SICAT, Antonio 'Tony' Diaz Jr. - Passed away peacefully at SHN Centenary Hospital in Toronto, Canada on May 13, 2020 just a few days shy of his 89th birthday, after a long battle with autoimmune disorder and its complications.
He will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 61 years, Nelida Tesoro Sicat; beloved 9 children – Adelwisa, Leonina, Raidis, Plutarco, Atenogenes (deceased), Angela, Angelo, Andrew Gilbert and Sandra Lissa; Sons-In-Law Hermie, Nicanor (deceased), Geraldo, Arnulfo and Jericho; Daughters-In-Law – Suzanne, Maria Antonieta and Hazel; Grandkids – John Ray, Godfrey, Tiina, Reinard James, Genesis, Jeremie, Johanna, Esme Hazel, Esther Mae, Jericho Manuel, Alexandra and Hannah Grace.
Tony held a lot of work as newspaper journalist in Manila, Philippines before migrating to Canada with his wife and 6 unmarried children in 1993. He was the publisher and editor-in-chief of some of the country’s known newspapers: Fotoplay - a newspaper tabloid of early 70’s, Philippine Daily Star, Daily Star, and Pilipino Star of the 80’s & early ‘90’s. During the mid ‘70’s he worked as newsman focused on writing and photography with Defense Press Corps under Chief of National Defense, Juan Ponce Enrile. His longest post held was as a speech/ghost writer to top military officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Department of National Defense.
Tony had a strong passion and dedication for community involvement during his early and younger healthy years in Canada. His passion was fulfilled when he found his local church, St. Boniface Parish Church as the place to spend his valuable volunteering time. He became a part of its communion ministry, assisted in writing and laying out of the church’s newsletter, and helped with regular activities and events. He was also a volunteer member of Kababayan, a Filipino community of new immigrants, and became a member of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario. The legacy of Tony’s genuine kindness, compassionate spirit, humour, inspiration, joy and strong faith, will never be forgotten.
Funeral visitation and burial will be on Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 at Highland Funeral Home and Resthaven Cemetery in Scarborough, Ontario. However, due to the current pandemic, visitation and burial will be for immediate family only.
{fastsocialshare