João (John) da Luz passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2018 in New Westminster at the age of 88.  He was predeceased by his father José, his mother Maria and his brother Jorge.  John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Luisa; son Jorge (Gloria); daughters Paula, Miriam (Bryan) and Danielle (Craig); sister Sylvina; brother José (Mito); 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren as well as a large number of nieces and nephews.

He proudly served in the Portuguese army and worked in the shipyards in Lisbon as a steam engine fitter until coming to Canada.  He spent time living in BC’s Cariboo region before settling in Vancouver.  John proudly cheered for the Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps, closely followed every European soccer team and quickly learned to love the Seattle Mariners baseball team.  A proud Portuguese Canadian, he wept openly during the playing of the national anthems.  His patriotism was deep and unwavering.  John was a loyal member of Hastings Foursquare Church in Vancouver and then Central Christian Assembly in Burnaby since 1988.  John never retired.  Following many years as a welder and machinist, he worked as the caretaker in their apartment building, custodian in the church, “indoctrinated” his sons-in-law and grandchildren to collect pop cans, and kept himself busy as usher and greeter at Central Church.

John will be remembered as a very friendly, helpful man who loved to socialize and share stories.  He loved music, sports, and dogs, but nothing meant more to him than his family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Canucks Autism Network (CanucksAutismNetwork.ThankYou4Caring.org) or call (604) 685-4049.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Central Christian Assembly, 5855 Imperial, Burnaby, BC at 2 PM, Friday, April 6.