In Celebration of

Rafael Luis

December 2, 1935 -  January 26, 2025

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rafael who died peacefully on the evening of January 26, 2025 at the age of 89. Rafael was a devoted and loving husband to Maria. Father to Helen, John (Valerie). Grandfather to Cassandra (Josh) Macedo, Michele (Marco) Crimi, Erika (Alex), Spencer (Miranda), Nicholas (Marina) and Morgan. Great-grandfather to Lorenzo and Leonardo.

Rafael was born on December 2, 1935 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He immigrated to Canada in 1966 to join his sister in dreams of building a brighter future. He retired at the age of 65 after working 30 + years as a porter at the Toronto Western Hospital. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Toronto Western, Toronto General and Toronto Rehab for their excellent care.

Although he is no longer with us, Rafael will remain in the hearts of all who loved him and his memory will remain eternal.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Yorke" Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto (east of the Jane Subway at Windermere) on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, 1041 Bloor St. West, Toronto on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. Entombment to follow at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto.

Guestbook 

(5 of 5)

George Nobrega (Cousin)

Entered January 29, 2025 from Rochester, NY USA

I will always remember you. You will be missed. Prayers to Maria Zinha & family.

Julia (Nurse)

Entered January 30, 2025 from TWH

Rafael was a bright soul during the time he was with us. As much as I tried to help him, he helped me also. He was always my reminder that I needed to slow down and take my time. And on many days, brought me a sense of calm. He also reminded me.. often... that I talk too much haha and I appreciated him for it. He was such a gentle soul and will be missed.
My condolences to his entire family.

Roger Cunha (former co-worker and friend)

Entered February 3, 2025 from Toronto Western hospital

my condolences to Rafael's family on his passing
was saddened to hear that he has passed away,
i worked with Rafael for over 12 years in the kitchen with him until his retirement and got to see him every now and then when he would visit or had an appointment after he retired. I got to talk to him again a few months ago again when he was here at Toronto Western and although he didn't remember me he still remembered working at the hospital and still had the same work attitude with him. I'm sure he would of still loved to get out of the chair and help me at work if i had let him. always a great conversation with him
he was a hard worker, a great jokester, and always spoke proudly of his family
may he rest in peace
Roger Cunha

Alia (Nurse)

Entered February 5, 2025 from Toronto Western Hospital

Rafael was such a sweet soul. I had the pleasure of taking care of him along with our team at TWH. He was so passionate about his previous work at the hospital and would tell me all kinds of amazing stories. He brightened my days and made me laugh every time I was with him. He taught me many lessons and I learned how to enjoy the little things in life.
He will forever be remembered and my condolences go out to his family. May his memories forever last.
Rest in peace
Alia Ferreira

Alia (Nurse)

Entered February 5, 2025 from Toronto Western Hospital

Rafael was such a sweet soul. I had the great pleasure of taking care of him along with our team at TWH. He was always very passionate about his previous time working at the western and told me many amazing stories. He was so kind hearted and always found a way to make me laugh even on the hard days. He inspired and taught me to enjoy the little things and life. He will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to his family
May his memories last forever
Rest in peace
Alia Ferreira

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