Obituary of OCTAVIO CARREIRO

OCTAVIO CARREIRO

December 24, 1940 to January 2, 2024

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather Octavio Carreiro peacefully in his home on the morning of January 2, 2024. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Maria Gabriela; daughter Luisa; sons José (Carolina), David (Claudett); Roberto (Mary); nine amazing grandchildren Cassandra (Benjamin), Joshua, Stephen, Corey (Kaitlin), Christopher, Caleb, Cairo, Nolan, Ethan; and sister Isabel Carvalho; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Octavio was born in Povoação, Sao Miguel Açores, Portugal, the youngest of 8 siblings. It was while working in Fajã de Cima where he met and married his wife of nearly 60 years on March 29, 1964. He moved to Winnipeg with his wife and six-month-old daughter in 1965 in search of a better life for him and his family, and found it. He was hired at Manitoba Sausage (which later became Winnipeg Old Country Sausage) the day after he arrived in Canada, and given the nickname Leo. He remained employed there his entire career for 39 years until he retired in 2004. He also started his own small cleaning business, Green Island Janitorial and maintained his number 1 client until he finally completely retired in 2015 The joys in his life were religion and his family. A devout Roman Catholic, he was active in parish life at Immaculate Conception Parish. He was very passionate in his role as a founding member of the Império das Crianças where he met many friends and contributed greatly to parish activity. He would later participate with Os Romeiros and the Knights of Columbus.

In the earlier days with his young family, it was camping on weekends, family trips in the motorhome he had purchased to explore parts of Canada and the United States, fishing and boat rides on the lake. In later years it was at his seasonal campsite at Whispering Pines Campground where he would somehow find work to do everyday, and sometimes time to relax and fish (his favorite hobby). His best days there were when his children and grandchildren would come to visit, then it was all about spending time together as family. When away from his favourite West Hawk Lake, Dad was an ardent fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Blue Bombers and Portugal’s Seleção.

Dad, you did all you were meant to do in this world by living a good and honest life while encouraging those around you to do the same, with the most important lesson being faith and family is always number one. Rest in peace now, you will be forever loved, and forever missed.

Eu te amo meu marido. Nós te amamos pai. Nós te amamos vovô. Descanse em paz.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin Street North.  Funeral Liturgy will commence at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow in the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue