Tribute

Manuel Henrique Silva, 80, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, after a short illness, with his best friend and wife of 56 years, Maria Silva, and his family at his side.

Born on August 4, 1945, in Terceira, Azores, Portugal, Manuel carried with him the strength and character of his island roots throughout his life. In July 1970, he immigrated to Canada to join Maria and build a better life for the young family they were starting together. Their 56 year marriage was grounded in loyalty, perseverance, and shared purpose.

Upon arriving in British Columbia, Manuel worked in the sawmills of Penticton and for a short time in Castlegar. He later devoted himself to working in local orchards while steadily building the family farm in Oliver, British Columbia. He was known for his legendary strength and his ability to work long hours without complaint. Hard work was not simply something he did. It defined him. He took fierce pride in never being outworked in the field.

Though strong in body, Manuel was soft spoken by nature. He was a gentle soul with a deep love for his farm animals, garden and orchard and a quiet kindness that shaped the way he moved through life. His massive hands, weathered from decades of labour, were just as quick to offer a firm handshake as they were to complete a hard day’s work. He was always ready with a joke and the familiar greeting, “Hey Macaroni,” a term of endearment he gave those he considered a friend or colleague, always carrying himself with humble dignity.

Manuel was proud of his education and remained a lifelong student of history and current affairs. He spoke with pride about his service in the Portuguese military and Post Office, a chapter that shaped his discipline and sense of duty. Above all, he was deeply proud of his children and the lives they built in his adopted country. Seeing his family thrive in Canada was one of his greatest accomplishments.

He especially cherished time with his family. Holidays were sacred to him, filled with laughter, tradition, and the generous meals and sweets he loved so much. Those gatherings reflected what mattered most to him: family, hard work, loyalty, and gratitude.

Manuel is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Silva; his son Richard Da Silva and wife Twylla; his daughter Diana Silva and husband Victor, and grandchildren Faith and David; and his son Adam Silva and his many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Manuel’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. For those who wish to honour his memory, he would have appreciated donations to a local food bank of their choice.

His strength built more than a farm. It built a foundation for generations. His work ethic, humility, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him.

Until we meet again, rest in peace, our gentle giant, father, Vavó, and husband.