Obituary of FERNANDO BRAS SIMOES

Fernando Brás Simões passed away peacefully on June 11,2024 at Seven Oaks Hospital, at the age of 79 years. He was predeceased by his parents Maria do Bom Sucesso and João Jorge Simões, as well as 3 of his 9 siblings; Antonio, Joao and Bom sucesso. Fernando is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gina, children, Cristina and John (Jena Oakley), grandchildren, Chloe, Lara, Isabella and Violet. Although Fernando had many nieces and nephews, his nephew Fernando Jorge had a special place in his heart, as did his children, Nicole and Kaitlyn. Fernando also leaves his siblings and extended family and friends in Portugal and France to mourn his passing.

Fernando was born on June 5,1945 in Vale de Borra, Soure. He was the youngest of 10 children born to Maria and Joao. Fernando loved learning and left home at the age of 12 to pursue his education in Figueira da Foz. This is where he began his life and career as an adult, as a bookkeeper for the Grande Hotel, Hotel de Praia e Estalagem da Figueira da Foz.

Fernando met our mother Gina, in December of 1970. They were married on April 18, 1971 and welcomed their first child Cristina, on April 19, 1972. They completed their little family with the addition of their son, John on January 9,1974.

In 1976, our family emigrated Canada to begin a new life in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fernando found work as a carpenter, foreman, project manager and business owner to provide for his family. His work took him all over Canada and he would return home with all matter of stories of his travels and adventures while away. His last 8 years of work life were spent as the owner of The Club Sports Bar on Arlington and Sargent. While the workload was constant, he truly loved the ability to cook, serve and socialize with all his friends and clients.

Our dad loved gathering with friends and family. He loved nothing more than sitting at a table with those he loved, eating good food and drinking great wine. There was always room for one more at our dinner table and it was not uncommon for my dad to come home with a friend who was without family in Winnipeg to join us for dinner. Dad was the life of the party. He loved music and dancing and he was known for being he person who kept the party going or the last one to leave. Many memories have been made dancing and enjoying the company of a wide circle of friends.

Our family would like to thank the following for the care they provided my dad:

Dr. William Ring of Kildonan Medical Centre

The Staff at Seven Oaks Dialysis Clinic, especially his favourite nurse, Nicole

Home care coordinators Lana and Pat, as well as the home care providers Rebecca, Mitten, and Houng

A special thank you to our mom, Gina, who has been our dad’s rock, best friend and care provider throughout the 15 years of our dad’s failing health. The amount of selfless love and care that you showered on dad was beyond what anyone ever expected out of you and dad lived with every bit of comfort and care possible until his last breath.

Dad, we love you and miss you beyond words. We get some comfort in knowing you are no longer suffering and are free of all the limitations your body placed on you here on this earth. We are forever grateful that out of all the dads in the world, you were ours.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.