It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Rigoberto Abundio Milla Vargas after a brave battle with lung cancer.

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Rigoberto passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the age of 77 years old at Riverview Health Centre. 

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Rigo was born on February 27, 1942 in Cabañas, El Salvador to mother Juana Vargas and father Arturo Milla.  He was born into a large family with six brothers and five sisters.   He realized the value of education at a young age and through hard work and commitment graduated from the local College of Commerce in 1962.  He dedicated much effort and commitment to his career and he worked his way up in government  positions and the financial and banking industry over the years, starting  from administrative support work, to bank teller and then to a management career in the local bank.

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Rigo moved from El Salvador to Winnipeg in November of 1985 with his children.  As a single father in a foreign country with a very different climate and no English language skills, he endured many challenges while racing his pre-teen children alone.  He also cherished the many special moments, the laughter, the family dinners and outings, the friends and even the snow.

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He held several jobs in order to provide for his family, including working at Eaton’s and planting trees in northern Manitoba for several years.  He started working at Palliser Furniture in 1990 and retired in February 2018.  He was highly esteemed and respected by his peers and many co-workers called him “papa”.

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Rigo was a humble, simple and modest man who was deeply committed to his children. He went above and beyond for his family.  Despite much adversity throughout his life, Rigo was a gentle man of great strength, wisdom and grace.  He was a selfless man who made a lasting impact on many.

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Rigo enjoyed spending time in nature, going to Birds Hill Park was one of his favourite summer things to do.  He was a huge soccer fan, having played himself in a team in El Salvador and was delighted in watching the World Cup as well as other games. He was introspective and while he was a man of few words, he was deeply compassionate and deep and had a great sense of humour.

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Rigo is survived by his four children Claudia Margarita, Federico Arturo, Kathleen Dayanara, Emperatriz Amada; grandchildren Sheyanne, Curtis, Kiara, Kaylina, Cristobal, Gabriela; and great grandchild Dante Misael.  He was predeceased by his former wife and mother of his children, Esperanza Graciela Hernandez.

 

While we are sad to say goodbye, Rigo will forever live in our hearts. Thank you for all that you were and did for us Papi.

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Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories, and condolences by commenting in the section on the right hand side.