CAMACHO, Joaquim da Conceição - Joaquim da Conceição Camacho passed away peacefully on the evening of November 12, 2020 at Advent Valleyview Residence in Toronto.
Beloved husband of Maria for 43 years, devoted father to Steve (Helen), and proud and loving avô to his grandsons William and George.
Joaquim was born on May 21, 1930 in Aljustrel, Portugal to Antonio Brito Camacho and Carlota da Conceição Capeta. He was the youngest of eight children. As a child there was little emphasis and opportunity for formal education and as such, he never attended school. Despite this, Joaquim taught himself to read and write well enough to help him in life.
He worked in the zinc and lead mine in his hometown of Aljustrel and various jobs in Baixa da Banheira south of Lisbon. In his early thirties he was given an opportunity to apply for better job at a factory; others were turned away but when Joaquim was able to demonstrate his ability to read, he was given the job immediately.
The new job took him to Noyon, France where he spent the next four years working in a car shoe brake factory. He then immigrated to Canada in 1968. His sister Otilia encouraged him to join her and her family already settled in Toronto. He soon found work and within a few years was working for the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club maintaining the tennis courts. He enjoyed his work immensely and remained with the Club until his retirement in 1995.
In 1976 he was introduced to Maria Da Silva and they married on April 1, 1977. Two years later they welcomed their son Steve into the world. Joaquim was a devoted father. He cared for his son while Maria was working during the day before starting the evening/night shift. He never hesitated to give Steve anything he thought he might need.
Having not been given the opportunity himself, he also encouraged and supported Steve to continue his studies. With help from Maria and Joaquim, Steve completed five post-secondary degrees and diplomas including an MBA from Cornell University. Joaquim was immensely proud of his son’s accomplishments.
In 2013 and 2019 Joaquim became a grandfather to William and then George. Although his health was declining, he took great joy in his grandsons and was a very proud Avô.
Throughout his life Joaquim had a passion for motorcycles, enjoyed tinkering and was always working on some sort of home improvement project. He was an avid sports fan and followed Toronto Maple Leafs and Benfica F.C. with a passion. Over the years he returned home to Aljustrel to visit family and lifelong friends.
Joaquim will be very much missed. Rest in peace dear husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Unfortunately, because of COVID, there is very limited capacity at the funeral home and church. The visitation, mass, and interment will be by invitation only. Arrangements with Vescio funeral homes.
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