A giant was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Well-known Worcester resident Egidio Cardoso died on Wednesday 15 May after his health had steadily declined recently. He was 79 and would have celebrated his 80th birthday on 1 October.
Cardoso arrived in Worcester from Madeira Island in the Atlantic, a colony of Portugal, when he was just 17 years old and spoke neither English nor Afrikaans.
“He started working at the Koffiehuis and worked his way up there for many years,” said his daughter Monica Kriek.
She said he attended Cornell University in New York, where he studied hotel management and completed many short courses over the years to further his education and knowledge.
After being involved with the Cumberland Hotel with three other partners for about 10 years he took full ownership in 1982 and continued to build the hotel into what it is today.
“Papa had a very good, uncanny business sense and always gave us the best advice.”
From his 48-year marriage to Helena came three children, Monica, Yolanda and Ricardo.
“He was a true family man. He was everything to us and would do anything for us. He just was that type of person, and not just for family. He had a zest for life and he certainly was larger than life. He had a good heart and was very involved in both the community of Worcester as well as Madeira.”
Both Monica and her sister, Yolanda agrees that their father was the best.
“He was the best dad and husband. He was very supportive and loved us unconditionally. He gave the best advice and always taught us to do the right thing. He was the type of dad who literally rolled out the red carpet when I would visit from Johannesburg to welcome me home. And he was always cooking up a storm. Our house was always open. He loved people and he loved to socialise. He was always so joyous and the life of the party.”
Yolanda adds that their father was the stronghold of the family.
“And not just our family, but the entire Cardoso family. He had six brothers and a sister. He documented our whole lives, so we have millions of photos to look at and we’re so grateful for that. We will miss his presence, his generosity, his passion for life and his humour. We will especially miss his phonecalls and the voicemails he used to leave us.”
Many agree that Cardoso always helped people to reach their full potential.
“He saw potential in people in and equipped them for the future,” said his daughter.
Though deeply saddened by their father’s passing the daughters agree he will live on.
“He was a legend and his legacy will live on forever through us.”
