John Raposo

My husband, John grew up with his parents and five brothers in a small town on one of the islands in Azores, Portugal. When John was 14-years-old, his family immigrated to Kingston, Ontario, where he attended high school knowing very limited English. John picked up hobbies of racing cars and body building. His body building career lasted 38 years right up until his diagnosis. His strong work ethic and desire to compete in the sport clean in order to see his children and grandchildren grow up, lead to him competing and winning in many competitions locally, nationally, and globally with myself and often our three children in tow.

John’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was always putting us first. We knew that John loved us not only because he told us every day, but in the loving things he did for his family. You could feel it in his bear hugs. He spent his days off with his grandson, Austin (Best Buddy) and his granddaughter, Gracie (Favourite Girl). Despite being so young when he died, John developed a strong and loving relationship with them both. We frequently share stories about Vô (a shortform of the word for grandfather in Portuguese) and keep his memory alive.

“My dad was my best friend and my hero. He was a man of unwavering dedication, living his life through routines and discipline. Every morning, he would wake up early, train, meal prep and work through his checklist – all before we even got out of bed. By the time we woke up, he was there, making breakfast and spending time with us. Looking back, I realize how much effort he put into making sure we had those moments together. From him, I learned the true value of hard work, commitment, and pouring your energy into the goals you set and the people you love. 

Some of my fondest memories are of my early morning hockey practices. It didn’t matter that he never watched hockey – he showed up to every practice, every game, because he was there for me, no questions asked. My dad was a quiet and reserved man, but his actions spoke louder than words. He always reminded me that anything could be achieved with enough effort, and his life was a testament to that.

My dad once told me he never worried too much about me because he knew I’d always find a way to figure things out. What he didn’t realize is that the mindset and work ethic he admired in me, were the very traits he’d instilled in me. His confidence in me was unwavering, and that gave me the strength to tackle anything life throws my way. His love and dedication continue to shape who I am today, and if I can be half the father he was, I’ll consider myself successful.” 

– Chris, son

“From my head to my toes, as far as I go, Vô will follow me wherever I go. As an angel or any animal, he can be whatever he wants, as long as he’s in our hearts. He’s our hero and will always be. He taught me to cook and love. He tried to split his time between everyone and he did. His time was special, so we tried to not waste it. I was young so I didn’t quite understand the whole cancer thing but now I understand that cancer can sometimes beat the person that is trying to fight it and no one should go through all the love and pain. He was friends with everyone, especially to me and Gracie. We will always remember him and the love he always gave us. He will forever be loved. He will always be our hero.” – Austin, grandson

“Vô will always be in our hearts. He is a handsome angel and he is loved more than anything in the world. And he is as strong as a tiger. And he is fun, silly, sweet, and crazy. I enjoyed playing peek-a-boo and cuddling with him and when he read books to me. He is loved more than anything.” 

– Gracie, granddaughter

John was always willing to help someone out in need. I learned to always have a place setting ready for the inevitable friend that did not have a place to go that John would last minute invite over for the holidays. He was highly respected by those he built relationships with. His smile would light up a room and his laughter was infectious. You could not help but like John. He was genuinely interested in others’ lives. Despite being in management, he would take time to chat with the employees in the lunch room.

When John was diagnosed, the doctors told him that if it was not for the cancer, he was healthier than anyone else they knew, including themselves. John faced his battle with cancer much like he did training for a body building competition, telling himself that this is what he had to do and would just put his head down and do it. We are grateful that he was in as good of health as he was when he was diagnosed as it allowed him to take on many different forms of treatment that others may not have been able to tolerate as he did, hoping to find the one that would work. We feel fortunate that this at least bought us more time with him. Though there can never be enough time, he lost his battle 6 months after being diagnosed.

The loss of someone like John has had a profound impact on all the people he touched in his life. John was months away from retirement and very healthy and so many that knew him have chosen to not wait to retire as they tell us if it could happen to someone like John, who was so healthy, it can happen to anyone. We have all learned how short and precious life is and to never take it for granted and to live in the moment, something we all can struggle to do.

John held out hope for a treatment that would work right up until the end. He never got angry about his diagnosis. As of man of faith, he was willing to accept that it was his time to go if it meant that a child with cancer may be saved by God.

In honour of John’s memory, our family is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for blood cancer in hopes that other families do not have to go through the experience of losing someone they love.