SQUAMISH, B.C. — Ruy Paes-Braga passed away last week at the age of 76. Paes-Braga had an illustrious career in the hotel industry, having worked for many years at Four Seasons hotels in Ottawa, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.
Born June 11, 1940 in Lisbon, Portugal, Paes-Braga immigrated to Canada in July 1975 to begin what would be a celebrated career in the hospitality industry. A leader and mentor to young people over the years, he was an example of an honourable, ethical and passionate hotelier, receiving a number of awards and accolades, including the Commander of the Order of Merit from the Government of Portugal (2002) and an inductee in the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame (2006). He was passionate about wine and food and began the wine tasting events in the Four Seasons Hotel that eventually lead to the launch of the Vancouver Wine Festival. Along with Isabelle Diamond, he was instrumental in creating the “Festival of Trees” and Chrystal Ball — a Christmas fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital which is still going strong 30 years later.
Paes-Braga is survived by his wife Debbie, sons, Anthony and Brian, grandson Salvador (Ana Rita, d. 2009 ), brother Joa˜o Paes-Braga, sister-in-law Teresa and many cousins, nieces, nephews, godsons and friends in both Canada and Portugal. In lieu of a service, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday,
May 6, 2017. To share in the celebration, contact [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in his memory to Hilltop House Support Society 38146 Behrner Dr Squamish, B.C.V8B 0C8 http://www.canadahelps.org/en/ charities/hilltop-house-support-society
