Juan Isabel Aguilar born on November 5, 1951, in San Salvador, El Salvador passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 23rd at Royal Columbian Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family having fought a long battle with leukemia. He was a strong
warrior who overcame many serious health conditions with the best attitude. Unfortunately, Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia could not be defeated.
Juan is survived by his loving wife Kiyoko Miyagawa, Juan Carlos Aguilar (son), Jenny Patricia Lopez (daughter), Christian David Aguilar (son), Fritz Manfred Rajo Aguilar (son), Erika Isabel Aguilar (daughter), many grandchildren and a great-grandchild whom he loved so much. Juan immigrated to Canada in 1985 as a refugee who fled political turmoil from his home country and sponsored his family in order to provide them with a better life. He worked in a plastics company for several years as a machine operator and later as an entrepreneur. Resulting from his bravery and perseverance to immigrate to Canada, his family grew to include over twenty grandchildren! Our family was the most important thing in his life.
Juan used to volunteer at the welcome house in English Bay helping out the new families arriving in Canada. Some of his life’s pleasures included dancing, reading books, watching his favourite soccer team Real Madrid, listening to a variety of music from Latino music to orchestra, and opera. He enjoyed the Andrea Bocelli concert in 2019 and cherished his music during the last few days of his life.
Juan was a man with a big heart, always trying to make our lives easier for us. He was kind, caring and loved to tell “Latino jokes” that would make people roll their eyes but also burst out laughing really hard. Even during challenging moments of his life, he always had a positive attitude and was very thankful towards his health care team, especially from the Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant Outpatient Daycare unit at VGH.
The viewing will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Kearney Funeral Services Columbia-Bowell Chapel at 219 6th St, New Westminster, British Columbia followed by a funeral service at 6:45 PM. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is a maximum of 60 guests allowed. Therefore, if you would like to attend please contact Kiyoko Miyagawa or Erika Aguilar.
The interment to follow at Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC) Grand Mausoleum at a later date.
“In another time, in a happier place, we’ll meet again.”