Raul Bilo Palces

Heaven gained another beautiful soul. Raul Palces passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on Friday, April 23, 2021. Raul is survived by his wife Ma Theresa, and his children, Ralph Andrew, Ralph Stephen, and Julia Therese. Thoughts and prayers are offered to Raul and is remembered by his siblings Trijidia, Arilda, Disodado Jr., Lourdes, Archimedes, and Trinidad as well as his many nieces and nephews. Raul is the youngest among his siblings, in which they called him Ul or Aba which translated to English means Favorite. He was a strong, loving, hardworking and determined man who accomplished many great things in his life.

Raul is a true family man. He sacrificed a lot and went above and beyond to ensure his family had a good future. Raul left the Philippines in 2007, and started to pave his path in Canada keeping his family’s future in mind, but this also meant leaving his life back in his home country and long years of separation from his family and friends. Ma Theresa, his wife, shortly followed him to Canada to help support him. This resulted in the family unexpectedly separating for 6 long years until they finally got reunited only in 2013. The separation only grew the family’s love stronger. Along with his sacrifice, he was going through a much harder obstacle which he gave his all to fight. In 2002, Raul got diagnosed with a rare type of cancer which he fought for 19 years, though this definitely did not break his strong-willed nature, and if anything only made him stronger. He kept working amidst his illness, and supported his family no matter what.

After Raul’s admission to the hospital, his family ensured he was comfortable and took care of him, never leaving his bedside only leaving due to the restrictions of the pandemic. After exactly one week in the hospital, Raul passed away peacefully at around 2 AM and his family came as soon as they were notified. Raul was cared for by wonderful doctors and nurses in which the family can’t thank enough. The family is extremely grateful to all the hospital staff in their accomodation despite the pandemic, and by also allowing them to be by his side even for a few moments to pray for his soul. Raul received lots of prayers and support from countless amazing people, as he was a person whose faith in God was powerful.

His soul lives on to touch the hearts of those who are in awe of his hardwork and resilience, as he was also a respected and loving friend, uncle, brother, husband and father. His story and character has touched many, and he will always be a wonderful reminder to his family and those who knew him on how love motivates someone to keep fighting.