You are always on my mind

The thought of you is never far from my mind. Constantly I see things that remind me of you.  

Love you, John Raposo

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.

John Raposo is laid to rest and Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe re-opens

Sicilian Cafe in #LittleItaly #Toronto back to business after shooting #NFTN instagr.am

by MarkMcAllGlobal via twitter6/22/2012 3:40:47 PMJune 22 at 11:40 AM

On the morning of June 22 2012 my brother John Raposo was being laid to rest while the Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe decided to re-open its doors.

Since his murder flowers, candles and notes have been placed near the Sicilian Cafe on College Street as a symbol of love and devotion to my brother. It is said that the soul remains on Earth for forty days after death; the 40th day marks the ascent of the soul into heaven.

According to this it will be July 27 - which we share as a birthday.

To my brother John Raposo who often enjoyed laughing and smiling.

I love you always.