John Milagres Francis Xavier D’Costa was born in Nakuru, Kenya. Reminiscing about his childhood, he often shared stories of his long hikes with friends, some spanning as far as 100 miles. They embarked on these adventures with little more than the camaraderie between friends and whatever supplies they could scrounge, absorbing the wisdom of the locals along the way and sleeping beneath the brilliance of the African night sky.
As a young boy, his own teachers did not hold him in high regard, telling his parents that he would not amount to much. However, he defied their expectations. He emigrated to Canada with his wife Maura and two young sons, Brian and David, leaving behind a comfortable life and almost all their possessions. With just $300 in hand he arrived in Toronto, determined to provide better opportunities for his family and lay a solid foundation for his sons’ success.They settled in Ajax, where John accepted a teaching position at St. Bernadette’s Catholic School. Shortly after, John and Maura welcomed their third son, Michael.
John diligently worked to advance his career and provide the environment for his children to flourish. Above all, he instilled in his sons the value of a strong work ethic and the significance of setting goals. Despite long days at work, he pursued higher education, attending classes at York University at night to earn both his Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequently a Master’s Degree. Eventually, he became a principal at St Joseph’s, Our Lady of the Bay, and St Francis De Sales, dedicated to re-shaping school life both inside and outside the classroom. His innovative educational programs, well-received by teachers and parents alike, left a meaningful impact on participating students. Outside the classroom, his passion for sports, cultivated from his days playing high-level field hockey and soccer through college, found expression in school life with the ever popular "Friday lunch hour soccer with Mr. D'Costa". His commitment to enriching student life earned him a well deserved impromptu, loud, and lengthy standing ovation at his last school assembly at St. Francis De Sales prior to his retirement. John unequivocally proved his old teachers completely wrong. He not only amounted to something, but he also touched the lives of countless children, as evidenced by former students stopping him on the street even 30 years into retirement, just to say hello.
John was also wonderfully creative. His artwork graces the walls of many family members homes and his personalized messages in handwritten calligraphy on cards, books and other keepsakes have become treasured mementos for all who have received them. He penned several short stories, some which were published in various newspapers.A truly gifted storyteller, his twists and turns would culminate in an unpredictable ending that would leave his readers delightfully surprised.His creativity extended to his passion for baking, with each family member receiving their own personalized cookie. The "David and Sarah cookie" was even featured in the Toronto Star!
While his interest in hiking, sports, writing and baking may have waned over time, it was replaced by his role as a grandfather. Papa found delight in the company of his grandchildren Emilie, Eric, Samuel, Jordan, and Jake. Whether it was building a volcano, playing soccer, or just listening to their stories, Papa always felt enriched by their presence which kept him young at heart and truly happy.
Whether you called him Mr. D'Costa, John, Joa, Dad, Dada, or Papa, he touched us all with his love, generosity, support, and genuine care. He will be greatly missed and always fondly remembered.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 11:00 am till time of Service in the Chapel at 1:00 pm at the Accettone Funeral Home, 384 Finley Avenue, Ajax.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society In Memory of John
Cremation
Messages of Condolence
Dear Maura, Brian, David, Michael and families,
Our deepest condolences and sympathies. I have many wonderful memories of John during t...
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Dear Maura, Brian, David, Michael and families,
Our deepest condolences and sympathies. I have many wonderful memories of John during the time we spent with your family when we were (much) younger. May he rest in peace, and his memory be a blessing. We will be holding you all in prayer.
Sharon, Rony & Lucas
Sharon Noronha Milton May 14, 2024
Sharon Noronha Milton May 14, 2024
John D'Costa was the first Principal in the first year of my teaching career at St. Francis de Sales C.S. in 1992. He was a very compassi...
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John D'Costa was the first Principal in the first year of my teaching career at St. Francis de Sales C.S. in 1992. He was a very compassionate, caring, and loving man. He was an inspiration to our staff and students. He will always be remembered as a wonderful mentor and educator. My deepest condolences to his family.
Christine Clayton Pickering May 13, 2024
Christine Clayton Pickering May 13, 2024
So very sorry to hear about John's passing! He was a dear friend and fellow Principal with the DRRCSB. I extend my deep and heartfelt symp...
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So very sorry to hear about John's passing! He was a dear friend and fellow Principal with the DRRCSB. I extend my deep and heartfelt sympathies to Maura, and Brian,David and Michael and their families. I was Blessed to get to know and value his friendship when I was Principal of St Jude Catholic School in north Ajax. We became very good friends and enjoyed pleasant get togethers for lunch. May you Rest in Peace dear Friend!!
Frank Corrigan Oshawa May 11, 2024
Frank Corrigan Oshawa May 11, 2024
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Sina Osunmakinwa York May 09, 2024
John was a humanist who truly cared about the students and school community that he worked with. Without question, he was a valued member ...
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John was a humanist who truly cared about the students and school community that he worked with. Without question, he was a valued member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. May John rest in peace!
Rick MacInnis North Bay May 09, 2024
Rick MacInnis North Bay May 09, 2024
Maura, Brian, David & Michael and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was my grade 7 teacher at St. Bernadettes. I also ...
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Maura, Brian, David & Michael and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was my grade 7 teacher at St. Bernadettes. I also saw your all often at St. B's church when I lived in Ajax. He was a very kind man and I know you will miss him terribly. My sincere condolences. You will all be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Lori Coffey (nee Worden) Frankford May 08, 2024
Lori Coffey (nee Worden) Frankford May 08, 2024
Dear Mrs.D'Costa and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. D'Costa. Mr. D'Costa was not my teacher, but you were. May his ...
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Dear Mrs.D'Costa and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. D'Costa. Mr. D'Costa was not my teacher, but you were. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may all the family find strength and solace from beautiful memories.
Sylvia Fernandes-DeMelo Kenya May 08, 2024
Sylvia Fernandes-DeMelo Kenya May 08, 2024
To Maura and family.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing but I am so fortunate to have begun my teaching career in the classroom rig...
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To Maura and family.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing but I am so fortunate to have begun my teaching career in the classroom right beside his Grade 7 class at St Bernadette's. So many memories of great teaching and fun times with great students and colleagues. John knew how to bring out great qualities in his students. Though our paths crossed a very long time ago, I have never forgotten teaching along side of a true inspiration. Maura and boys, your dad's gift to so many lives on. Please take comfort in that.
Cathy Nunno (Worden) Port Perry, Ontario May 08, 2024
Cathy Nunno (Worden) Port Perry, Ontario May 08, 2024
To Maura and family.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing but I am so fortunate to have my teaching career in the classroom right bes...
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To Maura and family.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing but I am so fortunate to have my teaching career in the classroom right beside his Grade 7 class at St Bernadette's. So many memories of great teaching and fun times with great students and colleagues. John knew how to bring out great qualities in his students. Though our paths crossed a very long time ago, I have never forgotten teaching along side of a true inspiration. Maura and boys, your dad's gift to so many lives on. Please take comfort in that.
Cathy Nunno (Worden) Port Perry, Ontario May 08, 2024
Cathy Nunno (Worden) Port Perry, Ontario May 08, 2024
I have such fond memories of Mr. John D'Costa as a teacher, vice principle and neighbour on our street. He taught me how to write calligra...
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I have such fond memories of Mr. John D'Costa as a teacher, vice principle and neighbour on our street. He taught me how to write calligraphy in our Grade 5 art class which I still use 45+ years later. I have had the priviledge watching him walk with his wife or solo around the lake each day. I was sad to hear of his passing but will reflect on the many past memories. Sending my deepest consoldences to all the family. Maura my mother still recalls how much fun she had with you at the Garden Club. She wanted me to pass on her condolences as well.
Yvette Nechvatal-Drew Ajax May 08, 2024
Yvette Nechvatal-Drew Ajax May 08, 2024
Dear Maura and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that John has passed away. I pray the memories of your time together bring you comfort.
Yolanda Fernandes Edmonton, Alberta May 07, 2024
Maura, Brian, David and Michael,
I am sorry to hear about John's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Bev Clute
Bev Clute Stratford May 07, 2024
Dear Maura & Family
With deepest sympathy to you & Family on the loss of John.
May he Rest In Peace.
In sorrow
Trina Rodrigues
Ex Na...
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Dear Maura & Family
With deepest sympathy to you & Family on the loss of John.
May he Rest In Peace.
In sorrow
Trina Rodrigues
Ex Nakuru.
Trina Rodrigues London UK ex Nakuru Kenya May 07, 2024
Trina Rodrigues London UK ex Nakuru Kenya May 07, 2024
Please accept our heartfelt condolences
Dar London May 07, 2024
Our condoelances to your family. We're going to miss his company. Pat, Marcel, Yves ,Daniel and all your friends from Desjardinsville.
Pat, Marcel, yves, Daniel and family Desjardinville Qu May 07, 2024
Dear Maura Brian David and Michael. Very sorry to hear of the passing of John. My condolences to you all. I remember when we came over to ...
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Dear Maura Brian David and Michael. Very sorry to hear of the passing of John. My condolences to you all. I remember when we came over to Canada with Nana how well he looked after us. Love Paul x
Paul Dcosta England UK May 07, 2024
Paul Dcosta England UK May 07, 2024
Dear Maura and Family, Anthony D’ Costa
Please accept our deepest condolences on the sudden death of John
May God give you the strength ...
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Dear Maura and Family, Anthony D’ Costa
Please accept our deepest condolences on the sudden death of John
May God give you the strength to bear the sudden loss
May John soul rest in eternal peace Amen
Loy and Agnela Rebello Mitcham England May 07, 2024
Loy and Agnela Rebello Mitcham England May 07, 2024
Dear Mike and Nikou joon,
We are very sorry for your loss. Please also extend our heartfelt condolences to your entire family. May his ...
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Dear Mike and Nikou joon,
We are very sorry for your loss. Please also extend our heartfelt condolences to your entire family. May his soul rest in peace.
Saman & Babak Toronto May 07, 2024
Saman & Babak Toronto May 07, 2024
Dear Maura and Family.
Very sad to learn of your husband - John's passing away.
May his soul R.I.P.
Rosita Cardozo Mississauga May 07, 2024
Dear Mike and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you always find comfort with each other and cherish the beautiful memories of...
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Dear Mike and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you always find comfort with each other and cherish the beautiful memories of your dad. What an incredible life story! Sending you love and strength during this difficult time.
Sue and Jeremy Toronto May 07, 2024
Sue and Jeremy Toronto May 07, 2024
Deepest condolences to Maura, the family and Anthony on the sad loss of John. Thinking of you all during this difficult times, may John’s ...
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Deepest condolences to Maura, the family and Anthony on the sad loss of John. Thinking of you all during this difficult times, may John’s Soul Rest in Peace.
Salvis Rodrigues Leicester, UK ex Nakuru, Kenya May 07, 2024
Salvis Rodrigues Leicester, UK ex Nakuru, Kenya May 07, 2024
Dear Maura and family, We are saddened to hear that you have lost your beloved John. Our sincere condolences. Our Prayers and thoughts a...
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Dear Maura and family, We are saddened to hear that you have lost your beloved John. Our sincere condolences. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult and sad time. May God give you the courage and strength to bear your huge loss.
Leocadia & Joseph Barreto UK May 07, 2024
Leocadia & Joseph Barreto UK May 07, 2024
Dear Mrs D'Costa and family of Mr John D'Costa. I am very saddened to learn of the demise of my very respected Sir,Mwalimu. He was my Engl...
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Dear Mrs D'Costa and family of Mr John D'Costa. I am very saddened to learn of the demise of my very respected Sir,Mwalimu. He was my English teacher in Lake Primary School in Nakuru, Kenya and I am truly proud to have been tutored by him in English elocution and encouraged me to enter into Nakuru Primary Schools poetry rendering competition. I was the only Indian student to have entered in an all white student entries. John Sir's tutoring and faith in me, I am proud to say I won the competition.
He was such a patient teacher with compassion that endeared him to all his students.
I pray to my Bhagwan Shree Ram to grant him eternal peace at His Lotus Feet, and may give you and the family strength to bear this huge loss.
His teaching has always etched endearingly in my heart and has enabled me to succeed in my career in the UK.
Hasmukh Veljibhai Shah
Lake Primary School
1956-1962
Hasmukh Velji Shah St Albans, UK May 06, 2024
Hasmukh Velji Shah St Albans, UK May 06, 2024
Our deepest condolences to dear Mrs. D’Costa, Mike, Nikou and the rest of the family. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr.D’Costa a few tim...
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Our deepest condolences to dear Mrs. D’Costa, Mike, Nikou and the rest of the family. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr.D’Costa a few times and were touched by his kindness , warmth and compassion. We will always remember his beautiful dance with Mrs.D’Costa …May his family have the strength to go through this difficult time and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
Ameneh & Homayoun Toronto May 06, 2024
Ameneh & Homayoun Toronto May 06, 2024
Dear Maura, Brian, David and Michael, please accept our condolences. I have fond memories of his humour, his baking (muffins especially) ...
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Dear Maura, Brian, David and Michael, please accept our condolences. I have fond memories of his humour, his baking (muffins especially) and those work ethic videos that were passed on to us through our dad. I learned that he was quite the dancer when I saw him and Maura dance at Mike’s wedding. May your r memories hold your hearts up in this sad time.
Love
Charmaine
Charmaine Miranda & family Vancouver BC May 06, 2024
Charmaine Miranda & family Vancouver BC May 06, 2024
Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Maura, loving wife, and John’s sons Brian, David and Michael and their families. John w...
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Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Maura, loving wife, and John’s sons Brian, David and Michael and their families. John was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed.
“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.”
Paul and Maria de Sousa Whitby May 06, 2024
Paul and Maria de Sousa Whitby May 06, 2024
Dearest Maura, Brian, David, Michael and families,
Joyce phoned to give us the news and we were deeply shocked and saddened! Please accep...
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Dearest Maura, Brian, David, Michael and families,
Joyce phoned to give us the news and we were deeply shocked and saddened! Please accept our deepest condolences. We know how much you all will miss him, particularly Mum. You are in our prayers and we know you three sons will do everything to keep Mum as comfortable as possible.
Our deepest sympathies.
Love prayers and hugs,
Edna Al Carlton Lynnette and families.
Al and Edna Mathias Mississauga May 06, 2024
Al and Edna Mathias Mississauga May 06, 2024
Dear Brian,
Sharon and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you, your brother, your Mom, other family members and friends o...
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Dear Brian,
Sharon and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you, your brother, your Mom, other family members and friends of your Dad.
While I never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad in person, just reading his obituary, it is easy to see how much he was loved and appreciated for his work ethic, dedication to teaching and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you move forward, knowing that the good times and memories your Dad helped create for you and other family members, will always be close at hand to ensure he will never be forgotten!
John Blaicher
May 6, 2024
John Blaicher Midland, Ontario May 06, 2024
John Blaicher Midland, Ontario May 06, 2024
Dearest Maura, Brian, David, Michael and all the family,
Our deepest condolences on John’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are...
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Dearest Maura, Brian, David, Michael and all the family,
Our deepest condolences on John’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult and painful time. May John rest in eternal peace.
Cicely & Jonas Noronha Etobicoke May 06, 2024
Cicely & Jonas Noronha Etobicoke May 06, 2024
Dear Maura and Family and Anthony DaCosta and Family:
Mark and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all. May John's soul rest in pea...
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Dear Maura and Family and Anthony DaCosta and Family:
Mark and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all. May John's soul rest in peace. Grew up in Nakuru with the DaCosta Family, although did not know John well. Maura, my teacher at Menengai High School, and Anthony my special classmate, my memories, thoughts and prayers are specially with you. May God help you through this difficult time.
Hilda Vitor Markham May 06, 2024
Hilda Vitor Markham May 06, 2024
Heartfelt condolences for the passing of Uncle John. What a great life he led. Cherish all the good memories. Love from the West Coast fam...
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Heartfelt condolences for the passing of Uncle John. What a great life he led. Cherish all the good memories. Love from the West Coast family. Trevor, Cheryl, Nyah, Sophie and Kyan
Trevor Miranda Cobble Hill BC May 06, 2024
Trevor Miranda Cobble Hill BC May 06, 2024
Dear Maura and family, I was very saddened to learn of John's passing. John was a good long time neighbour - who would stop his car to com...
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Dear Maura and family, I was very saddened to learn of John's passing. John was a good long time neighbour - who would stop his car to come and see if he could help me if he saw me moving items. Sincere condolences - I am thinking of you Maura and the family - June Mark and Jo-anne Hillion
June Hillion Brampton May 06, 2024
June Hillion Brampton May 06, 2024
It was a real pleasure meeting John.
For our daughter’s wedding 24 years ago John gave us a poem which I read and everybody commented on ...
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It was a real pleasure meeting John.
For our daughter’s wedding 24 years ago John gave us a poem which I read and everybody commented on it being a very appropriate poem for the occasion
We pray that John’s soul will rest in peace
Ancet and Gerry
Ancet and Gerry Dourado Ottawa May 06, 2024
Ancet and Gerry Dourado Ottawa May 06, 2024
Our heartfelt to the D’Costa family.
Truly saddened to hear of dear John’s passing. May the Lord keep him in Eternal Light & Peace.
...
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Our heartfelt to the D’Costa family.
Truly saddened to hear of dear John’s passing. May the Lord keep him in Eternal Light & Peace.
We were friends and neighbours for 40 years.
Not enough words to capture the goodness of John: a truly kind, generous and caring man. Whenever I walked by:he asked for my entire family. Forever in our heart with love & fondness.
Nathani family.
Indra & Chander Nathani 109 Bolland Cres. May 06, 2024
Indra & Chander Nathani 109 Bolland Cres. May 06, 2024
My family & l send our deepest condolences to your family.Put your arms around him Lord & love him just for us.
Pat Wedge Lakeridge Gardens Ajax room 630. May 06, 2024
My family will miss Mr D'Costa. He was such a friendly neighbor and we will miss him dearly. He greeted me most mornings when i was lea...
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My family will miss Mr D'Costa. He was such a friendly neighbor and we will miss him dearly. He greeted me most mornings when i was leaving early for work. We will make sure your wife is watched closely while she remains our neighbor.
Eric, Barb, Brooke, Brandon, Bryce and Aria. xoxoxo
The Carter's ajax May 06, 2024
The Carter's ajax May 06, 2024
To my longtime friend, I will miss our frequent telephone conversations and our wonderful visits together with Maura. I’ve known John for...
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To my longtime friend, I will miss our frequent telephone conversations and our wonderful visits together with Maura. I’ve known John for 60 years and we have enjoyed many wonderful cherished memories of laughter, and good times at the cottage! Heartfelt condolences to Maura the boys. You’ll be dearly missed.
Norbert DESOUZA & Marah Mississauga May 06, 2024
Norbert DESOUZA & Marah Mississauga May 06, 2024
Will miss you .May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and may his soul rest in peace.
Look after yourself Maura.
Our deepest sympathie...
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Will miss you .May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and may his soul rest in peace.
Look after yourself Maura.
Our deepest sympathies.
Oscar & Melba
Oscar London May 06, 2024
Oscar London May 06, 2024
Dear Maura & Family
Very sad to hear of John’s passing away . May his soul Rest In Peace & May the good Lord give you all strength to b...
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Dear Maura & Family
Very sad to hear of John’s passing away . May his soul Rest In Peace & May the good Lord give you all strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. I am Oscar Fernandes’s (London England) sister living in Mississauga . I remember John& Maura very well as they did Teachers training together. Hope Maura is keeping well. We met once long Ago for a Function In GOA or a Feast.’
Our deepest sympathies to Maura & Family.
Vivienne Fonseca Mississauga May 06, 2024
Vivienne Fonseca Mississauga May 06, 2024
We are sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Thinking of you Mike and all the family. May memories be a comfort at this time and in the fut...
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We are sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Thinking of you Mike and all the family. May memories be a comfort at this time and in the future.
Loraine and Derek Lee Ajax May 06, 2024
Loraine and Derek Lee Ajax May 06, 2024
Very saddened to hear of John's passing. I met John when he was a member of St Andrew's Community Garden, where I very much enjoyed having...
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Very saddened to hear of John's passing. I met John when he was a member of St Andrew's Community Garden, where I very much enjoyed having him as one of my neighbors. John was a gracious garden neighbor, who would often contribute home-baked muffins to our community events. My deepest condolences to John's family at this time, he will truly be missed.
Melissa Beynon Ajax, Ontario May 05, 2024
Melissa Beynon Ajax, Ontario May 05, 2024
Our sincere condolences, Mrs DaCosta, Mike, Nikou and the rest of the family. May Mr. DaCosta’s perseverance and love of art live long in ...
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Our sincere condolences, Mrs DaCosta, Mike, Nikou and the rest of the family. May Mr. DaCosta’s perseverance and love of art live long in your own lives and drive your own journeys while keeping his memory alive.
Ladan and Phil Ottawa May 05, 2024
Ladan and Phil Ottawa May 05, 2024
Dear Brian,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your father's passing. In this difficult time, I want to extend my deepest condolences to...
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Dear Brian,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your father's passing. In this difficult time, I want to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him personally, the stories you shared revealed a man of remarkable character and generosity. As a teacher, he touched the lives of countless individuals, imparting wisdom and inspiration not only through his words but also through his actions.
Your father's journey as an immigrant who made Canada his home speaks volumes of his courage and determination. Despite the struggles he faced in a new country, he built a life that exemplified resilience and hope, serving as a beacon of inspiration for many new immigrants, including myself. His generous spirit and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
You have been an incredible mentor to me, deeply influencing my life and career by instilling values that mirror those your father cherished. It’s clear that his legacy lives on through the wisdom and kindness you continue to share with others. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
With all my sympathy and respect,
Regards
Raja Uppuluri
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