Eugenio Meneses Da Costa Mendes

This tribute is written in English, as we know our father wouldn't mind. Though highly proud of his Portuguese heritage, our father also spoke Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and was fully fluent in English. How remarkable to arrive in a new country in your mid twenties, not knowing the language, and slowly building a life that included a loving marriage of more than 40 years and two children who were fiercely loyal to him.

As children, we would accompany our father in the car on various outings. He would often point to several buildings throughout the city, "I did that roof, Sonia. That one too, Bryan, and that one." In the coldest of climates and the hottest of Canadian summers, our father was out there braving the elements, day after day. He, and so many hardworking men like him, built the very country we call home. Many of those buildings are still standing to this day.

Our father was highly intelligent. There is not a country on a map or a street in Toronto that he did not know. At 70 years old he taught himself how to use an iPhone and spent countless hours enjoying his favourite fishing videos on YouTube. What a marvel to watch him so effortlessly adopt to new things.

Our father was charismatic. In his latter years, our family spent a lot of time in hospitals. Sometimes weeks, at times months. Though it was hard for him to adjust at first, within a few weeks he would settle. What a privilege it was to see his charismatic side come to life, often telling jokes with the nurses and staff. Super witty ones at that.

Our father was exceptionally resilient. Within a month of losing his beloved wife, our father then lost his right leg. This sent shock waves through our family as we feared for what was to come and how this would impact his life. Our father managed this transition with a measure of strength and bravery we never could have imagined. He defied all odds, every obstacle, and persevered. We are so incredibly proud of you, dad.

Our father was an incredible protector and provider. As children, we wanted for nothing. What a blessing it was to have grown up in abundance. We feared nothing and no one, because daddy was such a strong and formidable presence. So long as he was home, our family was safe.

We are forever changed by your passing, dad. Please know you will forever live in our hearts. Never forgotten, always cherished, deeply missed. Please take care of mom, until we see you again.

With the greatest of love,

Your children, Bryan and Sonia

A visitation will be held at Jerrett Funeral Homes, located at 1141 St Clair Ave West, Toronto, ON, M6E1B1, Canada, on January 30, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A funeral mass is scheduled at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1481 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON, M6H 4C7, Canada, on January 31, 2026 at 10:30am.

Burial will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home, 7300 Hwy 27, Vaughan, ON, L4H 4Y8, Canada, on January 31, 2026.