JOÃO (JOHN) CARDOSO GONÇALVES LOURENÇO

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and friend, João (John) Cardoso Gonçalves Lourenço, just 3 days shy of his 82nd birthday. 

Born on the 12th of January, 1934, he was the 6th child of Manuel and Maria Emilia, both of whom have predeceased him along with his siblings Manuel, Maria, Joaquim (infant), Joaquim, Alcides, and Sarafina.

Growing up in the village of Altares in Terceira, he was by all accounts a mischievous young man, and never lost that twinkle in his eye. Never much for books and paper, he fondly recalled his days of working on the farm and his favourite pastime of bullfighting in the streets.  

Life was not easy for a farmer in the Açores in 1957 so Dad bravely left his beloved Terceira in search of a better life for himself, and especially for his future family.  He was pretty determined (some might say a little stubborn) and when he set out to do something, he did it right.  We are eternally grateful.

After setting down roots in Toronto, Dad returned to Terceira in 1962 to court and marry his beloved wife of 53 years, Bernardina deLourdes deMelo. They eventually moved to Burlington where Dad was employed with Canada/Hanson Brick for 39 1/2 years. They spent the rest of their married life here.  Maria (David), John, Agostinho (Tracy) and Paul (January) couldn't have asked for a more devoted and loving father and we will miss him forever.

Never forgetting his Portuguese heritage, Dad embraced the Canadian culture.  He became a hockey Dad and a soccer coach, and actively encouraged the pursuit of higher education.

He helped many a friend and relative to make Canada home, offering sponsorship, help and support.

His life was forever changed in 2002 when he suffered a debilitating stroke.  It was a tough break for someone who had been so active and busy all of his life.  We are grateful that he was able to be at home, constantly in the company of his family, until his final days. 

Undoubtedly his greatest joy was his grandchildren.  Avô will be forever cherished by his beloved Joshua, Lourdes, Elijah, Cristiano, Brayden, Tiago and Jacinta, whom he adored with all his heart.  

He is finally free of his wheelchair; free to walk and dance, tend to his garden and run from the bulls.  We know he will continue to watch over and guide us from Heaven.  As his spirit departed this Earth, he was already cheering on his grandchildren; all who played a sport that day scored a goal in his honour.


Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm. Vigil Prayers at 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Brant Street (at Blairholm) on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 11 am. Interment at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in memory of João to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation or a charity of choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.


Forever in our broken hearts, until we meet again