Obituary of Cipriano MACHADO

CIPRIANO ANTONIO MENDES MACHADO It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cipriano Antonio Mendes Machado on Thursday June 11, 2009 at the age of 76 years. Left to mourn his passing are his three sons Livy Thomas (Christina), Daniel (Karen), and Marcel. He will also be lovingly remembered by his only two grandchildren Matthew and Mikayla. He is survived by his brothers John (Felicidade) of Portugal and Agostinho (Alcina) of Brazil as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. Cipriano was predeceased by his wife Cacilda and his parents Jose and Antonia. Dad was born on December 9, 1932 in a small village in Northern Portugal. In May of 1957, with the proverbial five dollars in his pocket, he came to Canada in search of a better life and landed in Southern Ontario where he worked as a labourer on various fruit and vegetable farms. From there, his travels took him to Eastern Quebec where he worked in various open pit mines operating a rock drill. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Cacilda, and together they settled in Winnipeg where they raised their family. Dad attended night school where he earned his welding ticket, and for the next thirty plus years he excelled at his profession. Dad's work took him to many far away places from Labrador to the Beaufort Sea, however, he was particularly fond of working on pipeline projects where he never had to search for work - it found him. In his spare time, Dad enjoyed many hobbies and was a man of many talents from carpentry to gardening. He enjoyed building and tinkering with things, even building the very house from scratch in which he lived. We always said that with a flat head screwdriver and a hammer he could build you anything, and he never disappointed. Dad, if there was ever anyone to be stranded on an island with, you were certainly that person - hands down. After retirement, Dad enjoyed traveling back and forth to his residence in Portugal and spending time with his family. He was especially proud and took great pleasure in the accomplishments of his three sons and would often speak of them like any proud father would do. Believe me Dad, we could not have done it without you, as the mentor you were, and for providing unmatched guidance that you did. He also enjoyed looking after his garden and was always eager to share his prize tomatoes and cucumbers. Dad was especially proud of the latest addition to his yard - his apple tree and looked forward to the day when it would finally start to bear fruit. Dad would never pass up the opportunity to get the BBQ going. Having hand built his own BBQ, he became an exceptionally good chef and his grilled chicken was second to none. More recently, he enjoyed going to the coffee shop where he would savour a "bica" with friends while playing a game of cards, watching soccer, or just passing the time. And, he particularly cherished spending time with his grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. "Rest in Peace Dad, we will always love you and you shall never be forgotten" The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of 5E, St. Boniface General Hospital for their kindness and compassion as well as the medical staff of Sky Service Air Ambulance for all the assistance provided. Prayers will be held on Monday June 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin St. N. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday June 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. also at Immaculate Conception Church with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.