Obituary of Humberto S. Luis

Humberto Silveira Luis, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Humberto was the fifth child born November 4, 1933 to Francisco Silveira Luis and Maria do Ceu Alves Luis in Pedro Miguel, Faial, Azores, Portugal. Growing up, he was stubborn, ornery, and always full of mischief; living up to the family nickname ‘iscapucha’ which even after all these years, is still known and fits perfectly. Growing up on Faial was hard, yet they made the best of it. At the urging of his father, he left Faial to go to Lisbon where he discerned priesthood. He would come home dapperly dressed with his long traditional black coat and heeled boots. For many, it was a sight to see, given his ornery disposition. After three years, he left seminary, and returned home to his village. There he started dating his beautiful bride, Maria Amélia. They were married November 16, 1957, and just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. In June of 1959, Humberto and Maria welcomed their first daughter, Mary. Shortly after her birth, the door was opened for them to immigrate to the United States under the Azorean Refugee Act, due in part to an active volcano destroying their island. In January of 1960 Humberto and his young family left Faial. Once they arrived in the US, they settled in Elk Grove, California where he went to work on a dairy the very next day. In September of 1960, they welcomed another daughter, Gorette. In July of 1962, they welcomed their third daughter, Linda. After her arrival the family moved to Tracy where son Lester joined the family In May of 1966. Tracy is where they would call home for the next 30 years. He took a job as a carpenter, and was soon building cabinets and custom furniture as a career. They made California their home, where family was the center point. He was thrilled when his brothers and their families joined them there. They enjoyed weekend trips to Santa Cruz, Portuguese festas, camping, and of course church. Humberto was a devout Catholic and made sure his children were brought up in Catholic school, as well as attending mass. Life became even better when he became a grandfather. He would be blessed with four grandsons, Steven, Kevin, Brian and Joseph. He was so proud of each one of them, and was always supporting them in every way growing up. When Humberto and Maria retired, they built a cabin in Arnold, California. There they enjoyed several years of peace and beauty in the foothills of the Sierras. However, their daughters Mary and Gorette had moved to Idaho, and that is where the grandkids were. So, in 1999, they made the decision to move up to Idaho. Linda and Lester tagged along, too. Later on, they also welcomed four beautiful great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He absolutely loved being a part of their everyday lives. They enjoyed many happy years where they gardened, traveled all over in their motorhome, and spent more quality time with family. His garden was a showpiece. He grew some of the best fruit and produce, especially the yummy couves that are a staple in Portuguese cooking. Being his ornery self, he was always trying to have his little farm right in the middle of town. He had rabbits, rabbits and more rabbits, chickens and roosters, even a goat; much to his wife’s dismay. He would feed those animals all of the bounty from their garden, much to our dismay. He will be so dearly missed by all of us. His orneriness and laughter were contagious. We are all deeply saddened by his passing, but are rejoicing that he is in his Eternal home. Humberto is survived by his wife Maria Amélia, daughters Mary (Manuel) Faria, Gorette Bertao and Linda Luis; son Lester Luis; grandsons Steven (Marijo) Faria, Kevin (Aimee) Faria, Brian (Cassie) Faria and Joseph Bertao; great-grandchildren, Jacklyn, Danielle, Luke and Bridget Faria; sisters Teresa Vargas of Faial, and Manuela Silva of Portugal; sister-in-law Albertina Luis of San Jose, California; along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Ildefonso and Amelia de Oliveira; and siblings Maria, Jose, Francisco, Idilia, and Henrique. A viewing will be held Monday, December 12th, at Rosenau Funeral Home, from 5 to 7 pm with the recitation of the rosary to begin at 7 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, December 13th at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, with Father Julio Vicente officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to St. Edwards Catholic School Foundation, 139 6th Avenue E, Twin Falls, ID 83301, in honor of his great-grandchildren who attend.