RAFAEL DELGADO

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RAFAEL DELGADO On December 29, 2011 the angels of heaven came for our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Rafael Delgado. Rafael will be lovingly remembered by his four beloved children who meant the world to him: Americo (Elvira), Maria Gracinda (Albino), Fernanda (Jose Alberto) who resides in Portugal and Jose Luis (Maria Luisa). He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Lucy (Paulo), Elizabeth (Michael), Paulo (Livia), Daniel (Francesca), Crystal (Paulo) who resides in Portugal, Gabriel (fiancée Michelle), Catarina (fiancé Greg), Silvia, Nilton and four great-grandchildren, Monica, Marcus, Emma and Mateo. Along with his immediate family Rafael leaves behind his brother Ricardo Delgado (Maria do Rosario) sister-in-law Fernanda Simoes, brother-in-law Manuel Marques all of Portugal, brother-in-law Americo (Isaura) Simoes and sister-in-law Maria da Luz Simoes. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews here in Winnipeg as well as in Portugal. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Maria, who passed away 12 days before him, his parents Maria Vicencia and Joao Delgado, brother Antonio, sisters Maria das Neves, Lucina, Edevires, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Rafael was born August 20, 1918 in Pe-Da-Serra, Amendoa, Portugal. He lived in France for five years before coming with his family to Canada in 1967. He worked in construction and later in hospitality until his retirement. From his retirement until 2007, Rafael and Maria would always spend their summers in Portugal and looked forward to entertaining anyone who came by. He enjoyed so much looking after his fruit and olive groves. He was most happy when one of the children or grandchildren would come and visit. He also enjoyed reading. Reading was a passion of his. He would read throughout the day and late into the evening. Usually his books were of religious themes and he would look forward to sharing the story or moral of the book with whomever came around to visit. He would also pass along his books and magazines to others in the community so that they too could learn about the lives of the Saints and the missions. Rafael will be remembered for his spirituality, his devotion to God, his generosity and love for his family. Rafael loved Jesus, God and our Holy Mother of heaven with all his being. He found comfort in prayer and the rosary and in the love and promises of Jesus. He attended mass daily until it became physically impossible to do so. Attended every religious event whenever possible and prayed the rosary faithfully every night with his wife. Rafael had an extraordinary devotion to the Missions of Africa through the Comboni Missionaries. He would sell tickets that were sent to him by the missionaries as a way of fundraising money to send to the poor, hungry and homeless in Africa. He was a brave, selfless, strong, kind, compassionate and self-sacrificing man and a caring and nurturing father and grandfather. His loss will be felt by all who knew him. Through the last difficult months of illness Rafael was always patient, loving, understanding, strong and accepting of what God had in store for him. His hand shakes, thank you's and smiles to all who visited made everyone feel loved by him when they left. Rafael lived a full and joyous life. Rafael and Maria were soul mates and anyone who knew them could see that this was so. Their love was a special kind of love, forever endless. They were a wonderful example to all couples! The family finds consolation in knowing that these two soul mates are together again, beside each other, where they belong! The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the visitors who brought comfort and kind words to Rafael. A special thank you to the staff at the Victoria Hospital 5th floor North and Misericordia Health Centre (Cedar Grove) for their compassionate care. Prayers will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin Street North. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Fr. Wladimir Porreca presiding. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave. Descanse em Paz querido pai, avô e bisavô! Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 774-7474 Condolences:www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2011