Horacio De liema Carvalho

Mr. Horacio De Liema Carvalho of London Ontario passed away at Middlesex Terrace Thursday Jan 14th 2021 after a mercifully short, courageous battle against Covid-19. He was a valued employee at London life until his retirement. He was 80 yrs old.
He was born on the island of Flores, of the Islands of the Azores. Horacio immigrated to Canada in his mid 20 's and made London. The Kiefer family he boarded with became his 2nd family. Horacio loved the outdoors, often fishing in his boat with his godson Dustin and and Mathew . He loved playing his mandolin even in hospital. He entertained scores of children and adults alike in local parks with his hand made puppets.


Although he never married or had children he was the lifelong friend and partner of Magdalena Kiefer (deceased 2019) and a father figure to her daughter Angela and her grandson, his godson Dustin.

He is predeceased by his beloved parents Alfredo and Padema Carvalho of Azores. Survived by his siblings, Celina Mendoza, Maria Alice Avelar, and Maria Jose Avelar of the USA. His beloved niece and goddaughter Lucy Ball and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his adopted family especially the younger generations who grew up with him in their lives.


Horacio's kindness and helpfulness touched many people. He was well known in the Portuguese community, often going to the Marconi club. He was a frequent customer of the London Portuguese bakery across from his residence. At Christmas and Thanksgiving he always arrived with bags of their buns in hand.


Horacio suffered a catastrophic event February 2019 which led to his adopted family in Canada communicating with his family in the US. Angela and Lucy spoke regularly and the family entrusted his care to be appointed to Angela. Pictures of his sister, Lucy, her wedding were all shared with Horacio over the next 23 months. Messages of care and love were passed to him on each visit from all he loved and those that loved him. He was cared for at LHSC, Victoria campus for 6 months where made a miraculous recovery. He became a residence of Middlesex Terrace Nursing home in Delaware. He quickly became a beloved member of their community. He played the organ, watched three's company laughing out loudly at the antics of Jack Ritter. He participated in trips, bingos, and crafts, building a birdhouse and carving a pumpkin which he proudly showed off at the entrance of the nursing home. He spent hours feeding chipmunks in front of the home. He developed a special bond with Flavia Hladysh, who adopted him as a grandfather and facilitated outdoor and window visits during covid. Horacio enjoyed speaking Portuguese with Dr. Furtado. Horacio's love for his home country and family remained strong. He often share childhood stories of his parents and his dog. When his sister and her family moved to California they left Lucy's cat with him. Sadly the cat ran away in the 1st Week. For years Horacio sent pictures of Patrick, Angela's cat to Lucy so she would not be hurt. She only found out after his death. A true testament to his inherent goodness and love of family.


Graveside services by Rev. Danny Santos will take place Monday January 18th 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Woodland cemetery. Horacio will be laid to rest in a grove of trees where his beloved deers rest at night. This spot was specially chosen, generations of Kiefer children played and had their pictures taken on a set of deer Horacio bought for Magdalena. He repaired and cared for them for almost 4 decades, they remain in safe keeping with Magdalena's family.


At the request of his loved ones the graveside service will be shared on zoom please contact Angela for details.

Thoughts and prayers from family and friends go out to Middlesex Terrace staff and residents who continue to fight Covid-19. Special thanks to an Aunomole Joseph R.N. and Dr. Furtado, who fought to keep Horacio with us and provided love and comfort in his last days. Thanks to Katrina R.P.N., Rebecca, who facilitated a final facetime and to all PSW's and support staff who cared for him these past 18 months.

Horacio, rest safely in the arms of Jesus, with those you love. You will be loved and remembered by many.

Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca. O'Neil Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.