Luis Roura passed away early Thanksgiving morning on November 25, 2021 just three weeks after his 94^th birthday. He courageously fought a long battle with dementia and his family is thankful that he remembered them and the love they shared until his passing.

Luis was born on November 3, 1927 in Havana, Cuba to Luis and Emilia Roura. He enjoyed a close relationship with his parents and his older sister Norma who affectionately referred to him as Chuchi.  Luis was an excellent student and attended Belen Jesuit School in Havana.  Although he inspired to be a physician, his artistic talents and love for the Arts pushed him on a path to study Art. He later worked as an illustrator capturing colorful details of marine life for textbooks. While attending the Art Academy, he met the love of his life, his wife Mirta.  Luis and Mirta were married 67 years and they have three children Luisito, Ricky and Patti.

Luis enjoyed the beautiful island of Cuba and all its charm with white sandy beaches. He enjoyed sharing time with his family by fishing and boating not far from their home. As his homeland was overtaken by communist rule, Luis made the tough decision to leave his Country via the established lottery system for Freedom Flights. The lack of freedom in his homeland was much scarier than the unknown future. He was taken prisoner by the government and sent to work in deplorable conditions in the sugar cane fields away from his wife and children.  The family struggled as food was rationed and everyday necessities were scarce. Luis was separated from his family for several months and neither he or his family knew the condition of the other.  Eventually, the family’s departure was approved and they were reunited at the airport to fly to Miami on May 31, 1968. Unfortunately, due to issues with his documents, Luis was retained at the airport and his family was forced to leave the Country without him.  He eventually joined them in the United States a few weeks later leaving all his personal belongings behind including his devoted boxer Coki.

Luis immediately used his artistic skills to obtain employment and work professionally painting homes and business establishments.  His family of five lived in a one bedroom apartment and they enjoyed simple times at the beach.  Months later and with the help of others, Luis was fortunate enough to have his beloved boxer transported to Florida. Unexpectedly, Luis was provided a unique opportunity to purchase a home. A kind homeowner asked Luis to paint his new home and in turn, the labor would be used as a down payment for Luis to purchase the homeowner’s existing home.  As Luis knew this was the one opportunity his family would have to leave the small apartment, as funds were tight, he graciously accepted the unique offer.  The family still owns the sweet home today.

Once retired, Luis and Mirta traveled around the world but sadly they never returned to their homeland. Luis was a devoted Abuelo to Thomas, Alexis, Tiffany, Devon, Priscilla and Darian. He adored his grandchildren and they adored him. He was also loved by his son-in-law Tom and his daughter-in-law Lillian. Luis enjoyed time at home cooking for his family, an occasional golf game and simple moments on his boat fishing.  He often used humor to deal with life’s challenges and laughter was a big part of his life. Luis continued to paint and sketch throughout his entire life as the Arts remained to be his true passion.

Luis made tremendous sacrifices in his life for his wife and children who will forever be grateful to “Papi” for keeping them safe, loving them unconditionally and affording them the opportunity to prosper in a free country.

A celebration of Luis’ life will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, 3:00pm-5:00pm at Boyd-Panciera Funeral Home 6400 Hollywood Boulevard, Fl 33024.  The family would like to thank everyone for the kind sympathy shared and in lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made in memory of Luis Roura to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease