Obituary of John (Joao) Dias Guerreiro

John Guerreiro April 1, 1933 – February 3, 2017 John was born in Mozambique Island, Mozambique. However, it was in the city of Nampula that he began to shape a path that ultimately would lead him and his family half way across the world to a foreign land. Before that journey began, John realized one of the few wishes he had – to become a pilot. Portugal, a colonial ruler of Mozambique at the time, held a military presence in the country and, in the mid 1950’s John became a fully certified pilot in the Portuguese air force. His ultimate goal in his career was to fly commercial aircraft. Besides flying, John’s other true love was music. Specifically, he wanted to learn to play the piano, however, the only musical instrument he could afford to purchase at the time was an accordion, which to this day still sounds as great as it did nearly sixty years ago. In Nampula, John met and married Alcina, and both had three children: Manuela, Joseph, and John. Unbeknownst to his close friends and even some family relatives, John’s desire to uproot his family and move them to Canada had strongly begun to brew. In the balance was his dream to fly, or a better life full of opportunities for his three kids. John didn’t have to think twice – the move to Canada was made in 1968! By this time or shortly thereafter, John and Alcina had decided to separate. But why Canada? John never did explain why he chose to immigrate to Canada with his children, but it was here that he met Chandra and had two more wonderful children: Michael and Stephan. In addition to being a father to five children, John also lovingly accepted the role of father to Danny, Dennis, and Dave, Chandra’s children from her previous marriage. Sadly, John would never fly again while in Canada. However, anyone who knows him knows that he would have made the same sacrifices for his family over again, without hesitation. He did learn to play the piano though, which, until the end, was one of the sources of his happiness…besides his family! John, thank you for being who you were, who you are, and who you will ever be in the minds of those you so gently and lovingly affected during your days with us. We all love you! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! Please join us in celebrating John's life with visitation on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the eco Life Celebration Centre-Magnolia Chapel of St. John's Dixie Cemetery (737 Dundas St. East, Mississauga at Cawthra). Vigil Prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Parking for guests is available in the lot adjacent to the church. Please proceed through the cemetery gates to the building on the right-hand side. John's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Parish of St. John of the Cross Roman Catholic Church (6890 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga), followed by the Rite of Committal with burial at St. John's Dixie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate online to World Vision. A link is provided at his memorial webpage where we also invite you to share in your favourite memories, photos and sentiments of his life. Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently.