In Celebration of

Jose Gonzalo Arraya

December 29, 1943 -  March 12, 2021


It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Jose Gonzalo Arraya. He was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer and passed away peacefully 2 weeks later. Although too sudden we are thankful that he was not in pain, nor did he suffer. He now rests in peace with his beloved wife of over 55 years, Ninfa Norah Arraya who we had to say good bye to less than 4 months ago. He was a loving father to Natalie Stacey (Bertram) and Ethan Arraya, as well as grandpa to Lauren and Allison Stacey.

Born in LaPaz, Bolivia his ambitions would take him to Los Angeles, California in the 1960’s. Our mom who was just a girl back then found a way to join him and they married on October 2, 1965. They spent the next 55 years on an adventure filled with all of life’s great moments.

After graduating from College, Jose and Ninfa travelled and decided to make Canada their home. Jose completed his Electrical Engineering and established his career with Ontario Hydro. He was one of those lucky people who loved their work. He didn’t miss a day, not even during the evacuation in 1979 during the Mississauga train derailment. He was the ultimate handyman and was happy to work on his projects on his own without bothering anyone for help. Jose and Ninfa also made their own extended family in the Latin community. They enjoyed over 30 years as active members of the Cervantes Lions Club and various Bolivian Clubs. They loved music & dancing, their friends and family and their home.

They made sure every family vacation was a great one, so many wonderful memories. I attribute my love of the outdoors and camping in particular to my parents. They wanted us to enjoy life and everything that it has to offer, as they had. His Grandkids were the icing on the cake and we had time for one more family road trip to Florida with Grandma and Grandpa in 2010.

We always wish for more of the good stuff, more time with loved ones, more fond memories. Dad and Mom, we will miss you both dearly, we will keep your memories alive in our hearts and actions.

As Covid will not allow us to celebrate our parents lives as we would like to, we will postpone our celebration for a time when we can all be together.

Thank you all for your heartfelt condolences.

Guestbook 

(5 of 12)


Esther Ortiz & family (Family friend)

Entered March 18, 2021 from Mississauga

A life is a continuos thread it weaves itself thru love and memory and remains a part of everyone it has touched.
Pepe touched our lives in a very special way we will remember him and the godo times we had with him and Norrah over many many years. We loved them both deeply and we will miss them dearly.

María-Eugenia Arraya (Sister)

Entered March 18, 2021 from Huntington Beach, California

Dear brother Pepinito, you will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Rest In Peace and enjoy your loved wife, our parents and brother Nanito, family and friends who are up there in heaven.

Family Uwaifo (Friend)

Entered March 18, 2021 from Mississauga

We were so honoured that our family as well my mum from Austria meet your dad and mum.
Our deepest condolences from Family Uwaifo and Fink

Michelle, Blair & Family (In-laws)

Entered March 18, 2021 from Ottawa

Natalie, Bert, Lauren, Allie & Ethan,
So sorry to hear that Joe has passed and for your loss. Be happy he did not suffer long and that he rushed into the arms of Nora. Joe and Nora will watch over and guide you all into the future. We will miss the Birthday and Christmas celebrations and the card games with sultanas. Hopefully, we will see you soon when all have had vaccinations for Covid-19. Love to all. xoxo

MARIA CRISTINA BALBOA (Lions Club)

Entered March 18, 2021 from Toronto

I have known Jose and Norah for the last 30 years, we were members of the Cervantes Lions Club.
They both have greatly contributed to the Spanish Community . They will be missed.

Photos 

(5 of 55)