Jose Fernandes

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Jose Fernandes, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Jose was born on June 30, 1947 at home in Vau, Obidos, Portugal. He was the son of Maria de Ascencao and Joaquim Maximino Fernandes. He was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Jose was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Jose was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Jose was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Jose also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Jose was raised with five siblings. He had two sisters, Irene and Nazare and three brothers, Augusto, Albino and Maximino. Jose was constantly involved in activities with his family. Jose and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Jose was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Jose was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Jose was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Jose took part in a number of activities as a child. In his spare time he liked fishing and hunting.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Jose. On September 21, 1974 Jose married Margarida Fernandes at St. Gertrude's Parish in Oshawa, Ontario. He was totally committed to Margaret and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Jose naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Jose disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Jose was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Jose was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. Jose was blessed with two sons, Victor and Helder. He was also blessed with four grandchildren, Marco, Alaina, Tiago and Adriano.

      If you gave Jose a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Jose was always on task. Without hesitation, Jose could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was as a construction worker. He was employed for many years. During that time, Jose excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Jose was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Jose had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Jose was an Army Veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He was in the Infantry from BBCC 2884 , CCAC 2584. Jose saw action from 1969 - 1971, fighting for Portugal during the Colonial War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private.

      Jose liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Jose's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Jose preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favourite pursuit was hunting.

      Due to his excellent organizational skills, Jose was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. Jose could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Jose was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout his later years, Jose was an active member of the Oshawa Portuguese Club.

      Anyone who travelled or went on vacation with Jose had smooth sailing. His favourite vacation was visiting his homeland Vau, Obidos, Portugal.

      When Jose's retirement finally arrived in 2000, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. Even in retirement, Jose continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Jose passed away from health problems on February 27, 2020 at home in Oshawa, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Margaret, children Victor (Elizabeth) and Helder (Sonia) and his grandchildren Marco, Alaina, Tiago and Adriano. Services were held at St Gertrude's Parish. Jose was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby, Ontario.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Jose was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Jose was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Jose Fernandes was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Jose. He will be missed.

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FERNANDES, Jose Joaquim

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27th, 2020 at 72 years of age. Beloved husband of Margaret. Loving father of Victor and his wife Elizabeth and Helder and his wife Sonia. Devoted Vovô to Marco, Tiago, Alaina and Adriano. Sadly missed by his sister Irene and Nazare and brothers Augusto, Maximino and Albino. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Sunday, March 1st from 4 – 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. GERTRUDE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 690 King Street East, Oshawa on Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com