(DOB- March 14, 1929)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Edmundo Da Silva Maia, on Friday, January 21, 2011, at the age of 81. Edmundo passed away peacefully, under the attentive care of the staff at Riverview Health Centre. He was also surrounded by the love of his family: his wife Nilza, his daughter Patricia, son Alexandre, son-in-law Randy and his grandson Levi, who were all fortunately present and able to say their final goodbyes. Though it is hard to let go of this remarkable man, we all know that he is at peace and in a better place.
Edmundo was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From very humble beginnings, from an early age, he worked during the day to help provide for his family. Driven by a desire for a better life, he managed to complete his secondary education attending night school. His ambition to succeed continued throughout the course of his university years, but still he found time along the way to fall in love with and marry Nilza, who would be his wife for the next 57 years.
Edmundo’s hard work and determination paid off and he graduated from medical school in Rio de Janeiro in 1958, completing an internship in Psychiatry. After practicing Psychiatry in Rio for several years, Edmundo’s keen interest in Psychoanalysis motivated him to immigrate to London, England in 1962. There, he could further his studies and earn a degree in Psychoanalysis, under the tutelage of, among others, such luminaries in the field as Doctors Hanna Segal and Sydney Klein. The London years would be marked by professional accomplishments, including eight years with the prestigious Cassel Hospital. He would also welcome the arrival of his two children, Patricia in 1972 and Alexandre in 1974.
Parenthood was very important to Edmundo and re-ignited a passion to provide a better life for his family. In 1979, already aged 50, Edmundo would bring his family to Canada and settle in Winnipeg. In addition to developing a thriving private practice, he would devote nearly the next 30 years to the Child and Adolescent Department of Psychiatry at the Health Sciences Centre. During this period in his life, Edmundo was deeply impassioned by his work; he was truly dedicated to his patients and enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues. Over the years, Edmundo supervised a large number of residents and psychiatric nurses in psychotherapy. Using a psychoanalytical model, he raised the profile of psychoanalytical thinking and training in Manitoba and introduced the concept of play therapy to the Department. Even years after graduation, many psychiatrists continued to pursue their supervisory sessions with Edmundo.
Edmundo’s passion for his work was almost matched by his enthusiasm for: Brazilian futebol, music (particularly jazz, Bossa Nova and Samba), wine and watching Formula One auto racing. A wishful Formula One racer himself, he enjoyed test driving high performance cars to their limit, including his own “race car.”
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all who have been supportive during the last years of his illness. Special thanks are to be mentioned to the caring staff of Riverview Health Centre, Drake Medox Health Services, and to family friend Pauline Steinberg for her warmth and caring spirit.
Edmundo will be greatly missed by his family and friends, both here and abroad.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 28th, 2011, at the Thomson “In The Park” Funeral
Home located at 1291 McGillivray Blvd.
THOMSON “IN THE PARK”
925-1120
Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
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