JOHN (JOAO) DE DEUS COSTA

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JOHN (JOAO) DE DEUS COSTA John (Joao) De Deus Costa was born on May 30, 1929 in Salga, Portugal. After a brief and courageous battle of illness, John Costa, passed away peacefully, with his children by his side on November 21, 2012 at the Shoal Lake-Strathclair Health Centre in Shoal Lake, MB. He was predeceased by his parents Abel and Maria Costa and several members of his family and extended family, his baby granddaughter Jessica Woytowich from Gimli (daughter of Theresa Costa), and recently Dennis Duarte of Winnipeg (nephew and Godchild of John). Surviving are his close loved one and special friend Sharron Houle; daughters: Odette (Dave), Theresa (Mark) all of Winnipeg Beach, Ada, Carina (Lyle) and son Cory (Steph) all of Birtle, son: John Jr. (Marla) Costa of Winnipeg; grandchildren: Cecelia, David, Rheanna, Derrick, Mark, Nicholas, Brandyn, Nathan, Josh, Nikki, Kaytlen, Ben, Ethan, Tyson, Samantha, Trinity, and Raelyn; one grand-daughter on the way to Cory and Steph; and great-grandchildren: Shyla, Virginia and Mariah. John will be sadly missed by not only his family but by those whose lives he touched by his kindness, generosity and by his beautiful big smile. Even when John was ill he always had a smile right to the end of his journey. Everyone who knew him will always have a good memory of him. John came to Canada in 1955. He worked in Kitimat, BC on the railroads and later moved to Winnipeg where he started to learn on his own as a semi truck mechanic. He later started a family. He then worked for Midland Superior as a mechanic for 25 years. He was always such a hard worker and he never sat for too long; always finding something to do. He loved the country life and when he retired he moved to Birtle to bring up his youngest two children, Carina and Cory Fleury and raised chickens, rabbits, pigs and goats. John had a major stroke in 2009. We believed he wouldn't have been strong enough to battle the damage of not walking, talking or doing anything for himself. John proved us wrong with intense treatment he continued to fight. He was stubborn and that is what made him independent again. We would like to keep John's memory alive by remembering the good person he was and share stories of happy thoughts of him. A prayer service was held on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Rae's Funeral Chapel, Shoal Lake. Father Rene Katcha Digba officiated. The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Rae's Funeral Chapel with Rev. Roland Legge officiating. Interment followed in the Birtle Cemetery. Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa We will always miss your million dollar smile, your laughter, and your love. You had a life that was well lived because of the loved you received from your family and friends. You gave us great qualities and made us strong. You will be watching over us now, forever and you will be holding Cory and Steph's baby girl when she arrives. You will always be near and our memories of you will be forever. We'll miss you daddy - love your family, the Costa's and Fleury's. Rae's Funeral Service of Shoal Lake was in care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2012