It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Manuel “Manny” Valente. Manny passed away on January 18, 2022, at the age of 91. He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Marilyn Villanueva Valente, and his children Sarah (Bernie), Sheila, and Alan (Juliana), and granddaughter Karla. He is survived by his sister Josefina, brother Alberto, and many nieces and nephews. Manny was predeceased by his parents Florencio Valente and Maria Loreto Cortez, sister Carmelita and sister-in-law Melanie.
Manny was born on February 11, 1930 in Cavinti, Laguna , Philippines. Throughout his lifetime, he remained connected to his hometown through close relationships with family and childhood friends. After finishing his medical degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he furthered his training in Chicago, IL. He immigrated to Canada where he practiced in Ottawa,ON, Victoria, BC and Vancouver, BC. He met Marilyn on a visit home to the Philippines and in 1969 they were married in Victoria, BC. From there they travelled to make Saskatchewan their home. Manny finished his specialty in anaesthesia in Saskatoon and practiced as an Anesthesiologist in Moose Jaw and Regina for 35+ years.
Manny enjoyed good food, ballroom dancing and going for evening walks. He also enjoyed watching football, tennis and his favourite baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. He loved to travel, especially driving on long road trips with the family across North America with a cup of coffee in hand. Manny enjoyed his retirement years in Regina where he shared the good company of friends. He spent his time between Regina and Surrey BC, where he settled 2 years ago, to appreciate the year-round beauty of walking along the ocean and White Rock pier. Manny had 2 great passions in his life: his devotion to his family and his daily devotion to prayer and attending mass and adoration.
We find comfort in knowing that he is resting with Mother Mary and with loved ones who have passed before him. We will remember his kindness and gentle nature and be forever grateful for the beautiful life he gave us. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. A private funeral service will be held in Surrey BC on February 10, 2022, with a burial to follow. A celebration of Manny’s life will be held at a later date.