It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joao Humberto (John) Santo Semedo on July 16, 2022 at the age of 60. John was born in Val de Ilhavo, Portugal in 1961 and made Canada his home in 1979. Loving husband and partner to Robin for 41 years, loving father to Adelino (Dara) and Angela (Mervin), Proud Grandpa to Mai, Jackson Jennifer and Luca, cherished by David. Predeceased by his father, Antonino and Mother, Alzera (nee Santo) and by siblings Antonino, Helder (Fatima), Delfim, Delfim, Sergio, Alzera, and Sara and by his niece Carmen and great-nephew Andre. Dear brother to Dinora (Joao), Odete (Yyves), Francisco (Jose), Sofia(Manuel), Adelino(Lucia), Carlinhos(Lurdes), Augusta(Geraldo), and Esperanca(Jose). John will be missed lovingly by his many nieces and nephews. Dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend to his extended family in Ontario.
Upon arriving in Canada John studied English as a Second Language at George Brown College. He began working in the Polymer industry as a press line worker and molder. As a dedicated and relentless worker he continued and furthered his career in the same industry for 41 years. For the past 20 years John worked as a scheduler and planner for Polycorp in Elora. John became a Canadian Citizen in 1985. He studied high school in Ilhavo and earned his Secondary School Education Diploma in 1979. With a never ending thirst for knowledge John studied English, Mathematics and Mathematics for Technology, at the school for Continuing Education with the Upper Grand District School Board and earned his Ontario Secondary School Diploma in 1999 John then attended The Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology studied and earned his Microsoft Certification Preparatory Program Certificate in the same year. He furthered his studies at Conestoga College and successfully completed the requirement to be recognized as a Microsoft Certified Professional Engineer. John loved spending time with his family. He was an avid reader, he enjoyed watching Futebol and was a fan of La Liga. He enjoyed camping, gardening and volunteering in the community. He will be missed and remembered by his many friends, colleagues and neighbors and it is with certainty that all who knew him will miss his quick wit, humor and kindness. A special thank you to Dr. Husien, Dr. Shafir, Dr. Robertson and Dr. Chan along with his team at the Guelph General Hospital, his PSW’s and Nurse Susan (collectively his second family) for all your support, help, and kindness. John was also part of another special group of friends at Wellington Hospice. Thank you Garth, volunteers and fellow group members, it was truly the highlight of his weekly activities from his first meeting with you up to his last. We love you John, now and forever.
Friends will be received at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 10 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service in the chapel at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed via ZOOM beginning at 11 a.m. and the link will be accessible at gilbertmacintyreandson.com. A reception will follow the service in the Hart Fellowship Lounge.