It’s with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rufino Soares of Orillia Ontario, a dearly loved father, grandfather, and husband. Rufino passed from this world on January 12, 2024, after a brief illness at Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 63 years, Roza Soares; his children Hazel (John) and Nigel (MK). He was the proud grandfather of Sean and Pia Pia (as the grandchildren liked to refer to him as) to Ellie, Christie, and Ethan.
Rufino was born on April 7, 1933, to Caetano (father) and Santana (mother) by the ocean in Mombasa Kenya and was the last surviving member of four siblings Margaret, Pascal, and Peter. As a young man, Rufino had many interests, playing guitar, riding his bicycle and he was a one of a group of men in Nairobi, who would get together to weight train.
As Rufino became a young adult, he completed his Mechanical Engineering Degree, no small a feat in those days, and worked as a Mechanical Engineer with the East Africa Railway in Nairobi Kenya. After immigrating to Orillia, Rufino worked for many years with Otaco and then GL&V. Even to this day, many of his technical drawings are still being used.
At the age of 58, Rufino retired to a quiet life enjoying his family and grandchildren.
When Rufino first met his dear wife Roza (nee) D’Souza in Nairobi Kenya, he was instantly struck by the spirited young woman and knew that they would spend the rest of their lives together; and on May 25, 1961, they quietly began their adventures together soon adding two wonderful children, Hazel, and Nigel.
Rufino was a quiet, gentle man of integrity who encouraged his children and grandchildren to be the best people they could be. He encouraged this through self-discipline and attention to detail.
A member of Guardian Angels Church in Orillia, he and Roza would attend weekly mass together to maintain their faith. In later years, he enjoyed watching and spending time with his grandchildren over many meals prepared by Roza. He shared his wealth and generosity with his family and his church.
His departure will be felt in our family and in our community as this quiet, gentle soul with his cheeky smile and the gleeful glint in his eye leaves us with many cherished memories.
As a family we would also like to thank Dr. Wendy McComb and Dr. Bill Tillman along with the nurses of Orillia Soldiers hospital who all looked after dad and helped make his passing as peaceful as possible.
Guests will be received at Carson Funeral Homes – L. Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St E, in Orillia (705) 326-3595 on Friday January 19th, 2024 for visitation starting at 11 am until the time we celebrate his life in the chapel starting at 1 pm. A reception will follow. A private burial will take place at St. Michaels Catholic cemetery in Orillia. The service will be live streamed and will be available for viewing in real time on You Tube at the Carson funeral Home page. In lieu of flowers if desired, donations in Rufino’s memory may be made to either the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Guardian Angels Parish, the Victorian Order of Nurses Day Program in Orillia or Helping Hands and are greatly appreciated by the family.
Online memories and condolences be shared at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com