Peacefully, on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Olga. Loving father of Plutarco Jr., Jennifer (Jose Rodriguez Guerrero), and Alejandra. Devoted Tata of Laithe Sielo and Z Sunshine, Michael and Aria Rodriguez, and Carmen Gonzalez, and treasured “Socio” to Mireya Gonzalez. Cherished, brother, brother-in-law, son, uncle, cousin, friend, and activist.

Plutarco “Chico” Pacheco was loved for his charisma, love for life, generosity, and above all his steadfast dedication to his family and to justice.

Born in the Sierras of Usquil, Peru in 1945, he left his cherished and beautiful home in search of a better life. His travels took him to Peru’s capital, Lima, where he attended university and began what would be a lifelong commitment to the labour movement, political and social activism through his involvement in organizing his workplace in Peru.

Shortly thereafter, Plutarco traveled through the United States, then to Montreal, Toronto, and eventually to Port Credit (Mississauga) where he established his family and community.

His work journey involved many odd jobs like dishwashing and cleaning offices, until finding permanent work, in the early 1970's as a Machine Operator at ArvinMeritor (then Gabriel), where he worked until his retirement, save for a short stint as a Union Representative in the early 2000’s, with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers: District Lodge 78.

His involvement in his union activism in Canada spanned over 50 years. He served as president of Local 1295, until the day his workplace closed its doors and he retired. His union colleagues and friends would tell you that he was a fierce and fearless advocate, who understood that the union was not only a tool for balancing power between the employer and its employees, but key to true workplace harmony. His political activism was strongly attached to his work with his union, and one would argue that he bled orange. He believed that we needed to keep governments accountable to the people, and that a redistribution of wealth was needed: a socialist through and through.

This activism truly came from his love for his community and people. Something that he has always carried with him. In 1973, he was a founding member of the Peruvian Canadian Association (APC). Plutarco served as president of the APC, a pillar for the Canadian- Peruvian community, where his service spanned over 3 decades.

Through this club, he helped create a community, helped Peruvians navigate the immigration process, provided newcomers with resources and connections to work, poured his passion for sports and especially soccer by establishing a soccer club. They also built a traditional Peruvian dance group, held fundraisers for families here and abroad, offered additional activities like karate, talent shows, and so on. He was known to open his own home to newly arrived families.

His passion for sports was well known as well. He was a staunch follower of all soccer leagues, but especially the Premier League, as a Manchester City fan, and of course his Peruvian teams, locally “Deportivo Trujillo” and “Alianza Lima”, and country’s team, La Federacion Peruana de Futbol.

He was a passionate Toronto sports Fan – supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Argos and Raptors. He was also a part of a bowling and baseball league over the 80’s and 90’s. Regardless of the sport, he wore all his colours proudly. He often watched his games at various sports bars in Port Credit, but his home was the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Credit. No matter where “Chico” went, he built community and the Legion was no exception.

He was a proud member of the Legion, made lifelong friendships and served briefly as a social coordinator. He introduced the weekly “Saturday Jam” night, spreading his own cheer through music. He also enjoyed playing darts there. The Legion became an integral part of his and his family’s life. The Port Credit Legion, have their flags at half-mast.

Above all, he loved his family very much – immediate and extended alike. He believed in bringing family together, in prioritizing family, in open and honest communication, and in showing up with support, regardless of the circumstance. He was a problem solver and issues management expert. He truly was a pillar of the Pacheco family.

As a grandfather, he was his grandkids’ best friend and biggest cheerleader, attending their activities, taking them wherever they wanted and needed to go and generally spoiling them rotten.

As a father he was a loving teacher, responsible and hardworking, who provided tirelessly for his family. He taught his children about perseverance, resilience, gratitude and social responsibility.

As a husband, he was caring and devoted to the love of his life.

Plutarco taught anyone who spent enough time with him about the value of life and to cherish each moment, even in grief. He loved music, dancing, and generally a good time.

His wishes were that he be cremated and that we celebrate his life, the way he lived his. He will be remembered as a lover of life, dedicated family man, and a leader in so many ways. Let us leave you with his favourite expression, “power to the people”.

May he rest in power.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter ‘Peel’ Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy. 10, N. of QEW), on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. Due to the limitations still in place surrounding COVID-19, those wishing to attend must be fully vaccinated and register in advance; to register please click on the link below. Proof of full vaccination, government photo ID, and masks are required upon arrival.

A private family service will be held. Details for his Celebration of Life will follow in the coming weeks.

If desired, memorial donations to Justicia for Migrant Workers or The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Center, would be appreciated by Chico's family.

Online condolences and donations may be made using this website.