Mr. Luiz Maria Souza

December 5, 1925 – August 24, 2013

Luiz passed away peacefully at the age of 87. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Joe, Tony and Mancio, and survived by his wife Delcie, his daughter Evelyn, his son Luiz “Sonny” and daughter-in-law Sally, and his son Albert and daughter-in-law Liz.

He attended La Salle College in Hong Kong and completed his final year of high school at St. Luiz Gonzaga College in Macau during World War II. He met his wife Delcie during the war years when they were both refugees housed in the former Bella Vista Hotel in Macau which is today the residence of the Consul-General of Portugal.

Luiz’ 20-year career in the Hong Kong Government culminated in 1975 when he retired to immigrate to Canada. He attained the position of Acting Director, Department of Commerce and Industry, negotiating textile trade treaties with the European Economic Community.

Luiz also served as a volunteer in the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force for over 26 years. He held the rank of Squadron Leader, second in command, when he retired from the Force in 1976. He was made a Member of the British Empire in the Queen’s Honours List in 1977.

In Vancouver, he managed the Fishing Vessel Owners Association until his retirement at the age of 65. For many years, even after his retirement, he was involved in and held various positions in the Macau Cultural Association of Western Canada.

His children remember him best for his legendary cooking skills, his passion for big band music, his sense of humour and practical jokes, his joy for life and his loving nature.