Armando Soares Do Rego passed away peacefully surrounded with love at the Royal Columbian Hospital. Armando is deeply missed by his children Tony (Tina), Felesidade (Chris), his grandsons Dion (Kristin), Jay (Yasuko), Armand (Kayla), his great grandchildren Liam and Linden and may nephews and nieces. [He was predeceased by all his siblings Mary-Jose, John, Jose, Arthur, Teresa, Natalie, and Antonio, as well as his nephew Victor, niece Connie and brother and sister-in-laws.]

Armando was born in Villa Franca Do Compo, Sao Miguel, Portugal. It was a beautiful place to grow up, even with the hardship of war time. Armando was a talented trombone player and grew up playing in all the church festivities, which were frequent in the Catholic-Portuguese community. It was at one of these festivals where Armando first met the love of his life, Maria Exeolinda De Sousa whom he married on October 22, 1956. Together they shared 69 years of marriage. Armando came to Canada in 1957 with Maria and Tony followed a year later, settling in South Slocan. They would soon welcome their daughter Felesidade, move to Castlegar and build their life together.

Armando’s first job in Canada was at CP Rail until he was hired at the ‘Village of Castlegar’. He was an avid stone mason, coming from a long lineage of masons. He worked on numerous stonework projects throughout Castlegar. One of his most meaningful being the Cenotaph of Kinsman Park still used to this day on Remembrance Day.

His artistic flair not only shone through his stonework but also in his love of painting and especially in his gardening. In his work he came to be responsible for caring for all the parks and gardens within the City of Castlegar.

Armando had over 50 years of sobriety and was a respected member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Not only was he committed to the program, but he was also always willing to help mentor fellow members.

Armando lived in Castlegar for 39 years, in which time he got to see his first 2 grandsons grow up. After which, Armando and Maria moved to New Westminster to be closer to their daughter and to experience their 3rd grandson’s childhood too.

Armando was a loving and generous man who always put his family first. His beautiful smile, kindness and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever cherished.