Antonio Satsatin Parani

Born in Bacao, Philippines on February 14, 1947 to Aurea and Francisco, Antonio would become the eldest or Kuya to his seven brothers and sisters: Domingo, Omie, Mandie, Alice, Julie, Cielo and Marie. Sadly, at the age of 14 his father passed away so he grew up fast to help support his Nanay and siblings. He would work very hard doing various things and he was always willing to help all of his relatives. He was fondly known as Tony and he quickly became a cherished cousin, nephew and kababayan.

At the age of 25, he would meet the love of his life, Corazon Formalejo and they’ve been inseparable ever since. In pursuit of better job opportunities, they moved to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea where they would marry on April 26, 1975. They set up a home there and had their first child in 1976, a daughter, Adelaine; and the following year they welcomed their son, Collin. Tony always worked hard to support his family just like he did in his early days and he also wanted a better life for his family so in 1980, he immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada with the support of his cousin. He quickly adapted to Canadian living and provided a home and life for his family. Once settled, he and Cora welcomed their youngest son, Calvin, in 1982. Tony’s family was now complete.

With the ever-changing employment landscape, he would have to take on different jobs throughout the years including a job in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, but he spent his final working years at New Flyer Industries. He retired in 2012 after 15 years of service and since then has filled his time with some of his favorite past times including gardening, tennis, some baking and spending time with his dear friends of ODC.

Tony has always been a servant of God. He has served as an usher as well as eucharistic minister firstly at St. Peter’s Church and then on to St. Anthony of Padua. He was always a recognized member of the church who would greet you with the warmest smile each Sunday. Tony’s strong faith was shared with his wife Cora and as disciples of the Lord, they became pillars of the Jesus of Nazarene - Block Rosary group. Every Sunday they would transfer the holy statues from house to house, joining families in prayer and spreading the word of God. He quickly built strong connections with many families in Winnipeg.

Tony was always willing to help. He’s helped welcome so many newcomers to Canada, especially his nieces and nephews. He wanted them all to have a good start in establishing a new life in Canada so he would always offer to drive people or suggest available programs or services and give words of advice. He would advocate on behalf of so many people and he would even seek aid from politicians to assist with visas or apply for government programs. And he never limited who he would help nor did he ask for anything in return which is why he has become such a beloved member of the community.

Tony and Cora had a home full of love and faith and instilled their strong values to their children, Adelaine, Collin and Calvin. They would swell with pride with each of their accomplishments and with every milestone they achieved. They found immense joy when their roles changed to grandparents. Tony loved being Grandpa. He was heartbroken when his infant granddaughter passed away of a heart condition. He would have done anything to ease his daughter’s burden but he also knew that God would give his family strength and surround them with love. And he received so much love from his grandsons, Tavin, Adellius, AJ and Calex. He would play a strong role in their lives from the moment they were born to his last day on Earth. Tony would make so many memories with his grandsons especially annual trips to Chuck E. Cheese, treating them to McDonald’s and being present for so many of their events including football & volleyball games, piano recitals, first communion and confirmation. Tony’s legacy will live on in his children and especially his grandsons.

In 2017, Tony had to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. It was a challenging and scary time for his family, but with love and support he was able to recover and return to a full life. After some initial apprehension, he realized that he could still do many things that his heart would allow. This past summer he was able to enjoy a summer vacation at West Edmonton Mall with his grandsons. And he was looking forward to when his son Collin was treating him and Cora to a wedding anniversary trip to Las Vegas this April. But alas, we don’t know when the Lord decides to call us back home to paradise. In the early morning on March 2nd, Tony was being called by the angels with his granddaughter Belle being one of the first to greet him. As he drifted peacefully into paradise, he was surrounded by his loving wife Cora and his beloved children, Adelaine, Collin and Calvin. The pain and sorrow of his loss is very deep but we must remember that Tony lived his life to the fullest and shared his love with so many. He proclaimed the word of God and in return he was able to spend his last hours in serenity, free of pain and suffering.

Cora and her children wish to extend their appreciation to the care and efforts of the medical teams at the Grace Hospital and Health Sciences Center. His nurse Casey did her best to accommodate the family’s final requests, including having Father Mark provide a final blessing. Since the announcement of his passing, Cora and the children have been inundated with love, support and words of comfort. They are truly grateful. As the family continues with the 9 days of prayer, they know that many others are joining them all over the world and together we pray to have eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in Peace Tony. Rest in Love.

Lamay will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 and Saturday March 11, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, at Thompson “In The Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, Canada. Prayers at 7:00 p.m.

Those who wish to attend Lamay virtually, can select "Join Livestream" below.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Dominic Yuen on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 250 Burrin Ave., Winnipeg, Canada. Reception to follow in the parish hall immediately after mass. Those who wish to attend the Funeral Mass virtually, can select "Join Livestream" below.

Interment to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Thomson “In The Park” Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, Canada.

The family would also like to extend thanks to those who have provided contributions for the daily prayers and Lamay.

The family also appreciates the help and services provided by Thompson in the Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Parani family.