Obituary of Francisco Castro Fernandez

Francisco Fernandez passed away at Calgary’s Peter Lougheed Hospital on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the age of 86 years. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved Tatay Francisco and are comforted to know that he rests in the arms of Jesus. Francisco was born in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines, and in 1981 immigrated to Calgary, AB, along with Francisca, his first wife of 43 years, and the youngest five of their 12 children. Francisca passed away in 1989 and Francisco married Violeta Ocampo in 1990. He will be deeply missed by his large family, and many relatives and friends in both Canada, the U.S., and the Philippines. His beloved family has great joy remembering how he loved conversing, laughing, traveling, dancing, and spending time with his family of which he was so proud. Tatay Francisco’s abiding faith in God provided a firm foundation throughout his life. His dedication, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit provided his family the opportunities for a better life. He was a visionary and a great leader who was innovative in finding ways to provide for the needs and education of his family. Tatay Francisco’s wisdom and loving heart were an inspiration to his family. Francisco is survived by his beloved second wife Violeta, 12 children – Violeta (Benjamin) of Richmond, BC, Ruben (Eufrosina) of Calgary, AB, Delia (Avelino) of Lingayen, Philippines, Dominador (Perla) of Las Pinas, Philippines, Eva (Romeo) of Richmond, BC, Erlinda of Richmond, BC, Charito (Chito) of Cavite, Philippines, Virginia (Jose) of Calgary, AB, Alicia (Juan) of Tsawwassen, BC, Eduardo (Lynne) of Woodbridge, ON, Marissa (John) of Gig Harbor, WA, Angelina (Luis) of Orleans, ON – 2 step-children (Regina Quejado and Rhene Quejado of Calgary, AB), 33 grandchildren, 8 grandchildren-in-law, 8 great-grandchildren and his only brother, Alipio Fernandez of Lingayen, Philippines. Tatay Francisco was predeceased by his wife, Francisca, and his parents, Hermogenes and Juana Fernandez. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel, (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.), on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (15 Templebow Road N.E.) on June 1, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Francisco Fernandez, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.