Manuel Rosales Bayaborda

Devoted husband and soulmate to Mary for 35 wonderful years. Proud dad to Beverly, Gemma (Anthony), Melanie (Roman) and Teresa. Cherished Lolo to his adoring grandchildren, Isaiah, Gabriel and Arthur. Brother to the late Corazon Rosales Bayaborda, Josefa Bayaborda-Dizon, the late Socorro Bayaborda, the late Aniceto Bayaborda, Rosario Bayaborda-Devine, the late Domingo Bayaborda, the late Jose Bayaborda, Jr., the late Augusto Bayaborda, the late Jesus Loreto Bayaborda, the late Carmen Bayaborda, the late Jose Paulino Bayaborda, and Rosa Myrna Bayaborda-Riley (Laverne). Ninong, Uncle and compadre to many, many more.

Manuel will be deeply missed by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Philippines, and the U.S.A.

Born in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, Manuel moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1975. When Manuel entered a room, everyone noticed. His kind eyes, warm smile and bright energy was magnetic. From a young age he was passionate about music and dancing. When there was an opportunity, he would be the first to grace the dance floor with his John Travolta moves gaining him the fond nickname of “disco king”. A captivating storyteller, he loved to share memories of his travels and life, often making trips to visit family in Northern Ireland, “land of the green” and home away from home.

An aircraft mechanic for 42 years, he enjoyed work and those he worked with. Many stories shared covered the changes happening in the labour movement. Manuel naturally took lead, found opportunities, and solved challenges in creative ways.

Over the years, his days were bookended with life milestones, graduations, holidays and classic weekday and weekend routines with family and friends. His honest, selfless character has made an everlasting imprint on all the lives he touched.

While this immeasurable loss feels insurmountable, Manuel has left of piece of himself with us all. Living life to its fullest until his last day on earth, we are eternally grateful for our time with him.