Antonio Mate

Antonio (Tony) Sonito Guadalupe Mate was called home on Friday, March 8, 2024 in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. He is survived by his wife Norma, his four children (Carlo, Christina, Isabelle and Rebecca), and his five grandchildren (Alexander, Alyvia, Lara, Mattea, and Luca). Tony has four remaining siblings: Eligio (Noni), Lynette, Cosette, and Suzette.

Tony was born in Bacolod City in the Philippines and grew up in Manila. He was the youngest of nine children, and he was much loved, spoiled, and disciplined by his parents and eight older siblings. Tony attended FEATI University where he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. He was introduced to his future wife Norma through a mutual friend, and Tony and Norma were married at Our Lady of Grace Church in Caloocan City, on December 9, 1978.

As a married couple, Tony and Norma lived briefly in the Philippines before emigrating to Vancouver, Canada in 1979. Shortly after their arrival, they welcomed their son, Carlo, late that year. The family moved from Vancouver to Langley, where they bought their home. Tony’s daughters were born in Langley in the 1980s and early 90s.

Tony was a licensed mechanical engineer in the Philippines, working towards becoming the plant engineer for the Kimberly-Clark operations in Laguna. Tony was fortunate to also work as an engineer when he arrived in Canada. He started as a drafter / designer and eventually became a lead mechanical designer. Tony worked for several local engineering firms before retiring from Allnorth Consultants. Tony was often on site, working at different industrial sites in northern BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Tacoma.

Tony was an active member of St. Joseph’s parish in Langley. He was a constant, friendly face around the church, and he served in many capacities: as a member of the choir, the finance committee, the altar servers, and the Knights of Columbus. For many years, he was an active member of Couples for Christ, often leading other married couples in small group faith discussion and prayer. Tony expressed his faith through service and connection: he always found something to do for others or for the church, and he was always forming new friendships and widening his community.

Tony enjoyed the outdoors, and the family holidays were spent camping on Vancouver Island so he could get in some fishing, crabbing, and clamming. On many summer days (rain or shine) Tony puttered between islands in his small motorboat, patiently baiting his fishing rods, and waiting for that elusive first bite. Other summers, Tony and the family would do the long drive to California to spend time with his family and extended family. Tony had an iron stomach, and could accompany his kids on every ride at Great America and Disneyland.

In 2006, Tony was diagnosed with a blood-related autoimmune disease. He maintained his positive outlook and did his best to continue his work, provide for his family, and contribute to his faith community. Tony’s years of aggressive medical treatment to manage his autoimmune disease eventually led to a lymphoma diagnosis, from which he achieved remission before its return in the last few years of his life. Only the godliest, calmest, and most cheerful person could sustain nearly 20 years of unpredictable and challenging health issues. Tony lived his last years with fortitude, grace, and a deep reliance on God.

Prayers, viewing, and vigil for Tony will be on Monday, March 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m at St. Joseph’s parish in Langley. The funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the church (eulogy to be given before the start of Mass), following which Tony will be laid to rest at the Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery in Surrey, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Condolences can be posted to

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/langley-bc/antonio-mate-11704824.

The family would like to thank all the medical professionals at Vancouver General Hospital and Langley Memorial Hospital who contributed to Tony’s care, as well as all the clergy, religious, family, and dear friends who administered sacraments, prayed for him, and gave him comfort.