Mr. Melchor Matienzo Estanislao, Jr

Melchor Estanislao Jr, known as “Mel” or “Boy”, passed away on November 25, 2019 at the age of 69 years, surrounded by family and friends. Mel will always be remembered by his wife of 43 years Avelina Guzman Estanislao, and his daughters Alma (Relly) Quilatan, Kristen (RJ) Carlos, Marie (Greychan) Ardaniel and Iza Estanislao. He will hold a very special place in the hearts of his 5 grandchildren Sophie, Selena, Jericho, Isaac and Evan.

Mel was born in Pasay City, Manila on December 28, 1949 to the late Melchor Estanislao Sr. and the late Virginia Matienzo Estanislao. He is the only son and youngest of 5 sisters: the late Anita E. Gutierrez, the late Perla Estanislao, Corazon E. Gamboa, Violetta Estanislao, and Emma E. Mamplata.

He attended Arellano University in Legarda, Sampaloc, Philippines and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. He immigrated to Canada in 1976 at the age 27 years and settled in St. John’s Newfoundland. Shortly after, he married Avelina, started a family, continued his education at Memorial University and worked hard at various jobs including as auditor for the Government of Newfoundland based out of the Confederation Building.

In 1989, Mel and his family moved to Vancouver, BC in search of fairer climate and less snow. He dedicated over 25 years of his life working for the City of Vancouver in various roles and departments at City Hall and during this time, he made many lifelong friendships. Most recently, he worked in the administration office of the City’s Engineering Services department where he was surrounded by colleagues whom he considered family. He shared many special bonds and memories with them which included dancing and singing in the office, dimsum lunches complete with chicken feet, and many more.

During the 1990’s to early 2000’s, Mel was very involved in the Philippine Diamonds Society of BC, a non profit organization. He served in various roles on the Board of Directors including President and Vice President. He made many friends during this time who he still remained very close with over the years.

The Catholic faith was an important piece of Mel’s life. He made sure his children grew up with a Catholic education at St. Patrick’s in Vancouver. During that time, he was an active parishioner at St. Patrick’s Parish and more recently at St. Mary’s Parish. He was passionate about attending Sunday mass and every Wednesday he would pray the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

Family was also very important to Mel and he took care of his family near and far. He helped support his family in the Philippines. He loved visiting his cousins in California. He was known as Daddy Boy, Tito Boy, Uncle Boy to so many people all over the world and not just to family in the Philippines and USA, but also to many exchange students he hosted from Germany, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico.

Mel’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. To the grandchildren, he was known as “Tata.” He embraced being a grandfather and showered his grandchildren with unconditional love and support. He was always there for them, babysitting and driving them around whenever needed. He cheered them on at their various dance recitals, basketball games, soccer matches, baseball games, school concerts, award assemblies. He never hesitated to drop everything to be there to support his grandchildren.

Mel was known to be a very social person. He made friends everywhere he went, whether it was at his favourite gas station to play Keno, the lottery centre at Metrotown and Oakridge, or at the various restaurants he would frequently dine at. He had a very laid back, generous and kind personality and always showed so much love to those around him.

Mel’s life will be celebrated at the following events:

A viewing and prayer service will be held on Tuesday December 10 from 5pm-9pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 3789 Royal Oak Ave in Burnaby BC.

A final viewing will be held on Wednesday December 11, 2019 from 10am-11:30am, followed by the funeral mass at 12pm which will be presided by Father Guy Rivard at St. Mary’s Parish 5251 Joyce Street in Vancouver BC. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Reception will be held at Executive Suites Hotel and Conference Centre 4201 Lougheed Highway in Burnaby.

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