Obituary of FERNANDO BRANQUINHO

FERNANDO BRANQUINHO April 14, 1945 – December 14, 2013 On Saturday, December 14, 2013, Fernando passed away peacefully at the age of 68, with his family by his side. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his beloved wife Natalia; his son Paulo (Shannon); his daughter Nancy (Jeff); his grandchildren, Hailey, Braylon, Evan and Kendra (Palles); his sister Maria Eduarda Costa; relatives and countless friends in Canada and Sao Miguel, Portugal. Fernando was born in Sao Miguel, Açores, Portugal on April 14, 1945, the youngest child of Joao Branquinho and Maria de Costa. Fernando served in the Portuguese army before coming to Canada in 1970. On January 9, 1971, he married the love of his life Natalia (Raposo) and together they shared a treasured life of 42 years of marriage. He worked as a supervisor at MCI for 25 years and as a Furnishing and Personnel manager at Buhler Furniture for 15 years. Fernando had a heart of gold and was always there to help people in his community. His family was his pride and joy, and he was always happy to see his grandkids. He loved to go on trips to Jamaica and the U.S. with his family and he always looked forward to Christmas Eve dinner. We will miss you dearly and you will be forever in our hearts. The family would like to thank Dr. Gordon, Dr. Da Silva, Merlita, Alma and the entire staff of home care professionals for their compassionate care over the last three years. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin Street North. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations can be made in Fernando's memory to Cancer Care. You were always there when we needed you No task too great or small With a loving heart and a willing hand For us you did them all. Thanks for the years you gave us, And for the precious times we shared, We only pray that when you left us You knew how much we cared. God saw you getting tired When a cure was not to be, He put His arms around you And said, "Come unto Me." FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES