John Raposo, a tribute on College Street

Happy Birthday John Raposo

I love you always John Raposo - On July 27 2012 I placed flowers on Montrose and College Street in Toronto, in front of Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe 712 College Street - where my brother took last breath as he was murdered on June 18 2012 - just short of his 36th birthday. He often drank coffee on the patios on College Street, where he would talk, and enjoy the company of friends, acquaintances and strangers - his positive energy, love for life and smile is greatly missed by everyone.

To My Brother John Raposo - Happy Birthday

I was fortunate to be born on my brothers birthday July 27.  He was 2 years old when I arrived and I am certain he never expected such a present.  As children we celebrated our birthdays together and well into our twenties we would have cake with family and celebrate together - sometimes ending up at the same social party.  Every year my brother would say "you were the only gift I ever got that I couldn't return".  

John Raposo - He Could Fix Anything With His Hands

Memories of my brother come to me at the most unexpected moments.   Miles away from Toronto as I walk by a building I notice a BMX bike lying in the grass.  It’s not any different than the one my brother use to have in his early teens.  My brother had spent days stripping the bike down removing every nut and bolt so he could spray paint the frame red and handle bars black.  I loved watching my brother work with his hands from an early age he always enjoyed taking things apart to improve on them.  This BMX bike was no different. He loved riding and stunting on this bike.  While the bike was moving he could stand on the seat with his arms spread apart, he could also spin the back end of the bike while the front wheel remained in place.  Eventually he added pegs onto the back wheel these pegs were used for a second passenger.  I was lucky to have a brother who taught me how to work with my hands and use tools.  Most of all I enjoyed being on the back of his bicycle with my feet on the pegs and my hands on his shoulders as he took me for a ride.   

John Raposo, Toronto, Ontario

John Raposo was born July 27 1976, in Toronto, Ontario. He was a happy, kind and caring person who illuminated any room he entered.  Those who knew John Raposo personally had the honor of making a connection with a person who lived and loved life.  Being a friend of John meant you had a friend always.