., Point Edward, N7V 1A6 or Bluewater Health Palliative Care, 89 Norman St., Sarnia, N7T 6S3. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Manuel Medeiros in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.