ANTONIO BOUSTCHA

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ANTONIO BOUSTCHA Antonio Boustcha was born in 1938 in Tete, Mozambique. He came from meager means, being the son of a farmer, spending his youthful days herding cattle for his father. He attended a mission school and attained a high level of education considering what was afforded to him in a struggling African climate. As a young lad initially the priesthood attracted his attention, but he later got caught up in the political fever of the times and joined the FRELIMO liberation movement for Mozambique. He later went abroad to study, in the hopes of furthering his education, which he hoped would serve him in his plight to free Mozambique from colonialism. His journey took him from the United States where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University. He later returned to Africa and worked as a radio announcer in Dar Es Salamm. He used this new found venue to broadcast messages of freedom to Southern Africa. His journey next found him in Canada where he studied and obtained a diploma in Economic Development from the University of Toronto, and later a Masters degree in economics from Concordia University. He returned to Mozambique and was able to work and witness, first hand his fight for Mozambique's liberation, come to fruition. He worked there from 1976 to 1982 when he returned to Canada to pursue a career with the Communities Economics Development Fund. He ended his career at Katayan Community Future, where he aided First Nations people starting businesses for themselves. While maintaining an affluent career Antonio Boustcha was also the President and one of the co-founding members of the African association of Winnipeg. He utilized his position in the community to aid many immigrants and refugees from Africa. Not only did Tony Boustcha find it to be his obligation to help his fellow countrymen hurdle any of the obstacles of being in a new country, he truly and genuinely enjoyed it. This is what separated Antonio Boustcha from the average person, he loved people, and found it gratifying to help others. Antonio Boustcha died on July 26, 2005 at 7:30 p.m., at the young age of 67. Antonio Boustcha is survived by his daughter Zawadi Lisa Boustcha-Eta and son Kamanga Jonathon Boustcha in Winnipeg, MB. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 28 between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford (at Corydon). Our heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to all the staff at Riverview Health Centre on 2 west. We always knew that he was safe and well cared for. Thank you to all the nurses, HCAs and the recreation facilitators on the unit. We will never forget you and always be grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Antonio's memory to Canadian Red Cross Society, 170 Metcalfe St., Suite 300, Ottawa, ON K2P 2P2. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2005