Arnaldo Mota

ARNALDO MOTA It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Arnaldo Mota at St Paul's Hospital palliative care. He fought a very courageous battle with cancer. His loving family stood by his side during this difficult time. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria of 59 years; his daughter Adeline (Jon) Ashwin; and grandchildren Jason (Anna) Ashwin of Calgary and Kristin Ashwin whom were the most important things in his life. He was so proud of his grandchildren and everyone that knew him would hear the fantastic stories he had to tell of his grandkids. Arnaldo and one sister, Marcelina in Toronto, were the only ones out of 8 children who immigrated to Canada from Portugal. He arrived in 1957 to work for the CNR. He enjoyed it for 32 years in various locations across Saskatchewan and Manitoba and soon settled in Saskatoon. His wife and daughter followed him to Canada in 1959 where they made their home in Saskatoon. Arnaldo had his passions his garden and his homemade wine. In Portugal he had vineyards and olive trees where he loved farming the land and also perfecting his wine. He brought his love of the land over to Canada where he had a very lush and green garden. Every plant was marked off before being planted and no matter which way you looked they were all aligned. There was always a bountiful crop for friends and family. His homemade grape wine, handcrafted with grapes from California, was a very special recipe and something to be very careful with, if you know what I mean! He shared his wine with family and friends to enjoy. The Portuguese community has lost a very special, kind hearted and hard working soul. He loved socializing with everyone he met, including going to the Field house and the Shaw Center for the last 7 years with the heart program. Prayers will be held at St. Mary's Church on Thursday February 24th at 7:00 p.m. and the funeral will also be held at St. Mary's Church on Friday February 25th at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Woodlawn cemetery. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care or Canadian Cancer Society.