Manuel was born in the small town of Nordeste on the island of Sao Miguel, Portugal. He immigrated to Vancouver in 1966 to join his wife, Hilda, with only 20 dollars in his pocket and a dream of a better life. Years of hard work for the City of Vancouver, and working in construction and landscaping, allowed him to provide a good life for his family. Manuel and Hilda raised two devoted daughters and have five grandchildren, who have always been a great source of pride and joy. Manuel’s happy place was his garden, growing kale, grapes, and figs that he loved to share with family and friends. In retirement, he enjoyed camping, spending many summer nights with his wife by the campfire at Porteau Cove. Manuel was a strong, patient, and virtuous man. He treated everyone with respect and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to others.
Manuel passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving family on May 21, 2022. Manuel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Hilda, his sister Lourdes in Portugal, his eldest daughter Alysse, her husband Sean, and their three sons Noah, Caleb, and Lucas, and his younger daughter Susana, her husband Nelson, and their two children, Monica and Mateo.
Catholic service will be held on June 1, 2022, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese Parish.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Burnaby General Hospital.