The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

2- The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 2, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com St. James says so long to a friend in deed By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The first severe winter storm of the season did not deter parents, teachers and students from turning out at St. James School earlier this month to bid farewell to a beloved friend and school icon. School custodian Americo Antunes, 65, recently announced he was calling it a career, after 20 years of service, with his retirement taking effect as of the new year. During Antunes' two decades with St. James School, his kindness endeared him to all those around him. "It will be given, at the end of the year, to any student who demonstrates a zest for life and a love of St. James School. We now have the Americo Antunes Viva Award." Michele Braida, principal St. James School A school assembly, held in Antunes' honour, where staff and students alike shed tears over his impending departure, was testimony to that. Flanked by his wife, Lina, and son, Danny, Antunes was led into the school's gymnasium, where he received thunderous applause from all who had come to see him. GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR WE SERVICE: CFM, DRU GSM, Hunter, Insta-Flame, Valor, Napoleon, Regency, Majestic, Heat-N-Gllo, Heatilator, Selkirk, GTI, Dovre, Pacific Energy, Security, HearthStone, Montigo, Lennox, Temco, Kingsman, Polaris, Heritage, Drolet, Continental, Vermont Casting, Osburn & Many Other Brands Solving Problems Since 1982 "Father, we thank you for the opportunity to know this incredible person who so genuinely shares his spirit with those around him everyday," said St. James School principal Michele Braida, during the assembly's opening prayer. "We pray that you fill him with the knowledge of how much he is loved and how much he will be missed." Those present were then treated to a video featuring photos of Antunes, which were shown while the Green Day song Time of Your Life played in the background. The video thanked Antunes for the countless ways he had brought joy to the school during his career there, which ranged DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER THANK YOU: St. James School custodian Americo Antunes accepts gifts from principal Michele Braida during a school assembly to celebrate his retirement and say farewell to a friend. from making a daily coffee run for school staff to giving the school library a beautiful new paint job. Words used to describe Antunes flashed across the screen with `kind,' `generous' and `always smiling' making an appearance along with their Portuguese translations to honour Antunes' heritage. Throughout the presentation, Antunes was visibly moved, often holding his face in his hands with tears running down his cheeks. At one point, Braida called Antunes before the crowd where she presented him with a school scrapbook and informed him that from this time forward an award bearing his name would be given to a student every year. "It will be given, at the end of the year, to any student who demonstrates a zest for life and a love of St. James School," said Braida. "We now have the Americo Antunes Viva Award." Americo's son then spoke to the crowd, reading a letter he and his father had composed for the people of St. James School. "You have all helped him create memories that will last a lifetime. This school will always hold a special place in his heart," said Danny. "He will never forget each and every one of you kids, your smiling faces as he came down the hall each morning, how some of you helped him when he needed help. Even watching you grow up (is something he will never forget)." To the staff, Antunes noted that every time he goes through a Tim Hortons drive-thru he would pause and think of them. With the presentation complete, Antunes received another round of applause and then hugged a seemingly unending throng of students and staff before making his way, with the staff, to a special reception. As cake was passed out, Antunes reflected, through his son who translated for him, on the presentation he'd just seen. "I'm overwhelmed," he said. "Very sad, but at the same time grateful for what everyone has done. This is a great moment for me. I'm very happy and, honestly, words cannot express what this all means to me." For his retirement, Antunes said he intends to keep busy and visit St. James School as often as he can. Braida said such visits would be greatly appreciated. "You are always welcome here, every day, forever and ever," she said. "Americo, I never say goodbye, I'll only say, I'll see you later." Experience is the difference! 905-845-0701 Email:scott@gasfix.ca Carpet Cleaning Specialists Since 1952 day r atu S ds En LAST DAY TO Spot! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WALL TO WALL FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS PERSIAN & ORIENTAL Truck Mount In-Plant Service Water Damage Restoration SAVE THE 25% Drop-off Discount! TAX * On Already Sale Priced DURHAM FURNITURE Custom Orders * Sale Prices Include Both Taxes FREE 250 ml SPOTTING BOTTLE www.onthespotcleaning.ca 1446 WALLACE RD., OAKVILLE, ON Bronte t 217 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville Since 1953 About today's paper Due to the Jan. 1 New Year's Day holiday, this issue of the Oakville Beaver was produced on Wednesday, Dec. 31. For coverage of the annual Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip in Coronation Park on New Year's Day see the Oakville Beaver, Jan. 3 edition. 905-825-4256 QEW W Speers Wallace www.swissinteriors.com 905.844.3530