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

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. 

31 comments:

  1. We welcome your condolences. Do you have any memories, stories or anything else? We'd love to hear them! Please use the comments box below to post.

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    1. Rochelle Robinson4 December 2012 at 10:30

      Hello!
      God Bless and Praise the Lord always; we celebrate a life of a "precious soul" a real servant of the Lord; Tony to me was a vauable witness for the Lord his joy touched everyone that he came in contact with including me a sober and somber personality. I will never forget him and would like to be present in January for his celebration; as for his loved ones may they be strenghted by the presence of the Lord stay in "his presence"....Many blessings and love Barbara...

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    2. Our heartfelt sympathies to you, Barbara, and to your family on the passing of Tony. I vividly recall our last meeting at the doctor's office which seems only a short while ago. It is too bad we put off stopping by to see you when Peggy and I were walking by your home a few weeks ago. We felt we might be disturbing you and intruding on your time. Yet each time we stopped by or saw you and Tony our hearts and spirits were lifted by the warmth that you and Tony exuded.
      I know this will be a tough time for you and if you will please do allow us to share your grief so that we may lessen its impact on you. Please do feel free to call me whenever you need our help.
      Keith Fernandes

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    3. Please accept my condolences Barbara and the whole family. Tony was a true joy to know and interact with. I consider myself blessed to have spent time with you both. I know he is at rest now in his eternal home with Christ Jesus. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
      Adeola Mead

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    4. Dear Barbara,

      That smile on the photograph, to me is the Real Tony: Gentleness and radiant Joy. In the 65 years that I have known him, that is the image engraved on my mind of Tony. I cannot think of him in any other image. I am sure that smile will continue in the Divine Presence.
      We are with you and yours during this difficult time and join you in prayer; "Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let Thy perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace".

      Frank and Marie Mascarenhas

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  2. We knew Tony as a kind and gentle person, who recognised everyone. He always made it a point to say Hello to his friends and coworkers. We are going miss his smiling face. Our heartfelt condolences to Barbara and family. Tony is at peace now with his Father in Heaven and he is praying for all of us. Please be assured that we are going to meet Tony one day in Heaven. Barbara you were Tony's wife and companion all his life and you looked after him when he was sick. May the good Lord Bless and your family in this time of grief is our only prayer. Claude and Sybil

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  3. Dear Tony..how we loved you at the Kehillah! You were always so friendly towards Rob and me,
    and had the most engaging smile.
    Thankyou to our Lord for letting us have the privilege of meeting you. We will see you again
    in Glory wth perfect bodies. Rob and Dulcie Baxter

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  4. Dearest Barbara and Family, Just opened my e-mail and found the sad news--My heart goes out to each of you--consider yourselves hugged--each one of you--especially you Barbara. Actually this is a joyous day for Tony because he is with Jesus. Just last week, as I was arranging to have my windows washed, my thoughts went to Tony and wondered how he was doing. The security sticks he made for the windows, so many years ago, brought him to mind. I always will remember his kindness displayed in many practical ways. His jealous love for the Lord and His reputation comes to mind when I remember Tony's stand against the cellular tower cross erected on the roof of Fraserview Assembly. He was a great man and he will be missed much. With Sincere Sympathy and love, Anita and Tony Bordon

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  5. My dear Barbara & fly,
    I learned a few days ago that Tony had gone to be home with the Lord. I've known Tony for over 35 years and one of things that always endeared me to him was his infectious smile, and his kindness. I recall the wonderful times Barbara, Tony, the Wrights, and other friends had when we took turns to meet at each others homes for dinner and fellowship. We had some great times.

    My deepest condolences, prayers and love to you Barbara & fly at this time.

    Brenda

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  6. Dear Fernandes family,

    We are sad our dear friend has moved on. We do know he has moved on to a joy filled state with the creator.
    We wish you strength, love and our deepest condolences.

    God bless,

    P.A. Thomas and family

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  7. Dearest Aunty Barbara,my cousins and families,

    We can vividly remember speaking for the last time on Skype to our beloved Uncle Tony. His ever smiling and gentle face will always remain on our minds. U.Tony reminded of us our dad, who even when he was sick or in discomfort always was of a cheerful disposition. His favourite scripture strengthens our belief in knowing that he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty for we know he was always close to the Lord.

    Our prayers are with you and the family now.

    Glenda,George,Liam and Maeghan and the rest of the Ferdis'family

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  8. Our dear Barbara and Family:

    I just heard that dear Tony has gone home to be with the Lord. Please accept our sincere condolences.

    Two words come to mind when I think of Tony: Faithfulness and warmth. Tony was always had a warm smile, and a twinke in his eye. But one of the biggest thing for us was his faithfulness in prayer for our little family for the many years at Kehillath, and far beyond. Thank you for taking our family into your hearts! We will have sweet memories of your last visits to us in Surrey.

    God Bless you with His Shalom


    With our love and prayers,

    Arnim, Ruth and Bethie

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  9. My Dearest Aunty Barbara, cousins David, Mario, Emil, Andre and families
    If my uncle Tony was someone so special during his life, he has continued to be so even after his death. His favourite scripture piece is one that I can only call in my life, PRICELESS and absolutley befitting a God who LOVES us so much.
    I was sad to hear about his death but even more glad that he did not experience any suffering which is a testimony of his faith in Christ.
    Parting certainly causes pain, and with his departure, I have now lost my dear parents as well as all their siblings, leaving behind only you Aunty Barbara as the last pillar of this immensely beautiful family I am so happy to have belonged to. I know you will have the courage during these sad moments just as you did at the time when you helped U.Tony cross the line and make a fantastic life for your whole family in Canada. I am so glad for the times I managed to speak to both of you as well as my last visit to Canada and I will continue to call you Aunty Barbara from time to time next year.
    To my dear cousins and their families, I can only hope that my dear Aunty Barbara will continue to give you guys the strength to bear this painful loss- it is truly a horrible experience as I know so from losing both my parents. Be strong and take care and be close to each other as this was the goal of my dear U.Tony and my dear Aunty Barbara, your ever-loving parents.
    Truly God has blessed them for their faith and perserverence.
    I will certainly miss him, but I know he is in the company of a friend who has no equal, now and evermore.

    God Bless

    Tino

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  10. My dearest A. Barbara and family,

    We must always remember . . .
    At our lowest, Jesus is our Hope.
    At our darkest, Jesus is our Light.
    At our weakest, Jesus is our Strength.
    At our saddest, Jesus is our Comforter.

    Prayer: Lord, I ask you now to be our light and comfort us. Let us feel YOUR warmth, so that we may be able to accept YOUR will and heal gently, as each sunrise comes into view. Guide my dearest U. Tony to YOUR side so that he can rest in YOUR peaceful light, forever! Amen.

    A. Barbara, my U. Tony will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him – me, for sure! Sometimes, there are no words – only shoulders to lean on, hands to hold onto and hugs to comfort the best we can. Please know that we are always here for you and your family. Our most sincere and fervent prayers continue for each of you, not just today but always! God bless and keep you ALL. Please accept our deeeeepest condolences.

    BEA (on behalf of my entire family, including our two beautiful ANGELS, who I’m sure are taking good care of my U. Tony, as we speak – pretty sure my mama’s already got him chuckling away by now!)

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  11. Anne & Brian Desjardins4 December 2012 at 20:48

    Dear Barbara & Family, we are so saddened for your loss but of course also rejoicing that Tony is with His blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ. My first thought was of the wonderful reunion that must have taken place in Heaven with my Father Eric! I could just hear my Dad saying "Tony, you are finally here, I've been waiting so long for you to arrive!" What a joyous occasion it must have been. Our prayers are with you all as you grieve and reflect the life of the most gentle, kind & loving man! We will miss you Tony! Much Love Anne & Brian Desjardins

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  12. Hello Fernandes Family
    We pray for you in your loss, but are thankful for Tony and that he was active to the end. Barbara, we are honoured to have you as friends. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture of Tony on the blog.
    Howie and Mary Lou Robinson

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  13. Sincerest condolences to you Barb but at the same time I celebrate Tony's graduation into the Presence of the Lord of Glory. No more sickness or pain!!
    Tony was an extremely humble, gentle and kind soul whose love for His God and the Land of Israel and the Jewish people was most evident.
    May the God of Israel pour out His grace upon you and your family at this time Barb
    Blessings Joan Lee

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  14. Roman & Pat Kozak5 December 2012 at 09:03

    Dear Barbara and family: We will always remember Tony with his exuberant smile and your faithfulness in the prayer ministry at Sunday Line Ministries. Tony is now celebrating his reward together with Sunday Line founders Bernice Gerard and Velma Chapman. Both of you have been so faithful for these many years and we will all miss Tony, but we know that his transformation is only the beginning of a much better life, and we also know that we shall see him again together with all of our loved ones. This is the hope we share in the ONE we celebrate at Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will miss not having Tony at Sunday Line's booth at Missions Fest....you are both truly loved.
    Pastor Roman & Pat Kozak (Sunday Line Ministries)

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  15. Dear Fernandes Family,

    It is with great sadness that I have learned you have lost such a special man in this world. My deepest condolences to each and every one of you. Tony was always so full of life and joy and was always able to make me laugh. He was always kind and inviting to me and all the rest of Andre's friends into your home, even when we all caused more trouble than we were worth. I greatly respected the example he set in this world and he will be greatly missed. Barbara, I will pray for your peace and comfort in months and years to follow But I know you also have joy in your heart that he is in a better place where you will be able to one day re-unite in a grand celebration.

    Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

    Sean Wiens

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  16. Sorry to hear the sad news of Tonys passing away. One never knows exactly what to say to close ones other than, rejoice in the good times you had together in the knowledge that he is in a better place and waiting to see you all again.
    I only met Tony twice in his lifetime, first in Southend on Sea in the UK and then in one of his favourite places, Goa south India. My first and lasting Impression of Tony was of a man with an open heart, a person of deep faith and compassion, generosity and warmth. Time is the most precious thing we can give and Tony was most generous with that. He will be missed but I am sure he will never be forgotten.
    peter

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  17. Dear Barbara and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear that Tony passed away. Tony lived with Alfred and myself as a paying-guest in Madras and I often think of you both but old age is getting the better of me as I am 94 years now.

    Tony is in heaven and soon we all will be seeing him there. My heart felt sympathy to you and the family and to his 2 sisters, whose names I cannot remember.

    Take care and God bless.
    Dolly Rapp - Perth, Western Australia.

    Dear Aunty Barbara,
    Deepest sympathy to you and your family on your sad loss. You will remember me as the flower-girl at your wedding and I remember uncle Tony as a true gentleman with a heart of gold and a smile that would make you melt.

    Our prayers are with you all.
    Monica Pereira(nee Rapp) Perth-Western Australia.

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  18. Dear Aunty Barbara Cousins & Family
    You accepted me Veronica and Yvonne/Mark as family and with fondness I can think of you all as if you were Mom and brothers
    With this in mind
    I'm holding us all up in prayer. For Strength & Courage as we grow to accept and rejoice at our Dad Tony's passing into the glory and presence of Our Father & Savior Jesus.

    We have fond cherished memories of Joyful family gatherings, dinners, drives and walks along the beaches and other places or times where we shared laughs and concerns that strengthened and encouraged one another because of the prayers we prayed and the hope we have that never fails.

    When sadness, loneliness at the absence of Dad brings us down we can rest and be edified by the Comfort Peace and Presence of the Holy Spirit of God who continuously assures us by/through His Word of the heavenly reunion to take place. And thus we can endure and continue living our lives to the Glory of God knowing he will want us to hold up one another through the temporary time on earth.

    I miss you Dad
    Derek Veronica Yvonne & Mark

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  19. Tony "Graduated with Honours," and now has moved onto his reward.
    My condolences Barbara, but we do know where he's gone.

    Mark Walker

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  20. Judith & Habib Bar-Kochba12 December 2012 at 05:43

    Habib and Judith 12-12-,12
    Dear Barbara and family
    Thank you Barbara for this beautifull proof of the eternal life of Tony !!
    He is in our hearts and will stay in the heart of all his family and friends for ever.
    To see that lovely picture of him,and to feel the warmth of his smile.to read
    the wonderfull memories of Tony, that will stay for ever with all those who loved Tony dearly.
    He reminds us of what is written in Psalm 1 vers 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of
    water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither.
    Whatever he does prospers..We were honoured to be friends of Tony and you Barbara
    and thankfull for your prayers for us,when needed!
    May God give you the strength you need now to continue in HIS way .
    Our Love to you Judith and Habib

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  21. Dear Barbara and family,

    So sorry to hear about Tony's passing. May the you not grieve as those who have no hope. Our God promises us, For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thess. 4:14. We look forward to the day when we will rejoice together in the Presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May the peace of our Lord Jesus keep your heart and mind fixed on Him.

    Love and God's blessings,

    Moyna & Aaron Rapp, Teneale & Clayton Leaver.

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  22. Dear Barbara and family,

    We were so sorry to hear the news! We will always remember Tony fondly, as a sweet man who loved Yeshua. We will see him at the resurrection!

    May God bless and keep you during these times. Love and best wishes from,
    Cliff, Anne & Zoe Mandell

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  23. Dear Barb and family,
    We first met you when our son was in your daycare. And one of the most memorable things was the one particular staff member. He was a slightly older man, who I don’t think got paid very much, but he sure seemed to like his job. He so loved the children that you cared for. He loved to see the kids laugh. It made him smile, and his smile was genuine and infectious.
    He was a quiet man. Humble. Loved his God. We will always remember Tony.
    Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Joan and Sam Foerster

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  24. Sophia Trouwborst1 January 2013 at 16:03

    Dear Barbara,
    I was surprised to get this news after I just received such a lovely picture of both of you.
    Hope knowing that you're thought of in a kind and loving way
    Will help to ease your sorrow and bring you peace today.
    I have such good memories of you being happy together and smiling. Tony is having a good time in Heaven walking around with Jesus. Job 29:13 The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. Proverb 15:25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Isaiah 49:13 For the Lord has comforted His people and will have mercy upon His afflicted. This doesn't take away that you are mourning for the loss of Tony. Barbara it takes time to heal the wounds. You are aloud to grieve and to cry.I hope and pray that these verses will give you some comfort and consolation in your heart. Barabara, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord makes His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turns His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Love, prayers and blessings, Sophia

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  25. Dear Barbara and the Fernandes family - as we prepare to celebrate Tony's life next weekend we have many great memories of good times spent together. Tony was a gentle and loving man with a great sense of humour. He was always ready to greet you with a smile, and to share his fondness for ice cream! It was always obvious how much he loved his family.

    He is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus, where we will all be together for eternity. We know that the Lord has comforted all of you and that your faith is strong. May you continue to feel His love and care.

    Love from Idinha & Michele

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  26. Dear Fernandes Family,
    I surely agree with all the affirmative comments concerning beloved Tony. There is a distinguishing characteristic that Tony truly embodied and that is found in Rom 12:18 which says: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This quality trait set him apart in a most delightful way. To Yehovah be the glory for his life!
    Barbara, may you and your children, be comforted by the words of Dt 10:18, because "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow."
    Love in Messiah Yeshua,
    Marie Ferreira.

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  27. Thinking of my great Uncle Tony today. As we approach his "Celebration of Life", my heart feels a bit sad when I think of how different our family gatherings will be from now on without him present, but yet how full of life he is in heaven now...young again and chatting away with those who have gone before him. I can still hear his distinct laugh in the background! :) He will never be forgotten. He is the patriarch of his family and one who has set an example of faith for all his children and grandchildren to look up to! He left behind a great legacy...one to be remembered and honoured. I believe the prayers he prayed for his family and friends, in agreement with his beloved, will not be in vain. We are blessed because of their faithfulness and today I am thankful to have been a part of his heart and covered by his prayers over the years! I cherish that above all else!

    3 distinct traits that make me smile when I think of Uncle Tony are - 1. his laugh and surprised face when he would greet someone, 2. the adventures on the road when he drove in his blue Westfalia van long ago, and 3. his attempt to sneak or insist on having more sweets when Aunty would say "No Tony". Haha...good times!! Oh how we will miss him!! :) Love you Uncle!!!

    Yvonne (& Mark) Rivera

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We welcome your condolences, memories and stories here.