Arcadio (Cadio) Abantao Aban gained his angel wings on January 23, 2023 at Eagle Ridge Hospital, Port Moody, BC, at the age of 92. He was surrounded by his family. He battled aspiration pneumonia for 8 months, and he fought hard during his last 10 weeks. His family finds comfort that he is now free of pain.
He is survived by his wife Antonina, 7 children Eduardo (Joanne) Aban, Ricardo (Evelyn) Aban, Cynthia (Lance) Wilkinson, Ma. Sofia Aban, Carmelita (Kevin) Garbutt, Wilma (Tom) Putt, and Arcadio Aban Jr. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren Talitha, Bethany, Yorick, Yvette, Eleanor, Angelique, Paolo, Troy, Alicia, Gabriela, Carissa, Takara, and Theodore.
Cadio was born in Wright, Samar, Philippines on May 9, 1930. He lost both his parents at a young age, and was brought up in a loving home by his aunt Presca.
He moved to Manila in his early 20’s, got married, and had 7 children. He was a loving and supportive husband and father! With limited financial means, he worked as hard as he could to support his family of 9. Growing up with no father-figure, he brought up his children in the best way he knew how. He was also a kind and loving grandfather! He was a great baby-sitter for all his 13 grandchildren! He moved to Canada in July 1993 with his wife and 3 youngest children following his eldest child.
He was a quiet man, but he had a great sense of humour! He loved to joke around that he was even joking with the nurses at the hospital during his “alert” moments. Even during his sad moments, he was able to laugh about the simplest things. He had a great smile! He was very hardworking! He wanted to keep himself busy and preferred not to have things done for him that he was still able to do. He was a very smart man; he was good in Math. Fortunately, he imparted his smart genes to all his children and grandchildren. He made sure his children finish and value their education. And he continued to tell his grandchildren to do well in school, as well. He was a minimalist; he wanted to have only what he needed to go about his daily life. He was very organized, neat and tidy. He didn’t like wearing wrinkled clothing to the point that he used to iron even his underwear! He was also a handyman. During his younger days, he fixed a lot of things at home, made beds, cabinets, stools, fences. He also raised chickens and pigs at one time. He was also a great cook! He enjoyed playing Solitaire and watching Jeopardy! He was a big fan of Manny Pacquiao! And he continued to believe in the Marcoses even during his last months, which his kids never understood and just laughed about.
When his wife was diagnosed with dementia, he decided to look after her even when he was starting to be frail himself. He was selfless, he always thought of his family first, especially his wife, before himself. His happiest moment at the hospital was on their 65th anniversary on January 11, 2023, when his wife visited him at the hospital.
He will be greatly missed by his family, especially his laugh and sense of humour. He will forever be in their hearts.
A visitation for Arcadio Abantao will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC V5J1A4. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 6, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC V5J1A4. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 6, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC V5J1A4.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OceanViewFuneral.com for the Aban family.
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