Ricardo Liganor

Obituary

Ricardo (Ric) Tolentino Liganor Sr. was a well-respected member of the Montreal Filipino community. He was known for his low-key charisma, quick wit, directness and generosity. Through the years, many have sought his sage advice and he leaves a lasting impression even to those who only encounter him briefly.

Born February 7, 1935, the second child and only son of Segunda Tolentino and Remigio Liganor in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, Ric’s youth was shaped by the Japanese occupation during WWII. In high school, he helped in the family farm and excelled in acrobatic cycling. Ric graduated from forestry at the University of the Philippines and then worked as a forester for the Philippine government, surveying and taking inventory of the country’s untapped natural resources. In this capacity, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligence, work ethic and managerial skills.

After marrying Lucia (Luz) Ico in 1961, they had three children before immigrating to Canada in 1970. Ric chronicled their courtship (and marriage) through their love letters in his book No Other Love (self-published in 2015).

In 1974, Ric founded the Montreal Filipino Bowling League, an organization which is still flourishing today, a testament of his initiative and leadership. He served as president for over 25 years. Although he modestly regarded himself as only an amateur bowler, his renowned power of concentration led to wins in numerous bowling tournaments and propelled him to two perfect games, the second in 2007 at the age of 72. He was also active in the Filipino community, serving on executive boards of various associations.

Following the tragic loss of his beloved Luz in 1984, Ric worked hard as a single parent to ensure that his children successfully completed their university studies, the greatest dream of his and Luz. Ric was always proud of his children’s success in their respective professions as well as the achievements of his two precious grandchildren.

In 1994, Ric entered into his second long-term marriage with Feliciana (Fely) Mangrubang. He finally retired in 2004 at the age of 69 as a highly respected security officer at Concordia University. He remained dedicated to bowling, listening to 1950s and ’60s ballads, gardening, publishing jokes in Readers’ Digest, reading his favourite biographies, and was known for his BBQ and Philippine cooking.

Ric leaves behind wife Fely, sisters Trans and Flora, children Lilian (Wah Keung Chan), Ricardo Jr. (Lydia van Ettinger), Lorna Raquel (Raymond W. Urbanski), step-daughter Jane, and grandchildren Stephanie Anne and Ricardo III Martin. He would remark that he loved his family “bigger than the world” to which his daughter Lilian would respond that he was loved “bigger than the universe.” In his final days, Ric said that he was surrounded by those he loved and by happiness. Rest in peace and love, dearest Papa. Together forever with your beloved Mommy.

Ric’s family is grateful to the dedicated staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital Heart Function Clinic, the CIUSSS Centre Ouest Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre and the Royal Victoria Hospital Coronary Care Unit for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be at the Côte-des-Neiges Funeral Home (4525 Ch. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3V 1E7) on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 12 to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Richard’s Parish (7070 Chem. Guelph, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 1G9) on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11:30 am.

Les souvenirs et condoléances pour la famille Liganor peuvent être partagés sur www.Centrefunerairecotedesneiges.com.