Lorenzo Cabanilla

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Lorenzo “Lorenz/Larry” Cabanilla, our beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He passed away peacefully at the age of 51 on Friday, June 14th, with his loved ones by his side.

Lorenzo was born on March 17th, 1973, to Melencio and Nilda Cabanilla in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He grew up in San Felipe, Muñoz, went to Muñoz National High School, and pursued nursing at Wesleyan University in the Philippines. Lorenzo resided in the Philippines for most of his life, caring for his family, and farming alongside his siblings, serving the community as a nurse in the ER department at the Good Samaritan Hospital, and creating life-long connections with numerous people. He then lived in Saudi Arabia, where he continued his work as an ER nurse at the Riyadh Military Hospital for over ten years. During this time, he provided care for others alongside his wife, made more loving and everlasting friendships, and collected extraordinary experiences that he would tell as stories to his children and friends. Lorenzo moved to Canada with his family in 2009, briefly living in Yorkton and Humboldt. He and his family eventually settled in Saskatoon, calling it their home and establishing a chosen family of friends there. Lorenzo worked at Trinity Manor Assisted Living, where he went above and beyond to entertain and care for the elders, who were retired nuns and priests. His character shone through in every interaction and brought joy and laughter to the lives of those he cared for. Through working and living in countless places, Lorenzo became a brotherly figure to many friends and a fatherly figure to the families of the people he met.

Lorenzo was not just a father to Lyrra, Lara, and Josh Cabanilla, who live up to his legacy, but also a devoted husband to Melissa Cabanilla for over 25 years. He was a loving brother to six other siblings (Marife, Leonard, Roilan, Maricel, Marie Anne, and Melanie) and an ambitious, passionate nurse, nurse aide, and Uber driver who touched many lives with his vibrant and friendly personality. His remarkable life was abundant with astonishing road trips and travels around the world, various impressive carpentry and gardening projects, a passion for biking and being in nature, people worldwide who treasured his friendship, countless jokes, laughs, and smiles, unwavering faith in the Lord, and immense love from his family and friends. Lorenzo also loved animals, especially birds, caring for many at home, in his workplace, and watching his two birdhouses in his backyard daily. He was exceptional in everything he did, but he put his entire heart into caring for others and doing the right thing. Lorenzo's impact on the community was profound, as he was known for his selflessness, kindness, and willingness to help people. He was known as the jack-of-all-trades to his loved ones. He was light-hearted and determined, always ready to lend a helping hand or put a smile on someone's face. Lorenzo was always up to something, and it was always for someone. He never expected anything in return and did it out of the kindness of his heart. If there was anything that Lorenzo has preached throughout his life that has stuck with many people, it was to have strength through family, remain humble, stay resilient in the face of hardship, love and be kind to one another, and remember, "With God, all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

Lorenzo faced his battle with Metastatic Stage 4 Cancer with incredible strength and unwavering faith. Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, he remained a pillar of resilience, drawing strength from his deep-rooted beliefs in God and the love of his dear friends and family. Every day was a testament to his courage and faith as he fought fiercely against the disease, never losing his fighting spirit. Lorenzo's achievements and contributions, including his dedication to his loved ones, his career in nursing, and his impact on the lives of others, will forever be remembered. The lessons he taught about kindness and humbleness, the compassion he showed to everyone he met, and the courage he displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity will eternally be in everyone's hearts. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of resilience and love will continue to inspire and guide us daily.

Lorenzo shared a beautiful message of hope and comfort with his family in his final moments. He told them to find him in the sky and in the birds, believing his spirit would always be near, watching over them. Every view of the sun, every reflection of the moon, every delicate cloud that appears, and every bird's presence and song will be a reminder of his enduring presence and love. His wish for everyone, especially his children, to find him in God's creation of nature offers us serenity, hope, and a profound sense of connection, knowing that his spirit lives on in the world around us and that he is peacefully home again.

We are blessed and thankful for our family's love, support, and empathy during this difficult time. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of kindness from Lorenzo's friends, co-workers, and loved ones worldwide. We are incredibly grateful for those who, though not bonded by blood, are bonded by pure love, care, and eternal friendship. Although some are farther away than others, Lorenzo felt the presence of each person who reached out, visited, and thought about him and his family, and it lifted his spirits immensely.

Thank you to Lorenzo's entire palliative care team, the remarkable staff at St. Paul's Hospital and Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, the caring community of Holy Spirit Parish, and Mourning Glory Funeral Home for Lorenzo's treatment and care and honouring his wishes.

The Viewing of Lorenzo will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Time of fellowship to follow in the church hall. All gatherings will be held on Friday June 21st, 2024 at Holy Spirit Parish (114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon). Although optional, the family kindly asks to please wear white. Those who cannot attend in person please visit https://funeraweb.tv/beloved/136855 to view the service.

Forever in our hearts, Lorenzo will be deeply missed and eternally loved by every soul he touched throughout his beautiful life. With hearts full of love and gratitude, we honour Lorenzo's memory and find comfort in the beauty of the sky and the song of the birds, knowing he is always with us and is at peace in the Lord's everlasting home.

Arrangements entrusted to Kyle Werminsky.