“PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SERVANTS”
(Psalm 116:15 NIV)
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Antonio Margil de Jesus Valdés Delgadillo (Dr. Antonio Valdés) on April 22, 2025, in his sleep, as he always wished it would be. It is commonly said in Spanish that he received “The death of the righteous”, reserved for those who earned it through love, kindness, fortitude and selfless generosity, the reward being an eternal and happy life.

Dr. Valdés was the second child and eldest son of eight children born to Francisco Valdés Solis and Maria Concepcion Delgadillo Sandoval. He was born on June 15, 1937 in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, in Mexico.

Dr. Valdés was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on earth was one marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Unfortunately, his life was defined by hardship from an early age. When he was just 13 years old, he was forced to mature and take the place of his father who was far away at work, as his sister ‘Finita’ died in his arms due to polio. Being the eldest son, Dr. Valdés was forced to act as the man of the house and make all the funeral arrangements. His sister’s death left a deep wound that influenced him greatly to become a doctor.

Dr. Valdés worked as an Anesthesiologist. He began this journey in 1963 in Mexico, where he met and married his wife, Jeannette Millan Aranda. He and his wife had 3 children: Margil Jr., David and Patricia. Dedication, commitment, sacrifice and most of all faith, characterized his life both as a father and as a doctor. As a father, he dedicated whatever free time he had away from work to be with his family. He gave the best of what he had to give in order to provide for his family. As a grandfather, he cherished each of his grandchildren, despite the time challenges of his vocation.

One particular event that will illustrate the character and fortitude of Dr. Valdés occurred in 1982, when his younger brother suddenly fell gravely ill at the same time that his mother was dying. Dr. Valdés chose to operate on his brother and save his life, at the cost of not being able to say goodbye to his own mother. When asked about it, he just said “my mother has lived a full life, but my brother has many years ahead of him. The decision was clear from the beginning”. It was with this same great compassion that he was able to operate on all family members that required it.

Later that same year, he emigrated with his family to Canada in search of a better future for his children and so continued his medical career, eventually settling in Goose Bay, Labrador. With a humble beginning, it was at Melville Hospital that he went on to save many more lives, earning a reputation for himself as a knowledgeable and caring doctor. When asked “how did you do it?” (working on call 24/7, 365 days of the year), he responded “I love what I do and God is my strength”. This continued until his retirement 23 years later in September 2011.

Dr. Valdés found much joy in music. He was an accomplished musician. He played both piano and guitar with other musicians on Sunday nights, as well as being the organist at the local church. Dr. Valdés’ passing has left an unfillable void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched or saved by him. He is predeceased by his sister ‘Finita’, his father Francisco Valdés, his mother Concepcion Delgadillo-Valdés, his older sister Angélica and his younger brother Francisco Jr. He is survived by his siblings Concepcion (the late Eduardo Parra), Pilar (Jorge Perez), Cristina (Miguel Sanchez) and Gustavo (Hermelinda Romero); children Margil Jr. (Yurizan Gonzalez), David (Kat Ward) and Patricia (Andrew Nasato); grandchildren Amanda, David Jr (Michelle), Kevin (Brooklyn), Daniel and Monika; great-granddaughter Scarlett.

Dr. Valdés will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him. Although his physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us all. His memory is a blessing. May we carry forth his legacy of love, compassion and service in everything that we do.

We ask that you remember him for the way he lived his life, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves us with a legacy of faith, integrity, nobility, love and selfless generosity.

We will always love you Dad. Until we meet again.