It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Augusto Da Costa Fonseca. He died peacefully at home in Vancouver with family by his side after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Augusto was born in Sinde, Tábua, Portugal to Joaquim and Maria José Fonseca. He was the youngest of five children.
Augusto was predeceased by his wife Albertina Fonseca and brother-in-law Joaquim Fonseca. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Olivia Fonseca, daughter Maria (Doug Redmond), sons Tony (Arminda) and Manuel (Erica), grandchildren Vanessa (Eric Wong), Stephanie Medeiros (Kevin Riley), Ryan, Nicole, and Trevor Fonseca, great-grandchildren Olivia and London Wong, and many relatives in Vancouver, and Portugal. He was also predeceased by his two brothers and two sisters.
Augusto was happiest when he was sharing food, drinks, and stories with family and friends. He loved socializing and gardening and was especially proud of his grandchildren.
He left Portugal in 1957 and settled in Vancouver with his cousin and future brother-in-law, Joaquim Fonseca. After helping build railroads, Augusto and Joaquim opened two bakeries in Vancouver with their business partners. Together they served thousands of Portuguese custard tarts, buns, and many more baked goods. He finished his career working as a baker at logging camps in northern Vancouver Island before retiring.
Augusto’s family would like to express our eternal gratitude to our loving Aunt Olivia (Albertina's sister) who was the main caregiver for her sister and brother-in-law for the last 15 years; to our caring family practitioner Dr. Karim Harjee who made countless house calls and answered endless texts to ensure Augusto was always looked after; to the amazing community health workers from Vancouver Coastal Health and wonderful nurses at Robert & Lily Lee Community Health Centre who truly cared about Augusto’s well-being; and to all of our family and friends who cared deeply for Augusto over the years.
Prayer Services will be held on Tuesday, July 26th at 9:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2025 Napier Street, Vancouver, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.
We will miss our dad, brother-in-law, grandfather, and friend, Augusto.