February 3, 2011
Winnipeg, SK
Rev. Dr. Neil Parado, KGOR peacefully, passed away February 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m., at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg surrounded by loved ones and with his wife Gregoria by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Fely and Domingo and his brother Atty. Domingo Jr. He is survived by his sister Evilia in the Philippines and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Felipe (Amparo), Olive (Milton), Patrick (Erlinda), Ben (Alma), and Annie (Ceasar) of Winnipeg, Hermie (David) in California, Pedring (Edit), Raida (Galdino), Ale and sister-in-law Dely in the Philippines. He is mourned by his nieces and nephews: Mae (Don) in Vancouver and sons Tyler and Gabie; Irene (Jim) and daughters Katelyn and Lauryn, Hazel, Charmaine, Darryl and Jayson, Michael, Hamlet (Anna-Marie), Francelou and Chamille in Winnipeg; Don-G and Neil in the Philippines, John (Nadeen) in Toronto, and Kathy and Cristene in California. He will also be fondly remembered by relatives: Benny (Precy), Limson (Gigi), Mila, Rose, Joel (Nanette) and Ronald and Michelle in Winnipeg, Mila (Wayne) in Surrey, Carmen in Salinas, Mickey (Anne) in Akron, Julita and Carmen (Jes) in the Philippines, and Bobski (Clara) in Seattle.
From 1953 to 1960 he obtained his Associate degree in Philosophy (Magna Cum Laude), Bachelor in Education (Cum Laude), Bachelor in Sacred Theology (Summa Cum Laude), Masters in Sacred Theology (Maxima Cum Laude) and doctorate in Sacred Theology (Magna Cum Laude). He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1959 and received the distinction of Rt. Rev. Msgr. in 1972. In 1975, he immigrated to Canada where he became the first Filipino Catholic Priest in Winnipeg, working first at Holy Cross Parish and then at St. Edwards Church. In 1979, he moved to Fisher Branch, Manitoba to pursue teaching in school division #23 and later married Gregoria Gobenciong. He retired in 1991 and quickly became involved with the Filipino Community in Winnipeg: Fundraising Co-ordinator and board member for P.C.C.M.; Coalition of Filipino-Canadians on Violence Prevention; Philippine Heritage Council, M.A.F.T.I., B.I.S.A.M.A.N., and he was the spiritual director of the Cenacle of Sto. Nino.
He was also the Knights of Rizal Area Commander of Western Canada and has had numerous distinguish service medals of Rizal and Certificates conferred on him by the Supreme Commander. Lamay is on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 and Thursday, February 10, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 11, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Parish, 1707 St. John Brebeuf Pl. The Parado and Gobenciong Families wish to profoundly thank one and all for their support, specially the GH3 staff at Health Sciences Centre. May God Bless them and their loved ones!