Obituary of Mr. Christopher Fernandes
“And death shall have no dominion.
Under the windings of the sea
They lying long shall not die windily…”
Dylan Thomas
It is with profound sadness that on Tuesday Aug. 31, 2021 we said our final goodbyes to our beloved husband and father, Christopher Fernandes, at age 83. After a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Christopher passed away peacefully with his family by his side, who deeply loved him and will miss him always. There was only peace at the end and he was given a good, spiritual, and loving passing.
Christopher was born on May 16th, 1938, in the bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan. He was the third eldest in a family of eleven children. At a very young age he established a very strong Catholic faith, serving nine years as an alter boy for St Patrick’s Cathedral, and throughout, he made God a part of his life. He enjoyed school activities like playing the clarinet in the school band, and playing field hockey and cricket. He exceled in all levels of education, leading towards a long career as a chief engineer for the National Shipping Corporation. He always said his heart belonged to the sea, but that was not true because soon after he began sailing, he married his sweetheart, Cynthia, and they started raising a beautiful family.
He and his family immigrated to Canada in 1980 and began a new career as a boiler inspector and manager at the Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company of Canada for the next twenty-two years. He enjoyed the challenges of his job (which was not considered work to him). He had a technical mind but also had a sense of creativity which he showcased in his workmanship when building things in the home and around the garden.
Christopher was a true blessing in our lives. He provided us with loving guidance and support always. He was an unselfish and kind gentleman, honourable and true in all his ways, loving and faithful to the end. Despite having Parkinson’s, he fought bravely and fiercely to live an extraordinary life with his family by his side. Christopher and Cynthia would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 4, 2021.
Christopher is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, son Errol, daughter Candice, and son-in-law Kevin. He leaves behind his brothers Patrick, Ignatius, and Mennen, and sisters Doreen, Bella, Vera and Mona, Aunty Florie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
His parents Francis and Rosie, brothers Joe, Roman, and Vincent, and his favourite Uncle John, will undoubtedly walk with him on his journey to heaven. Christopher was a true seafarer at heart, and on his next voyage, he will be sailing the high seas once again with Jesus by his side.
Flowers can be sent to Ogden Funeral Homes and charitable donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Christopher Fernandes’ name.
