NAVARRO, Basilio “Leo” Navarro

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father Basilio “Basil” “Leo” “Basiling” Navarro who joined his heavenly creator on July 8, 2025.

Born on June 14, 1939, in Paete, Philippines, Basilio was a man full of kindness and wisdom; his sense of humour and wit brought joy and laughter to those who were with him, even during his last years of living a life in total darkness due to loss of his eyesight. Basilio was a man for whom family was the pillar of his life, upon which he found strength, joy and connection. He was happiest when spending time with loved ones, creating memories he would hold dear, while always insisting to keep close connections to his family and friends in the Philippines who he continued to support. He held such deep and tender nostalgia for his homeland and childhood which he revived through endless hours of listening to music and telling stories to his family, kids, grandkids and carers.

Basilio was born and raised in Paete, a small town in the Philippines. His childhood held many challenges, from hiding in the hills with his family as a small boy during WWII, to his mother’s death at age 7 and subsequent illnesses which prevented him from pursuing his dream of going to medical school. He emigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 1967 and worked as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, specializing in hematology. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Olympia Garcia (d. 2017) and was a devoted and loving father to two daughters, Haidee and Michelle. His many travel adventures included the Philippines, Greece, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and many places in Canada and annual road trips to the U.S. His absolute joy later in life was becoming a proud and caring Lolo to his four grandchildren, Miranda, Mary, Isobel and Hunter. They, including so many in his life, enjoyed the story-telling of his past, many discussions around space, history, music and literature – all of which was punctuated by his unique wisdom and “one of a kind” personality that gave him a distinct character we will always remember and cherish.

Deepest thanks to his many devoted caregivers who have played a significant role and made a real difference in his well being in the later years of his life.

Basilio is survived by his daughters, Haidee and Michelle; his son-in-law James; his grandchildren, Miranda, Mary, Isobel and Hunter; and his brother Frankie Navarro who resides in the Philippines. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Olympia Garcia Navarro in 2017.

Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, Oshawa, Ontario on Thursday, July 17th, from 5pm-8pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at the
OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME chapel on Friday, July 18th at 10:30 am.

If you so choose, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Diabetes Canada.