To the Portugal Family,
So sorry to hear the loss of the most compassionate Doctors the Filipino community at Jamestown lost. You were very caring, understanding and down to earth to all your patients no matter where they came from. I cannot forget you talking sense to my Mom when I was pregnant. Your chat with her made her open her eyes and realize, "Life is not Perfect and such no one is Perfect". You were not only a great Doctor however, you were such a good kind-hearted person who put yourself in others' shoes. You helped my Mom when she was new to Canada. You helped me during the hardest times when I had my firstborn and I will never forget that. My Daughter thinks highly of Dr. Portugal and we were truly saddened to hear the sad news. Though we moved far away from Downtown, we still appreciated the times you helped us. Now 2 yrs after your passing, I am sure you have found comfort, love and infinite abundance in jubilant joyful celebrations in Heaven with your parents and loved ones. 
Left but not forgotten by thousands.
Eliza, Kayla, Bernice, and Kara

Condolences


My dear colleague and friend,

It is with great sadness that I am writing today to express my condolences to your family. Words don’t even start to explain how sad our family was when we received the unfortunate news.
You were one of those rare people, like gemstone that we were lucky enough to cross paths with, in our lives.
You would help anyone that came your way, and it was only so natural to you, without any strain or little dauts if you should do so.
I know people would find some good words to write about their friends when they leave this world, but this is not why I am writing today. It is the bare minimum and our duty to thank you for being a great doctor, friend and citizen.
We are happy we have met you and really sad that you have gone so quickly.
You really supported my progress in medicine although you, yourself did not know how much you influenced it.
You supported not only your community where your routes come from, and the wider community; but simply anyone that needed your help, advise or support.
Rest in peace my friend and hope you are in a better place already!
I express here my condolences to the family and the community for loosing their member and with great sorrow I express my condolences to the worldwide community of doctors that you have inspired and supported. 
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss !

With great respect
RIP

I feel so teary when I found out that Doc Portugal is gone. His one of best and kindest doctor that I eveeeeer met. He helped a lot of people specially me and my husband. We will never forget Doctor Portugal. Godbless you Doctor :) Salamat po Doctor Francisco sa lahat :(

I can vouch for this beautiful man his goodness, honesty, sincerity & professionalism.
My mentor ... my hero ... thank you for opening the doors for me & Armie during the early 90s.
A good Doctor, gentleman & businessman. Much love & respect.
RIP ... Dr. Portugal

In October 2017, Dr. Francisco Portugal initiates medical and other relief efforts for the Philippines the "bayanihan" way through the Canadian Aid & Relief Project (CARP) that he had founded and headed as president. "Doc Kiko" to friends, he passed away on February 10, 2021. The video is at: https://youtu.be/yPLn2ZEDpBI

In further remembrance of Dr. Kiko Portugal, here's a video of him in 2011 during a project launching of CARP. The link is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKffRfN8qkI

Sharing our deep sorrow to "Dr. Francisco Portugal Family"...Our great closed family friends....Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Words can’t describe how sorry we are at this loss. You’re in our prayers. RIP for now to Dr. Portugal and we’ll meet you again in that great resurrection morning... 

Today in #HoC I paid tribute to a beloved member of #TorontoCentre.

Dr. Portugal has made a profound impact on our community and touched the lives of many. You will be missed greatly.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, staff and patients of Dr. Portugal.

#TorCentre

Posted by Marci Len
Member of House of Parliament for the Toronto Centre in the House of Commons

I had the honour of being a good friend of Dr. Portugal for over 25 years. He was a compassionate brilliant man who gave to his community and anyone in need. He was very generous and supported many wonderful projects. He was an excellent physician and businessman. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He loved his family and was very proud of each and everyone of them. I miss him terribly but am thankful for the memories of the times shared with him. Rest in peace my dear friend. The world was a better place thanks to having Sr. Portugal for 69 years.

When I met you several times with allan at a coffee shop at my convenience, you are such a spoken man with a very kind heart and very understanding with people around you; your such a nice and easy-going person to be with as a friend and a doctor; at lagi ka pong nasipot; rain, snow, and shine; last time we talked and finalizing in regards to your business restaurant; after a couple of months discussing what I can contribute to the business, as we spoke you really wanted to grow that food business; all of a sudden your not replying my messages; then I heard you were hospitalized and after that, I didn't hear anything anymore from you, not replying to my messages! The next thing I knew, on the post that you passed away; I was shocked and sad! I thank God I met you, even a short period of time, and get to know such a wonderful person like you! Thank you so much for the MATCHA drink treats; I always ordered when we have a meeting. Goodbye Doc! R.I.P.! My deepest sympathy, to your loving wife and the rest of the family! God bless you all! May your family finds peace and harmony, knowing our Doctor is now, in good hands!

Our condolences and prayers to your family.

Condolences to the bereaved family. Your loved ones has left behind memories that will live in your heart forever.

Posted by Bernardita Gonzales | 22-Feb-2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with Alo and the entire Portugal family on the passing of Dr Kiko Portugal. May you be consoled by the many memories of his generosity and care for his fellowmen. May he rest in eternal peace. Mel and Tita Falcon

Posted by Mel Falcon | 22-Feb-2021

We are saddened to hear that Dr. Francisco Portugal passed away. Dr. Portugal will always be remembered as he has touched the lives of many including us. We will pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Dr. Portugal and also keep your family in our prayers. Our deepest condolences.

Posted by Renato and Mae Alampay | 22-Feb-2021

To my kind uncle Kiko,
   Being my uncle was a great thing happened in my life. For those never ending memories with been together since we met was such a great experience happen to me and to my mom. Magkasama tayo nagbakasyon sa iba't ibang magagandang lugar at kumain ng masasarap na pagkain na talagang naenjoy namin. Kapag bumibisita ka sa Pilipinas, naalala ko ang mga magandang damit, materyal na gamit at mga masasarap na mga pasalubong binigay niyo sa amin na hindi maibigay sakin ni mommy and ni daddy. Hinding hindi mawawala ang saya namin pag kasama ka. Hindi kita nakitang galit o malungkot kundi saya at punong puno ng sigla at pagmamahal sa iyong mukha. Uncle, maraming salamat sa lahat lahat, sa mga tulong na binibigay mo sa amin nila daddy at mommy. Salamat sa mga magaganda at masayang alaala na sobrang naappreciate namin. We will miss you Uncle. We always love you. Rest peacefully Uncle

I am thankful to Dr. Kiko for accepting me to be one of his assistant in his clinic. He was very supportive and encouraging to me and my family. I admire his dedication and commitment to serve all his patients. He has taught me a lot in those years. Now that you're gone. I have a lost a mentor and a friend. You will be greatly missed Dok Kiko. Rest in Peace.

By: Antonieto Sajul

Uncle Kiko... I will forever miss you! Thank you for all the wonderful childhood memories. Most of them were spent at your house. I only wish I had made more memories with you as an adult. I will always remember your sense of humor, calmness, kindness and generosity.

To auntie Alu, Viv, Dex and Woody... I love you all. Your dad lives on through you guys. You all have the best qualities of your dad!

Doc Kiko was a man of principles. He was a friend, a fighter, a believer in doing things the right way. In October 2014, he vindicated himself in his fight with Filipino Centre Toronto which he co-founded. My video is at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqlJH4SIYsc&list=UUjYsgGZZAP7lpqJczW4z47g. The accompanying story is in the comments section.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Kiko, thank you so much for helping me and act as my lawyer, when I was in trouble in Toronto. May your soul rest in peace.

Uncle Kix and Uncle Bembot were always there for me and my cousins when we were students in FEU! Both of them will always treat us out in Little Quiapo! Even when he migrated to Canada, We always looked forward to his visits in the Philippines because for sure he will treat us again! That is my generous and kind Uncle! Gone but not forgotten! He will always be remembered with great affection!! Rest in peace with the Lord, Uncle!

Posted by Delilah “Iya” Tuason Arenas
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 

You will be missed, my friend of many years. Thank you for the fellowship and being there for me. You were a good healer, husband, father and most of all a very proud grandfather. I applaud your legacy..... Rest in peace Dr. P.

sincerely,

caesar i. ocreto 

May we all find comfort in the assurance that there is a resurrection morning when we all will behold the Savior's face. Then we will meet our loves ones who had gone before. To the family, may God sustain you in these trying hours. God bless you all!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and family in this difficult time.

The moment I met you for the first time, I knew I’m going to enjoy working for you. This is how I met Dr Francisco Portugal or more popularly known as “Kiko”, my first employer in Canada. Working for him made you felt that you’re not just one of his employees but a part of his family. Imagine, being treated like one of his own. We worked hard but had lots of fun which made you feel if workplace stress ever exist. The laughter was always part of our daily work routine with Kiko around and the gatherings/celebrations that we had with his family always made you feel so special.  A very humble, down to earth and an extremely funny Doctor that I ever met in my whole life. Doc, it has been an honor to have known you, let alone worked for you. An experience or privilege of a lifetime that I have and always cherished in my life. Thank you and as I have said when I left, “Boss Kiko, no goodbyes, only see you later”. Always your loyal employee, Allan

May you rest in peace From your friends in Tahanan 6 A Greenlaw Ave

Uncle Kiko, we will miss you❤️Thank you... its 430 am, i just got home at midnight from work. Its almost 430 am and in 2 hrs its gonna be your memorial service. I want to share this bible verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...

We were best of friends growing up in manila together w/alou's family..up until college till he passed his board exam and in canada.he in toronto me in vancouver.we used to spend new year's and christmases together and sleep over at their house.he was a very bright boy n lots of fun to be with "kiko" talaga in tagalog kalog.he was slways a supportive best friend to me.he encouraged me to pursue my goals in life...so young gone so soon!will talk and concur again one day am sue and no good byes just enjoy the next journey..KIX!!

Posted by Emmanuel Esperat
Manila Center Seventh Day Adventist Church
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

So many called you “Doc” or Dr. Portugal, but to me you were Uncle Kiko! You were one my favorite uncles, not because you showered us with gifts but because you were always kind and always made us feel like we were special. Growing up, we moved around with Lola and Lolo. It was very unstable, but whenever we came to your house it always felt like home. You allowed us to just be kids. Sleep overs at your house was always fun, you let us stay up all night playing Nintendo, you took us to the movies, and took us out to dinner at Swiss Chalet. I have so many happy childhood memories with you. We were so lucky to have you as our uncle! You were truly the best uncle!

I hope you and Lola are dancing in heaven! I’m sure she is happy to be with you again! Thank you for your kindness and your generosity! You will be dearly missed and always loved! Rest in love, Uncle Kiko!

Posted by his niece, Eileen Vernette Portugal Iligan-Justice
Daly City,  California

From: Kiko’s Angels
To the family of Dr. Portugal, we are with you in this time of sorrow. We called ourselves KIKO’S Angels and with the blessing of our dearest Doctor Portugal we are and we will be forever KIKO’S Angels. So proud and very happy to know we are his angels. It was through Dr. Portugal’s clinic, where the 4 of us, Violy, Cathy, Marife and I met and from then on nourished a very special friendship.

Lucy Adea:
It started when I was hired as secretary at his medical clinic in Toronto. I won’t forget his final question to me during my interview for the job upon learning I came from the town of Paete, Laguna, which is known for it’s sweet lanzones and woodcarvings. “How many ‘kaing’ are being harvested in each lanzones tree?” I was stunned by his final inquiry, it really showed he was not only a medical practitioner but a born businessman as well.
I was his secretary for almost 8 years before I was finally transferred to the other clinic where unfortunately he won’t be my “boss” anymore. It was not an easy decision as he was the one who hired me and gave me the Canadian experience which is very hard to gain upon stepping in a foreign land. During those 8 years, I witnessed how dedicated he was as a family doctor. Not only to the medical side of every patient but to the personal aspects of an individual. Anything you asked from him, he will try and make sure he will be of help. He won’t say No, he will find ways to be of help and assistance to each who will seek help from him.
Not only one or two businesses he opened, from remittance center, restaurant and even housing projects in our homeland. I remember when I told him. “Doc mas passion mo pa ang business kesa sa pagiging MD.” And he just smiled and winked, he was so focused in his business ventures and he said through these he was able to help and give work to the unemployed. But he also had this dream of a medical building where you will walk in and everything will be in the premises.
As a family physician, he was a great doctor, he was very knowledgeable and very experienced. And as a confirmation, he was the first one to observe and prediagnosed Ron’s condition as a special need at the age of 2. And from then on he was with us in Ron’s journey in the world of autism. And even though we are under the care of another physician, he never failed to ask and follow up on Ron’s progress. Though he missed to attend Ron’s solo concerts he was able to listen to Ron’s classical pieces when we visited him in their home on October 14, 2019, before the pandemic started. He was so happy and so amazed on Ron’s playing for an hour, as if he was at Ron’s concert playing his favourite classical pieces. We promised him we will come back to play for him again, not knowing it will be the first and last time for Ron to play to his favourite doctor. We are truly thankful we were able to see him before the lockdown and before his passing.
He never ceases to help us in all aspects, he always has a ready hand not only to us but to everyone who knew him. And I know it’s the same with my colleagues and “BFF”....”We are truly grateful to you Doc Kiko until we meet again”.

Violy Boltron:
I first met Dr. Portugal when I did my practical when I was a student of Robetech Institute. He was very accommodating, very friendly and easy to get along with. Little did I know that he will be my boss later on.
After I finished my course as a medical office assistant, I was able to work at Dr. Portugal’s Office, my very first job after my arrival in Canada in 1995. Working for Dr. Portugal was quite a learning experience. He was easy to work with. He was unfazed by anything. He had a cool “as a cucumber” attitude with everything. Patients and friends loved him. He was that kind of person who never said “no” to anyone asking for help or favor. He was the go to man if one needs his support, his opinion.
“Life is too short”, we often hear. It may be short for Doc but he surely left an everlasting impact on those whose lives he touched. Thank you Doc for everything that you have done for me and Doods. May you Rest In Peace with our Creator.

Marife Laceda:
I am ever grateful and fortunate that I’ve met my husband through him. Over the years that I’ve known him as a doctor and a person he was a man of great personality and kind hearted to his patients, in and out of the clinic. He was a popular businessman too, well known in Toronto’s Filipino community. A good father, provider and has that cheerful demeanour towards people. He has that charisma most doctors don’t have. You see a man who cared much about his profession and you could always speak to him and accommodate you as a person. Through those years, he remained as popular and the same doctor people would want to see...tireless and effortless.
A quick throwback, I met him and started working for him and for Dr. Chan in 1991 as a part time receptionist after school. Here’s a brief intro, my brother’s wife was Doc’s sister in law. This is the beginning of the good friendship between the Kiko’s angels, which was a gift from heaven above. Dr. Francisco Portugal, you will always be in our hearts, in our thoughts and the fond memories we surely will forever treasure... May you Rest In Peace and you finally come home to where our real home is...God’s kingdom and Jesus our Lord and Saviour. And to the bereaved family, our prayers and deepest sympathy.


Cathy De Grano:
First and foremost, we we’re saddened to hear Dr Portugal’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Alu and family! Rest in peace Doc!
It started when I worked at his clinic 27 years ago as a receptionist. Dr Portugal were blessings to many, especially to newcomer immigrants like myself. I was able to work at his office to gain a Canadian experience. He’s very generous and compassionate to everyone whoever needed any help.
I will always remember the respect my late parents had for him. I remember everytime my parents went back home, they would never forget to bring back Dr Portugal’s favorite fruit ”chico”. Almost half of the balikbayan box was filled with chico, only for him. As our family physician, both my parents and parents in law found the best care on him. “Makita lang nila si Dr.Portugal ay gumaganda na ang pakiramdam nila”. He has this special charisma that only him can give to his patients. He will be missed!
And indeed I am grateful and fortunate, that Kiko’s angels was born and we will cherish these beautiful friendship that started through him.
Thanks Doc, may you rest in peace.

To Alu and family, please accept our deepest sympathy—- Kiko’s Angels

My fondest memory of Uncle Kiko goes back 30 plus years when I went to Toronto to go to school. In a strange city far from home, student living, surviving on peanut butter sandwiches, and alone. Uncle Kiko and auntie Allo always invited me to eat Filipino food, and made sure I was never lonely. My uncle’s love & generosity helped me to survive school. Now I have a family of my own, and my grown children have also fond memories of the loving & generous nature of their great uncle. I am so grateful to have had Uncle Kiko in my life. His legacy will continue to live on because of the impact he had on everybody that was in his life.

Are you the Kiko we've been with during our summer workcamp in Ifugao when we were at Manila Center Church?
A jolly good fellow indeed, bathing with the other guys in stream without their undies then came running when leeches stuck on them hahaha...
Kiddos to you Dr. Kiko Portugal. I didn't know you've been a doctor because haven't heard from you since then.
Posted by Leonora Cucio Cabiedes from Manila Center SDA Church, Quezon City, Philippines 

Even in death you are still loved by many and forever will be. sign of what a great human being you are. Doc, I will miss you ... No more  chit chat everytime I go to your clinic . No more jokes and smile to share,  no more fundraising trip to the casino,  no more gala nights , no more meetings at Timothy's for your Canadian and relief  program (CARP) or any fundraising events that you support  but most of all no more LIKE YOU , you're ONE IN A MILLIONS Dr.Francisco Portugal You have touched the hearts of so many who owe you a lifetime gratitude ( im one of them ). We are not saying goodbye forever , but goodbye for now. I pray that you find peace and rest wherever you are. Rest in peace my TRUE blue friend...thank you for being our family doctor but mostly, thank you for being my friend...with that I'm very grateful. You will be missed

I am grateful that I was truly blessed by God for giving me the gift of you. You are the first person to help me find a job when I came to Canada, the kindest employer I know. You treated me like a family and loved me and everyone that is important to me as well. You are a simple person with a big heart, a very generous person as you are compassionate to everyone who ever came to you for help. I am very proud and lucky to have been a part of your extraordinary life. I can honestly say that I am a living testimony of your exemplary saintly actions. Everything that I am now, I acknowledge that you have played a major role in. I am sure that I am just one of the countless people, whose hearts you have greatly touched. Thank you very much for all the love Doc.. I am heartbroken and will miss you terribly but I’m happy to know that you and my dad will now be at peace in heaven. I prayed to God for an angel and He gave me you. You will forever be in my heart.

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.

We will never forget you Kuya Kiko.  You are best remembered of your humility and compassion. You treated everyone with respect and dignity. Through the mercy of God, rest in peace Kuya.

I will always remember Dr. Portugal’s generosity and philanthropy. It was an honour to work with him and CARP volunteers to raise funds, including through the 2015 Bayanihan Ball, to transform a remote Boholano barangay’s school from broken slats of bamboo to a proper school house, complete with CRs, handwashing, and a septic system. This community’s lives have been changed forever. I will also always remember the great respect my late mother, Dr. Honorata Migriño Stephenson, had for him as a friend and colleague. Godspeed, Dr. Portugal. Thank you for all that you contributed to your fellow humans during your well-lived life. I will carry you in my heart always.

A compassionate doctor loved by many. Generous and very kind. To me, he is my cool uncle. One who listens to my stories without judgment and laughs at my silly jokes. Good memories with Uncle Kiks. My prayers for uncle and the whole family.

It has been a few years since we saw Uncle Kiko, but the memories of all of our great trips to Toronto linger. I will always remember his mischievous smile, his warm greeting and his generosity. He had a great sense of humor. Auntie Alu and Uncle Kiko were sponsors at my wedding and I was so honored to have them as guides in this world. I will miss Uncle Kiko. My heart aches for Auntie and my cousins. May we be comforted by the memories and the hope that we will see him again soon. Love you all so much and praying for all of you in this difficult time. - Shei, Ray, Jewell and Robert

In our thoughts, you are always near
Still loved, still missed, still dear.
But happy memories we keep forever, of days when we were all together.
In Heaven, you rest, no worries, no sickness and suffering but in our hearts,  you will always remain.
I love you my brother, Kiko and I know that you know it before you left this world. 

“Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal,
but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.”

May all of us find comfort and strength with the great memories we have of Kiko during these difficult times.