Jose Tavares

With heavy hearts, we announce that Jose Tavares passed away on April 16th, 2020, from complications due to a fall. He is survived by three brothers: Antonio, Moses (Adelaide) and Lee (Elaine); and his daughter, Goretty (George).

Dad was born in Sao Miguel, Azores, in 1925. The eldest of nine children, he moved to Venezuela in 1950 seeking work to help his family. Six years later, he immigrated to Canada where the majority of his brothers had settled. In 1962, Dad married Maria Estrela, his next-door neighbour growing up, and they built a life in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

In 2004, Mom and Dad left their home and much-loved garden in Thunder Bay and moved to a condo in Coquitlam to be closer to us. We were blessed to share seven years with them here until Mom passed away in 2011. In 2013, Dad joined us on a wonderful cruise to Alaska, and later road trips through the Rockies and to the Okanagan where we shared smiles, listened to his stories and made beautiful memories. In May 2019, Dad moved to Parkwood Manor and we were happy to see the smile back on his face, especially when his brothers were able to share his 94th birthday.

Dad’s faith was key to his life. He was a 47-year member of the Knights of Columbus and a proud parishioner at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Coquitlam, BC. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare of Assisi, 1320 Johnson Street, Coquitlam on Friday April 24, 2020 at 10:00am. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Door is Open, the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice in Dad’s memory.

The family would like to thank Dr. Clark and Sharon at Royal Columbian Hospital for their kindness and compassion to Dad during his last days with us. Thank you also to our family and friends, near and far, who have reached out to us during this difficult time.

You are missed, Dad, and will always be loved. Say hi to Mom.