Mr. Luciano Prata Crespo Dos Anjos

DOS ANJOS, Luciano Prata Crespo July 1, 1930 - July 15, 2014Luciano passed away on July 15, 2014 at Minoru Residence in Richmond. He was born in Ameixoeira, Pedrogao Grande, Portugal, to Auziria da Luz dos Anjos and Joao Crespo dos Anjos. He spent his years in Portugal in "Madeiras e Lenhas" (forestry), driving teams of oxen, riding his horse around the countryside and playing his concertina at local dances. He arrived in Vancouver in 1959 and worked in various jobs, eventually settling into a position at Weldwood's Kent Avenue plywood mill for 30 years (forest industry, of course). The young family lived with relatives in Strathcona, then in 1963 purchased a home on the east side of Vancouver. The family moved in 1973 onto five acres in Richmond, and downsized in 1997 to half an acre. All the while, Luciano loved working with his hands. He became an accomplished winemaker, carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, farmer and inventor. He used these skills to renovate, repair and improve the lives of his family and friends. Luciano was a strong family man, driven to ensure that the future would bring something better. This came from his childhood in Portugal, where he watched his grandfather work hard to improve their land and annual yields. As a teenager, Luciano had to take on some of the responsibility of supporting the family after his father suffered a bad accident. In Canada, he became an active participant in the growing Portuguese community and established many lifelong friendships. Some of these friends shared one of his great passions: hunting. The avid outdoorsman enjoyed small and big game hunting, and became familiar with many areas of B.C.'s backcountry, from Vancouver Island all the way to Fort Nelson. In his latter years, he suffered from dementia, but often had a smile and a "how are you" for visitors. He was lovingly cared for by the kind staff at Minoru Residence. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Aurora; children Luciano and Lora; grandchildren Liam, Sophie, Rory and Isla; and sister Alda. A Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2014 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church, 4451 Williams Road, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation BC or BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated