JOHN SANTOS RODRIGUES

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JOHN (JOAO) SANTOS RODRIGUES Suddenly and peacefully, on the evening of June 18, 2016, our Dad, John (Joao) Santos Rodrigues, passed away at home. Left to carry on his memory is his devoted wife of 50 years, Sylvia; his children: Nicole Seewald (Joe), Dorian Rodrigues, Michelle Neault (Reg) and their two wonderful kids, Sterling and Savannah. At 17 years old, Dad immigrated to Canada, first to Montreal with his older brother Joe, leaving behind family and friends in Lisbon, Portugal. From Montreal, he travelled west and ended up in Winnipeg where he met and married our mother. He became an accomplished welder that took great pride in his work at Versatile and there he met some life-long friends. He used his welding talent to build us a go-cart, which we and the neighbourhood kids enjoyed driving up and down the back lane. Dad was proud of his Portuguese heritage and was a member of the Portuguese Club. Our dad and others were first in the creation of the Winnipeg Portuguese Association. Playing soccer was in his blood. Some of our fondest memories are of Dad and his Versatile friends playing soccer and it was intense! If he wasn't playing it, he was watching Euro soccer on T.V. When we were all little he taught us how to fish and we have great memories of fishing on the Red River from shore and boat. To this day, the three of us love the outdoors and fishing. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and started his own company building custom homes. After a few years of doing this, he went back to his welding trade. In 1996, Dad and Mom moved to Brandon, Manitoba, where he worked for Behlen Industries as a supervisor in the welding department. In his later years, Dad took up golf and loved it. It wasn't uncommon for him to golf every day after work. Dad retired in 2009. Over the past couple of years is when Dad became ill with lung cancer and he struggled with his health ever since. Dad, you worked hard to build a life in a new country. We know you did the best you could; rest in peace. As per our dad's request, no formal service will follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, P.O. Box 20029, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6Y8; or a charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services Brandon, MB, (204) 727-0694

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016