DA SILVA, Ubirajara Pereira 'Bira' - Passed away peacefully on February 7, 2020 at Forestview Retirement Residence, with his wife and two of his children by his side.
Loving husband of 57 years to Alya.
Amazing father to Lilian, Shirley, Cynthia (Graeme) and Flavio (Barbara).
Fantastic grandfather to Christina (in memorium), Melissa, Emily (Travis), Tyree, Sarah and Alya.
Great-grandfather to Sadie, Dante, Cairo and Aria.
Bira also leaves behind three brothers and three sisters in Brazil, and many nieces and nephews.
Bira was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1942. In 1964 he began ministry with the Brazilian Baptist Convention and in 1970 traveled to the USA to pursue a Masters in Divinity and Sacred Music. He returned in 1975 to Brazil where he was Pastor at various churches. He had a passion for missions and in 1984 accepted the call to come to Canada as a missionary to the Portuguese speaking community, which then extended to the English speaking community as well.
In February 2010, shortly after retirement, Bira was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer which, combined with a pre-existing heart condition, left him not expecting to live past one more year. By the grace of God and the professionals who cared for him, Bira was given ten more years to enjoy the company of family, friends and the addition of new family with his great-grandchildren.
Bira will be remembered for his funny sense of humor, love of food, soccer and the countless lives he touched in 40-plus years of ministry.
Family will be accepting visitors at Lynette Funeral Home, Toronto on Friday, February 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. A service giving thanks for Bira's life coupled with the strength provided from on high that was supplied his life and ministry through will take place from Spring Garden Church, 112 Spring Garden Ave, North York) on Saturday, February 15 at 11 a.m. Please note that all are encouraged to enter through Kenneth Avenue entrance for parking.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Heath and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of donors choice graciously appreciated.
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