It is with heavy hearts that we share with our beautiful community of friends and family that our dad, Jaime Ponce Barros at the milestone age of 91, has peacefully left us on December 16 at 10:50 am. He is now in the arms of God surrounded by his parents, brother and sisters.

He was born in Manila, Philippines in October 15, 1930 to Jaime Vitan Barros and Luisa Ponce Barros. Dad was one of two brothers and eight sisters: Ernie, Leticia, Julieta, Jaime, Cynthia, Amelia, Rebecca, Ameurfina, Bienvenida, and Elizabeth.

As a young boy of 13, he was captured by the Japanese during the Second World War and survived.

He graduated at MAPUA Technology in Manila, Philippines with a degree in Architecture.

On January 2, 1960, he married our mom, Rosario Sebastian Alvarez, daughter of Jose P. Alvarez and Maxima Sebastian Alvarez.

He had the courage to leave behind life in the Philippines to move us to Hartford Connecticut USA and then to Toronto Ontario Canada.

Dad had an amazing career in architecture and engineering, retiring from the Toronto Transit Commission where he designed and engineered some of the subway lines and stations. He also liked to create projects around the house - my Auntie Amy always said that “If you gave him a saw, a hammer and some nails, he could build you a house”.

Dad loved his family and adored his beautiful grandchildren: Nicole, Kate, Connor and Lauren. He was always supportive of my sister Ana Marie Balcombe, (me) Rose Marie Fitzgerald and my husband Simon Gavin Fitzgerald and right there when you needed him.

Devoted husband of 62 years, he loved mom more than anything in the world. In one of our lasts visits, he said “I miss mommy”

He was quiet but you knew he was listening; stoic and resilient and always looking to make you laugh and smile or at least tell you “it’s ok”. In his final days, he told mom he misses her and will make her coffee in the morning.

We are so proud to call you Dad, Grandpa Jim, Lolo, Uncle Jim, Jimmy and will miss you every day. ❤️ you Dad.

Visitation on December 28, 2021 from 10 - 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish, 921 Flagship Dr, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2J6, with the Mass immediately following visitation.

If desired, donations to the CNIB Foundation (for the blind) and Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.

To register your attendance please click the "register" button below.

For those who wish to watch the Mass via livestream please click the livestream button below.