Joaquim Francis Stephen Crasto

Joaquim’s celebration of life was cut short, abruptly but peacefully, in the early hours of May-19-2026 at Vancouver General Hospital. He is now reunited in the Lord with his mum Judith, dad Joseph and sister Merzeline. Joaquim’s life will continue to be celebrated by his loving wife Caroline, children Ashlyn (Vilma), Colin (Vanessa) and Jaclyn (Ben), grandchildren Aaron, Natalie, Nicholas, Jonah and Samuel, siblings Merwyn (Joan), Cedric (Joyce), Desmond (Alda), Ralph (Melanie), Mario (Aruna), Savio (Virginia) and Nirmala (Kevin), his relatives, friends and colleagues.

Joaquim was born Dec-26-1952 in Bombay, India, the second of nine children. After high school at St. Sebastian Goan High School, Dabul, Mumbai, he completed his Radio Officer’s course at St. Xavier’s Technical Institute in Mahim, Bombay and embarked on a decades long, seafaring career as a Radio Officer. His financial contribution, among many other personal sacrifices over the years, was instrumental in supporting his siblings’ education and upbringing. In 1980, he married Caroline Goes and they had three beautiful children, Ashlyn, Colin and Jaclyn. Joaquim was always a steady influence in the life of his three children.

As technology became more pervasive in the shipping industry and the radio officer’s role became redundant, Joaquim re-skilled as a lecturer at TS Rahaman, Nava Sheva, Navi Mumbai; then as a Marine Safety Officer with McDermott oil rigs offshore in Qatar and then again as a lecturer at Anglo Eastern Maritime Training in Mumbai, prolonging his career well into the 2000’s.

Joaquim’s retreat always was and remained their idyllic home in Bodiem, Goa which he and Caroline had purchased in 1984. Even after emigrating to Canada in October 2020 to be close to their son Colin (Vanessa) and grandchildren Natalie and Nicholas, he and Caroline made frequent trips to Goa. His 70th birthday celebration in Bodiem was a grand reunion of family and friends and remains a memorable marker in the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to be present.

Though in Canada for just under 6 years, Joaquim and Caroline quickly adapted and became an integral part of the local church and community. He will be sorely missed not just by his immediate family, but by so many who were touched by his kindness and generosity. Joaquim will be remembered for his soft-spoken nature, his understated humour, his immense patience and willingness to help those in need.

He is survived by his wife Caroline,

His children and grandchildren

Ashlyn-Vilma, Aaron based in Adelaide, Australia;

Colin-Vanessa, Natalie, Nicholas based in Richmond BC, Canada and

Jaclyn-Ben, Jonah & Samuel based in Broke, Hunter Valley, Australia

His siblings and their families

Merwyn-Joan, Terrill, Bodiem-Goa & Larissa-Vikram, Mumbai

Cedric-Joyce, Jean, Calvin-Juby (Lael), Mumbai

Desmond-Alda, Mumbai

Ralph-Melanie, Keegan, Shane, Mumbai

Mario-Aruna (Mumbai), Sameera-Aakash, Melbourne, Australia

Savio-Virginia, Dale (Dubai), Tamara-Nakul (Toronto) and Stefan (UK)

Nirmala-Kevin, Nathan (Vancouver) and Rachel (Victoria) 

A funeral mass will be held on June 5th at St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Richmond BC, at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Click for Private Open Casket Viewing Zoom link

Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.