Manuel Rodrigues

Obituary of Manuel Pinto Rodrigues

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Manuel Pinto Rodrigues, age 82, at University Hospital in London, Ontario on January 9, 2025. Husband of Maria Carma Rodrigues, of 54 years. Father to Delfim, Sonia (Shawn) and Jorge(Tracy). Beloved grandfather to Damian, Loren (Micah), Vincent, Joshua, Adrianna and Anthony. Manuel was born in Sao Pedro de Arcos, Ponte de Lima, Portugal on April 9, 1942 to Antonio Manuel Rodrigues and Maria da Dores Castro Pinto. He had profound love and pride for his homeland, Portugal and enjoyed visiting regularly over the years, until the start of his illness in 2015. Manuel began working at a very young age, in Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal, which cultivated his hard work ethic. In his twenties, he served 3 years of his Portuguese Military conscription in Angola, Africa. He shared only fond memories of camaraderie with his fellow soldiers, as well as his joy he had spending down time with his pet monkey. He never shared traumatic experiences, only choosing to focus on the positive interactions and friendships he had made. Manuel made his way to Canada through Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1968. He came here searching for new opportunities. Carma soon followed in 1970 where they started their family in London, Ontario. Throughout his 56 years in Canada, he lived and worked in Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario. In 1988, deciding on returning to London, Ontario and making this his permanent home. Manuel spent most of his career as a bricklayer. He believed in working hard and took deep pride in what he had constructed throughout the years. Manuel found the most fulfillment with his family. Especially in his grandchildren. Also known as "Papa", he was often found spending time playing with the grandchildren. He loved taking them to the park, pushing them on the swings, or whatever activity the children were interested in. We are thankful for all our fond memories. We are grateful for the laughter, the kindness, and the love he shared with each and everyone one of us. Even with his worsening dementia, he still had the ability to start his own "papa language" that we all got to know and love. A private graveside service was performed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, with immediate family on January 13, 2025. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.mpcemetery.ca. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die Mary Elizabeth Frye
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