December 11, 1939 - October 17, 2022
In loving memory ~
Ernesto Vasconcelos Macedo died peacefully in Chilliwack, B.C. on Oct. 17, 2022 at the age of 82.
His family and friends are mourning his death, but they are also celebrating the many ways in which he brightened their lives.
Ernesto possessed an indefatigable work ethic, a sharp mind, a commitment to his family, and a dedication to his faith as a member of St. Rita's Catholic Church for the 47 years that he lived in Castlegar. He made people laugh with his sense of humour and quick wit.
Ernesto was born on Dec. 11, 1939 in Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal, to Virginio da Costa Macedo and Angelina de Amaral Vasconcelos. He married the love of his life, Connie, in December, 1963. The couple then started a family, with Connie giving birth to their two daughters, Ana and Helena, over the following few years in Sao Miguel.
Ernesto and his family emigrated to Canada in 1973. They settled in Castlegar, B.C. and Ernesto began working at the local sawmill, now owned by Interfor. In 1978, Connie gave birth to their son, Richard.
Ernesto was a master green thumb. He maintained an immaculate garden, which annually produced a variety of vegetables. He also tended to a mini-orchard, which included an assortment of apples, peaches, pears, and grapes, the latter of which he used to produce wine.
Following his retirement from the sawmill in 2001, he continued to live in Castlegar until 2020. In October, 2020, he and Connie moved to Chilliwack to be closer to Ana.
Ernesto was a two-time lung cancer survivor, after diagnoses in 2010 and 2014. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021, and he handled this terminal illness with great strength, courage, faith, and spirit, which were his indelible traits.
Left to mourn his death, but also celebrate his memory, are his children, Ana (Peter) of Chilliwack, Helena of Kelowna, and Richard (Andrea) of Calgary; grandchildren Megan (Joel), Sydney, Allie (Jordan), and Sara; and many other family and friends in Canada, the United States, and the Azores.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Rita's Parish (Castlegar), Cascade Hospice (Chilliwack) or the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic (Calgary).