It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jose Martins Frade, age 83 years, on Sunday August 15, 2010 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre after battling ill health for many years.
Jose was born January 2, 1927 in Portugal, the eldest son of Antonio and Maria de Jesus Frade. On November 9, 1952 he married the love of his life, Maria do Nascimento. In July 1957 he left his wife and baby daughter to come to Canada in search of the pot of gold that would enable him to provide a better life than being a blacksmith.
He settled briefly in Prince Edward Island then in Hearst where he and a fellow countryman found employment in the forest industry. After a couple of return trips to Portugal he realized that Canada was the country for him and his family, and in July 1961 they joined him. He continued working in the forest industry with a side job as the community barber in Caramat until he became a proud owner and businessman with the purchase of the Murillo Hotel in 1967.
Always searching to better himself, he started his formal Canadian education at age 47. In 1975 he purchased the Lakehead Motel where he remained until the deterioration of his sight caused him to retire to the home he built on North Algoma Street. Still, Joe loved nothing more than to roll up his sleeves and work hard.
He touched the lives of many people with his incredible work ethic. One of his proudest achievements was becoming the founding president of the Portuguese Association of Thunder Bay, nurturing his culture in his adopted country, and being an advocate for anyone who needed his help. He introduced top Portuguese artists to Thunder Bay as well as enabling families to realize their dreams of making Canada a place to call home.
His family was his priority and time spent with them was always treasured. Joe lived life for those he loved. His great sense of humour would bring a smile to anyone's face. Enriching his last few years was his camp at Cummins Lake. There he enjoyed spending time with his children, extended family and especially listening to the squeals of laughter of his grandchildren. He was so extremely proud of them all.
Jose is survived by his loving wife Maria, daughter Olivia Douglas (Dean) and their children Christopher Da Silva, Liana Da Silva (fiance Ronny Sharma), Michael Da Silva and Jennifer Fratpietro (Michael); son Joe Frade (Diane) and their children Natacha Frade (Jeremy Galda) and Melissa Frade (Grant McFarlane)(great-grandchildren Dawson and Maria); daughter Linda Sanche (Noel) and their children Brittany Sanche and Myranda Sanche and son Bob Frade (Samantha) and their son Aaron Frade. Brother Antonio of Toronto; sister Maria Geronimo of Portugal; brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Portugal and France
Jose was predeceased by his grandson Ryan DaSilva, father, mother, mother and father-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for the late Mr. Jose Frade will be held on Friday, August 20, 2010 leaving the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma at 8:50 a.m. to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Everest Chapel with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7 p.m.
If friends so desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Health Thunder Bay would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com