Passages: Pumanaw – Norberto ‘Bert’ Penaflorida

On February 20, 2020, my sweet dad, Norberto Penaflorida, or “Bert”, as he is lovingly called, left peacefully, surrounded by love ones, to join his parents, Rizalina & Crispin Sr., and his brothers, William, Crispin Jr. & Rolando.

He bids farewell to his grade school sweetheart, Gloria and his little sweetheart, Glonor (Shawn), grandchildren, Mahailia and Braxten, sister, Mila, nieces and nephews, Crina (Joseph), Romil, Myra and Rex; great nieces, Mariah and Kaia and many other nieces & nephews and their families here in Winnipeg, Canada and the Philippines.

My dad was born in Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines in April of 1934. At age 9, dad was given the big responsibility of being the man of the house after grandpa died in WWII.

Dad graduated from Mapua Engineering School as a mechanical engineer in 1956. He then moved to Manila where his first job was in a textile company. He then moved to a dredging company, where he was chief engineer and stayed there until he immigrated to Winnipeg to be with my mom who was soon to give birth to their only child, Glonor…me! In Winnipeg, he worked at CP Rail as a machinist in the Frog shop for 27 years until he retired at the age of 62.

He and my mom we very active in their church community and helped in any way they could. Dad was a Eucharistic minister, a member of The Knights of Rizal and taught Marriage Preparation courses.

We always went on a trip during summer vacation, but when mom retired in 1999, they traveled EVERYWHERE! They traveled all across Canada & mainland USA, the Caribbean islands, the islands of Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico & the Holy Land.

Dad was generally a quiet man (until you got to know him) with a gentle, loving soul, a welcoming smile that would make your day and a voice that would make your heart melt. He had a great sense of humor, loved martial arts, boxing, action movies and target shooting. Dad spoiled us. Not with material things, but with thoughtfulness, little gestures and unconditional love. He loved us so much and it showed in everything he did, every single day of his life. My mom & I were truly blessed to have a husband, & father like my dad.

To celebrate his life, we invite you to his Lamay (Viewing) on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home. 455 Lagimodière Blvd. From 6-11pm. Prayers at 6:30 & service immediately following.

Funeral will be Saturday, Feburary 29, 2020 at St. Edward’s Church. 836 Arlington St. at 10am. Interment and reception will follow at Glen Lawn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please just say a prayer for our family.

• Glonor Penaflorida Holmes