Ceferino Ame Fernandez

Dr. Ceferino “Ferdie” Ame Fernandez was born on August 26, 1946, in the town of Biñan, Laguna, Philippines. He was the youngest of six children born to Vito Fernandez and Olympia Ame. To his friends, he was affectionately known as Ferdie, while his family lovingly called him Prino, Pop, or Lolo.

Ferdie leaves behind: his former spouse, Lydia Quintero; his children, Naira Montero and son-in-law Ryan Montero, Ceferino Allan Fernandez, Ashley Fernandez and son-in-law Jon Del Mundo, and Anthony Quintero; and his cherished grandchildren, Tia Montero, Leah Montero, and Alexander Montero. He is also survived by his older brother, Bert Fernandez, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Dr. Fernandez earned his medical degree from Far Eastern University in 1972. He married Lydia Quintero in 1975, beginning a journey that would eventually grow into a loving family. In 1976, Dr. Fernandez practiced medicine in Bauchi State, Nigeria, where he also served as Medical Director. His dedication to patient care later brought him to Seattle, where he established his own Family Medical Clinic in 1985 in Rainier and was an active member of the Filipino American Physicians of Washington Association (FAPWA) and the King County Medical Society.

Throughout his career, he cared for countless individuals with compassion and generosity. He was known not only for his medical expertise but willingness to provide pro bono care to those who could not afford insurance. Additionally, his commitment extended beyond his clinic to medical missions to the Philippines, where he offered free healthcare, medications, and support to underserved communities.

A man of many talents and interests, he also enjoyed real estate, managing his rental properties and taking great pride in building and selling a home from the ground up.

Beyond medicine, Ferdie embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved cooking and gathering with family and friends. He could often be found sharing stories, discussing history, taking care of his koi fish, enjoying Western movies, or adding to his beloved collection of Mexican Coca-Cola glass bottles and Coca-Cola memorabilia. Above all, he was known for his playful sense of humor and goofy personality which brought laughter and light to those around him. Family and friends members fondly remember his ability to tease, joke, and occasionally make children cry before winning them back with a smile or joke (sometimes).

To those who knew him, Ferdie was more than a physician. He was a devoted father, a trusted friend, a mentor, and a guiding presence. Though he will be greatly missed, his kindness, generosity, wisdom, support, and legacy lives on in the family he cherished and by those who had the privilege of knowing him, in the lives he healed, and in the countless memories he leaves behind.