Celebrating Life

January 20th 1925 to November 28th 2012 (3:58PM)
Vancouver BC, Canada

"My Father's house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:2-3 TNIV

Tony’s Favorite Scripture

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91 NIV

Sunday 3 February 2013

Tony's Life Story


Joseph Anthony Fernandes

“Tony”

January 20th, 1925 - November 28th, 2012

Life Story

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” --Psalm 1:3




Tony loved Yeshua Jesus, and the Word. He loved his family, his wife, his four sons, daughters in law, and eleven grandchildren. He also enjoyed the special occasions when his Family would gather together. Tony and his wife Barbara were inseparable.
         
Tony was born in Bombay, India on the 20th of January 1925 as the only son to Adolpho and Amelia (DeMello) Fernandes. Tony’s parents had immigrated to Bombay (British India) from Goa (a Portuguese colony in India), where Tony spent most of his summer vacations during his youth. When Tony was only six years old, his father Adolpho passed away, leaving Tony with his mother and two sisters. This forced him to take on a great deal of responsibility at an early age, which developed in him a strong character.

Tony completed his education at a prestigious place of learning, St. Xavier's High School in Bombay, India in 1942. He then studied at a Premium Training Program with Tata Airlines, which was the 1st Airline in India. It exists still today, now known as Air India. As an aircraft mechanic, his skill and perseverance allowed him to rise to the rank of Station Aircraft Engineer, traveling on postings to Rome, Italy; Beirut, Lebanon; Bangkok, Thailand; and Sydney, Australia with his family. After many years of hard work and study, he appeared for oral and written Engineering Examinations according to the British Standard of Aircraft Engineering. He successfully acquired his Aircraft Engineering certification, with licenses for seven different aircrafts. The first was known as the "Gypsy Six," and the last ones were the "Boeing 707 and 737". 

Tony, a shy, tall, dark and handsome man, met Barbara de Sousa at a Valentine's Day Dance in 1954. He requested the first and last dance with her, and the dance never ended. Tony married Barbara on the 21st of January 1956, much to the envy of her friends. Soon their precious children started arriving: David in 1956, Mario in 1959, and Emil in 1960. The family traveled around the globe accompanying Tony on his foreign posts.   

In July 1965 the family immigrated to Canada. Tony was forced to sacrifice the prestigious career he had obtained in India for a better future for his children. The family settled in Montréal, where Tony acquired a job with Bristol Aviation and Rolls Royce Aviation. Shortly after their arrival, in October of 1966, they welcomed their fourth son André into the family. And if four boys weren’t enough, in 1985 Danny joined the family when he was 12 years old and became the fifth son.  

In September 1967 Tony relocated and moved his family to Vancouver, B.C. where he was offered an Aircraft Mechanic's job with Canadian Pacific Airlines, which later became Canadian Airlines International. He retired in 1985, after 45 years in the Aeronautical Industry. 

Tony appreciated good music, especially Christian, classical and old-time bands and singers from the 1940's and 1950's.  Tony had a special talent to fix anything that needed fixing.  He could be found replacing and fixing automobile engines, as well as helping others with mechanical problems.  All three levels of the family home were gutted and rebuilt with the help of his sons. While all this was going on, Tony always welcomed anyone to the house.  In fact, it became known as “Grand Central Station” and often, Tony’s favourite mango ice cream was served.

In 1974 Tony and Barbara found a personal relationship with Yeshua Jesus. It was the most important day of their lives. Tony became a prayer warrior, unceasing in prayer with his wife, for all his family and others by name. Tony and Barbara also volunteered for Bernice Gerard’s Sunday Line Ministries as prayer coordinators, from its inception until a few years ago.  

Just as Yeshua Jesus loved Israel, the land and its people, Tony and Barbara devoted their time in prayer for Israel. They had open-house meetings in their home every Friday evening for Erev Shabbath, and also hosted Passover Seder meals, the Feasts commanded by God in the Bible.  

Tony was a dedicated believing Christian, standing up for the Truth in spite of any obstacles. He was a devoted and faithful husband, father, and grandfather, truly a family man.  He was also known to extend a helping hand wherever needed.

Tony was gloriously gathered into his Saviour’s arms, graduating into heaven, on Nov 28 2012. Tony is survived by his wife Barbara of almost 57 years, his sons David, Mario, Emil, André and Danny and their families.
               
    We all miss Tony’s kind, gentle spirit, and his twinkling eyes and smile, but we thank God for loaning Tony to us for almost 88 years. 



Program cover: Tony's favourite Psalm was Psalm 91, and his favourite flower was the rose.





What a great celebration!!

Many people were in attendance for Tony's Celebration of Life.  Feel free to watch the video and here are some photos too.















Video

Please enjoy the video of the "Celebration of Life" for Tony.



Wednesday 23 January 2013

Celebration of Life: January 26th, 2013

Thank you all for your wonderful words of encouragement to our family.

We would like to make sure you know about the Celebration of Life for Tony.

Saturday January 26th, 2013 
1pm to 4pm

Broadway Church
2700 East Broadway, Vancouver BC
(enter from Slocan Street to access lower auditorium)
In lieu of flowers our family requests donations to plant trees in Israel.  Pledge envelopes will be available.

Online donations in Tony's memory can be made here:
http://www.jnf.ca/trees-nav.html

Hope to see you there!

Thursday 29 November 2012

Celebrating the Life of Tony Fernandes



With grieving hearts we are sorry to inform you that Tony (JA) Fernandes graduated into his heavenly kingdom to meet his Lord. He leaves behind a lasting Christian heritage in his family.

Tony was a good and faithful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend.  We have always admired him for his courage, kindness, sweet spirit and above all his faith in Jesus whom he served.  Even through some health issues over the past few years, he remained strong and positive in his stand with his Creator.  

Tony warmed the hearts of all the people he met with his contagious smile and sense of humor.  In his 87 years and 10 months he lived an awesome and inspiring life! We will miss him greatly.  


A "Celebration of Life" for Tony will be held in the 3rd or 4th week of January 2013. We will keep you posted.


We welcome your comments below.