Gervasio Vicente Botelho Ferreira de Melo

Born January 13, 1957 – August 9, 2025

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Gervasio (Jarvis) De Melo.

He passed suddenly at home (Victoria, BC) Aug 9, 2025. Jarvis was the youngest of 5 boys, he is preceded by his parents, his brothers Roger (Montreal), Mario & Valdemiro (Praia da Vitoria Terceira, Azores)

He is survived by his brother Lvis and wife ilidia of Fall River, MS, USA; his sister -in-law Dina (Montreal) and sister-in-law Fatima (Azores). He had many nephews and niece that adored their uncle Gervasio (Jarvis).

Jarvis immigrated to Canada 1980 from Terceira, Azores and was married to Luadalina (deceased), they were separated in 1993 and divorced a few years later.

Before coming to Canada Gervasio severed two years in the Portuguese army, he said many times that those where his growing up years.

He loved playing soccer and baseball as a young man, and held a great passion for his Portuguese soccer team throughout his life. Gervasio became a Canadian Citizen May 27, 2014. Living in Canada left him no choice but to become a hockey fan and the Canucks were his team. He traveled to Vancouver several times to watch games live. Jarvis enjoyed the kinship of many Canuck fans at Maude Hunters Pub his local hangout. He enjoyed his Portuguese’s coffee mates most mornings at McDonalds for lively Portuguese discussions of world events.

Jarvis worked for many years as a landscaper and stonemason; before starting his own company GD Stonework. He loved being his own boss. He was a very hard worker and did some outstanding jobs on his own.

Jarvis was self-taught in the English language. He was very adapt at reading and writing English as well as speaking it, his accent was part of his charm. He was always very organized and maintained his own records for his business.

He leaves behind his partner of 30 years Denise Wood and many friends (family) in Victoria, BC and Nanaimo, BC. They met on the dance floor as Jarvis had a passion for music and was often the first one on the dance floor. They enjoyed sharing their lives together. They had many years of travel, golf and cooking together.

Gervasio was a man of quiet strength, a good sense of humor and compassion for the underdog. He was a very private person that never liked to be the centre of attention. He will live in our hearts forever.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.