Alvaro Martins "Al" Gomes

1938 - 2024  (85 years)

• Name	Alvaro Martins "Al" Gomes
  Born	19 Aug 1938	, Flores Island, Azores, Portugal
  Gender	Male
  Business	Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	C&G Solid Wood Furniture
  FindAGrave	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/277307731
  Name	Al Gomes
  Died	25 Apr 2024
  Buried	New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  Person ID	I489740	Generations
  Last Modified	19 Dec 2024

  
  

  Family	Teresinha
  Children	1. Tony Gomes   2. Elizabeth Gomes   3. Laureen Gomes
  Last Modified	19 Dec 2024
  Family ID	F300488	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  Family-owned Cambridge furniture store closing doors after 47 years The business, previously named the Pine and Oak Shop, was purchased out of bankruptcy in 1978 by Al Gomes, an immigrant from the Azores, Portugal. After 47 years, the family-run C&G Solid Wood Furniture store is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for the Gomes family. The business, previously named the Pine and Oak Shop, was purchased out of bankruptcy in 1978 by Al Gomes, a Portuguese immigrant from the Azores. A skilled carpenter with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gomes renamed the store C&G Solid Wood. "Everything was made from scratch," his daughter Laureen Carragher said. "Customers would come in, share their vision, and my dad and brother would bring it to life. It was a very personal experience." Gomes's journey from Portugal to becoming a successful business owner in Cambridge was rooted in hard work. Born in 1938 on the island of Flores, about 1,900 km west of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, he immigrated to Canada in 1959, where he began working on a tobacco farm near Montreal before developing his carpentry skills in Strathroy. Gomes was known for his quiet generosity. After his passing in April, the Gomes family was deeply moved by stories from people in the community about how he had touched their lives. "People came to us and said, 'Your dad helped us when times were tough,'" Carragher recalled. "He would deliver eggs, bread and milk to families who needed it, and he never talked about it. He just did what was right." Through his work, Gomes collaborated with local Mennonite craftsmen, designing furniture and encouraging others to start their own businesses in the industry. His legacy of kindness and mentorship lives on in those he worked with and supported. By Prabhnoor KaurReporter Cambridge Times Family was the cornerstone of life. "He always made time for family," Carragher said. "Even during the busiest days, we'd come together for Sunday dinners. That was sacred to him." The decision to close the store comes as the family reflects on their priorities and the next chapter of their lives. "Life changes," Carragher said. "My brother is ready to retire, and someone approached us about buying the building. It felt like the right time." The store's final day is Dec. 15, with a major event happening the day before. The new owners are set to take over on Dec. 16. For the Gomes family, the closure is bittersweet. While they bid farewell to the business that shaped their lives for nearly five decades, they carry forward the legacy of Gomes, a man who built more than furniture \emdash he built a life of service, generosity, and love. "His impact was bigger than the shop," Carragher said. "He taught us what it means to care for others and do things with heart. That's what we'll always remember." Kaur, P. (2024) Family-owned Cambridge furniture store closing doors after 47 years, The Record. Available at: https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/family-owned-cambridge-furniture-store-closing-doors-after-47-years/article_c8400edb-9213-5068-95b6-617bc705bf5a.html (Accessed: 14 December 2024). ______________ Alvaro Gomes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and businessman passed away April 25, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on the island of Flores in the Azores. He immigrated to Canada in 1960 eventually settling in Hespeler a few years later. He was the successful owner of C & G Solid Wood Furniture. Al is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Teresinha, his son and business partner Tony (Trish), his daughter Elizabeth (Nando) and his daughter and business partner Laureen (Sean). Al also leaves behind his grandchildren Holly (Aaron), Rachel (Enrique), Jacob, Emma (Ryan) and Abby and great grandchildren Hailey, Violet, Zoe, and Astrid. He was predeceased by his cherished grandson Jason. Al was a fiercely proud man. And he had much to be proud of! Al often spoke of his children to others. He shared in their accomplishments and took great pride and comfort in knowing of their loving relationship with each other. Al was an idol to many. His mind was full of ideas and opinions on business, economics and politics. He was an endless source of support, not only to his family but also to his friends. His support was wide ranging whether it was financing someone's dream, providing a place in his home for you to stay, or dropping off eggs and sweet corn he had picked up from local farmers. He never talked about these acts of kindness nor did he ever ask for anything in return. Al's selfless acts of kindness and unwavering support touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and compassion. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Al's name would be appreciated. Visitation will take place at Lounsbury Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge on Wednesday, May 1 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass will occur at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church, 16 Cooper St. Cambridge on Thursday, May 2 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at New Hope Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. Alvaro Gomes Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (no date) Alvaro Gomes Obituary - Cambridge, ON | Lounsbury Funeral Home. Available at: https://memorials.lounsburyfuneralhome.com/alvaro-gomes/5418026/ (Accessed: 14 December 2024).

  
  

• Event Map

  Business - C&G Solid Wood Furniture - - Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth