Tribute

On Friday, January 23, Mr. José Dos Santos Ladeira passed peacefully after a brave battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Carmina Gabriel; father, Antonio Joaquim Ladeira; brother, Floriano Ladeira and sister, Ermelinda Gabriel Ladeira.

José will be fondly remembered by his loving family including wife, Maria Ladeira; daughters, Fernanda Ladeira (Francisco Patricio) and Carla Ladeira (Michael Penalosa); grandchildren, Sofia & Dominic Penalosa, Gabriel Patricio as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

José was a skilled and entrepreneurial man who, while in Portugal, ran businesses including a bike and mechanic shop, an ornamental iron fabrication and blacksmith shop, and an antique art dealer business. After immigrating to Canada, he worked as an iron fabricator before becoming an orchardist and later building a successful business as a proud independent grower and distributor.

Family vacations to Portugal, BC hot springs, Hawaii, and Montreal were especially meaningful to him. He cherished hosting the family in Montreal, proudly showing where he lived when he first immigrated to Canada on his own and offering a glimpse into the life he built there. He also loved to travel to visit his children and grandchildren Vancouver.

José was a proud member of local Portuguese Clubs where he enjoyed friendships, competitions, and sports. He loved the outdoors, and could be found tending to his garden, fishing, or swimming in the lake. Even in his later years, José enjoyed staying active, making daily visits to the Penticton Rec Centre, where he loved the sauna, the pool, and socializing. He enjoyed many creative pursuits, including playing Portuguese guitar, singing, and creating unique inventions, often using his welding expertise. He looked forward to planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables each year, also making his own wine, all of which he generously shared with family, friends and neighbours.

Prayers will be recited at 10:30 am, Monday February 2, 2026 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am followed by interment and committal at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery. A reception hosted by the CWL will follow in the church’s lower hall.

 In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted for the Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada, dedicated to José Ladeira.

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