On Saturday morning, February 29, 2020 Jean Belda, loving husband, father and step-father,Grand-pa passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90.
Jean was born on September 23, 1929 in Ayelo di Malferit in Spain; the 8th of 10 children. Jean grew up in Nimes, France and immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1957. After enduring his first snow filled winter in Montreal he chose to move West. Jean worked for many years as a Millwright, repairing machinery for the lumber industry. Over the years Jean returned to France many times to visit with his family there. His last trip being in 2010. Jean had a very close relationship with his family there.
After retiring in 1994, he spent his time volunteering at the local community centre , watching hockey and helping his many friends with their roofing /home repair projects. Jean was a quiet man, loved the simple life; family and friend gatherings, walks along the beach and in the parks. He immensely enjoyed working in his garden. It was his pride and joy. It was always a mass of colour. Beautiful, to say the least. If Jean found a patch of soil in amongst all his beautiful plants, he would plant another flower or two! He had everything from pansies, to wallflowers, sweet peas and Roses —- anything colourful and fragrant was what he loved best.
Jean had a stroke in 1998 that left him partially paralyzed. He beat all odds and managed to walk again and even drive. Jean was always proving to others that he could do all the things he was told he would no longer be able to do. Jean went into residential care at Morgan Place in December, 2013 and remained there until his passing on February 29, 2020. Jean was thrilled at the birth of his only Grandson, Adan. He had many photos of Adan and other family members on display in his room. He loved looking at all the photos provided by his son, Christian and his step daughters.
Jean is survived by his wife Susan whom he met in 1988, his step daughters, Teresa, Sheila, Diana and Ylenia and their children. He is also survived by his first wife, Monique their children Jacques (deceased in 2000); Christian, his wife Bonnie and his only Grandson Adan. Jean had a large family in France. He is survived by his 2 sisters Carmen and Rose and predeceased by the others.
As long as memories last we will remember him. Until we meet again.
Il est toujours pénible de se séparer d'un être cher.
Ne pleurez pas en pensant à moi.
Soyez reconnaissante pour les beaux moments comme je suis
Reconnaissant de la vie que j'ai eu.
Bonne trajet!
“Enjoy the Little Things in Life”