Tribute

John Ferreira Nunes (João) journeyed to his eternal life on February 8, 2022 in Abbotsford BC at the age of 95 with family by his side.

He was born in Terra do Pão, Pico, Acores as the third child of Maria da Silva and Manuel F. Nunes.  He was predeceased by his wife Eduina, his parents, and siblings Maria, Manuel, Antonio and Ema.  His surviving sister Rosa still resides in Terra do Pão.  His youngest daughter Laura passed away in 2019.

His surviving children are Margarida (Rick), Edwina (Brian), John (Linda), and Ann.  Grandchildren are Ian, Brad (Tamara), Stephen, Dale (Chelsea), Ray (Sabrina), Eric, Jillian, Lisa (Dayton), Adam (Bailey), Carrie (Brennan), Evan, Kaitlyn (George), and Emily.  He was blessed with great-grandchildren Ben, Lucas, Oliver, Winnie, Wyatt, Amelia, Kensie, Wyatt, Whitney, Everly, Cade, Kiptyn and Junie.  His many nieces and nephews would often phone him to enjoy his wit.

John and Eduina Melo were married on December 30, 1950 and immigrated to Canada in 1959 with their first two daughters Margarida and Edwina.  They started out on dairy farms in Ontario, spent a year in California, and moved to Oliver BC in 1962 where John worked as groundskeeper for the Cherry Grove Golf Course until his retirement in 1987.

While in Oliver he raised pigeons, budgies and cockatiels and had a large vegetable garden.  Saturday nights found him with his supper on a TV tray so as not to miss any moments of Hockey Night in Canada.  Contrary to prevailing fashion he cheered for the Montreal Canadiens.  He and Eduina would spend a few months each year on their beloved Pico after his retirement.  As a member of Christ the King parish he was very active in the Knights of Columbus.

In 1988 John and Eduina moved to Abbotsford to be closer to their daughters.  He continued to be very active in the Knights and volunteered for many events at his new Aldergrove parish.  His Catholic faith was very important to him.

Although John had only five years of formal education he published a book of poems entitled “O Emigrante e a Saudade” (The Emigrant and the Longing) in 2004 travelling to Terra do Pão for a formal book launch attended by other authors.  His nephew George Melo adapted the poem “O Pobre e o Rico” into a song for his CD “Sopa de Feijão.”

John’s children remember a pretty strict parent but also one who sang and danced with young babies so Eduina could make supper.  He would get down on the lino floor and play a game of Tiddlywinks obtained from the cereal box.  There were also happy Sunday afternoons canoeing and swimming at the lake.

Descança com Deus, Pai.

Funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Joachim and Ann Catholic Church in Aldergrove.  Prayers will take place on Friday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Graveside committal will be held at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery at 1:30 pm, Saturday February 26th.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com