Obituary
Armando de Sousa GRACA passed away suddenly following a lengthy battle with intestinal illness, on Sunday February 6th, 2022 in Penticton B.C. Canada. It is with great sadness that we share this news, but not where we would like to direct our focus. It is him and his amazing life that we’d like to shine a light on.
Armando de Sousa Graca came into this world a leap year baby on February 29th, 1944 in Espargal, Portugal, making him just about 19 years old at his passing. He was the youngest child of three to Francisco dos Ramos Graca and Maria de Sousa Rodrigues. It was in this small village where he would meet his wife, Olivia, and so began a love story of 58 years. After marrying in Portugal, Armando and Olivia would welcome a daughter, Hirondina “Dina” before making the move to Canada in 1969. After arriving in Penticton, they completed their family with the addition of their beloved son, Michael John Graca.
Armando would go onto work for the CN Railway, then onto Marina Homes, before settling in Oliver B.C. at General Coach R.V. for over 20 years. It was here that his kind quiet manner and incredible work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. Armando retired from General Coach a much loved and respected employee, and friend to all who worked along side him. Armando was a devout Catholic; he was baptized in Alte, Portugal as an infant. He would continue in his faith throughout his life and was a regular member at St. Ann’s Parish in Penticton.
He was the consummate family man, a father and husband who went beyond for his children and extended family. He is survived by his loving wife, Olivia Gurreiro Graca, his beloved son, Michael John Graca and predeceased by his beautiful daughter Hirondina “Dina” Maria Klyne. He is also survived by his nieces and grandson; Alishia, Brittny, Savana and Jett as well as many much-loved extended family.
Armando was a soft-spoken man of integrity, his word was truth, his handshake was a concrete contract, his smile lit up a room, and he made the best ribs you ever ate. Armando loved to dance, always had a soccer match on, never went a year without making his infamous homemade wine; had a greener thumb than most; was a regular face at the Penticton Sporting Club, where he was a sueca champion, and never strayed far from his Portuguese roots. He leaves us with many life lessons simply by being the wonderful, gentle man, he was: fishing will always fix a bad day; you’re only as good as your word; every meal is better with wine, work hard and approach each situation with kindness. He was a wonderful man, a loyal friend, an amazing husband, father, uncle, cousin, and grandfather. This is evident by the amount of people who loved him and called him a friend.
If you would like to join in a Memorial Service for Armando, we’d invite you to attend the service at St. Ann’s Parish, 1269 Main St. in Penticton, on February 16, 2022 at 11:00am.
A virtual Zoom link will be provided for those who wish to attend in person but cannot.
We would like to thank the staff at Penticton Regional Hospital and BC Ambulance Service for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Moog & Friends Hospice in Armando’s name.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Armando de Sousa Graca February 29 1944

February 6 2022..

everden rust funeral services & cremation

Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique

death notice Armando de Sousa Graca February 29 1944

February 6 2022

mortuary notice Armando de Sousa Graca February 29 1944

February 6 2022