Fernando (Feña) Gomez

Loving husband to his wife Ana for over 70 years, father to Carlos, Gabriela, Ana, Ricardo, and Viviana, adopted-father to his Children’s spouses that loved him no less than his own kids, grandfather to many, and friend and acquaintance to countless others. Known endearingly to most as simply “Feña,” he was the Patriarch and anchor of our little Gomez diaspora in Canada. He is being remembered fondly by all those who knew him and is already painfully missed by his immediate and large extended family here, and in Chile.

His story is really one of two lives lived; lived well. The first part began in Chile, in a town called Rengo in 1929. He then married Ana, the woman that would capture his love and affection right until the end 70 years later. A fond, immeasurable, and forever bond that was evident to those around them, and could also be described as: friendship, devotion, responsibility, and joy. Five children were born to Ana, and would become his pride, raison d’être, and living legacy—further cemented by the children of his children. He was hard working, and cared about people. A turbulent exit, but forever altering the trajectory of his family’s future, as well as countless other lives, unknowingly awaiting in this distant land, Canada.

He lived out the rest of his life in Canada, the territory he called home for the second part. He loved this land, the mosaic of people that lived here, the relative freedom and peace. He never took that for granted, not like the way that those of us born later have the privilege to do so, who’ve never had to face the scourge of authoritarianism. He was not a young man during this phase, but for those of that knew him exclusively in this chapter, we knew a gentle, kind, and soft version of our Feña, in the way that men may soften in their older age. This version was still hardworking, had strong opinions, was proud, and struggled to get ahead, much the way that anyone who abruptly started over later in life would. But get ahead he did, successfully enabling and supporting his kids to make good lives here, to raise his grandchildren. An obvious point of pride, Ana and Fernando’s home is adorned with the photos of their family and he never shied away from happily telling the many guests that frequented them about the latest on his grandkids.

While he possessed many enviable traits, perhaps he was best known for his unique blend of charisma and humour that would invariably result in large smiles on the faces of those around him. Especially in his younger years, but not limited to, he embodied the saying “life of the party.” In that sense, he seemed to relish holidays, birthdays, and opportunities where his home would be full of life; the business of humans, enjoying ritual, conviviality, stories, and laughter. Whether making his signature “Ponche,” “Rollo de Cerdo”, “Cola de Mono”, or “Escabeche de Cebolla,” his specialties were almost as famous as the ones his wife prepared. He had a natural, rare, ability to make those around him feel like they belonged in his immediate circle—regardless of familial connection—yet at the same time made those closest to him feel special in the way that only family can make you feel.

Fernando was sick for a while before he finally passed. For those lucky enough to spend time with him, while often faced with a truly heartbreaking experience to see him in that state, our hope is that our presence—whether in person, over the phone, virtually,  or spiritually —was as emotionally satisfying for him as it was for us. It was always a true pleasure to be with him, and we should be relieved that he did not suffer.

Stories of Fernando will be passed on to our Children, and hopefully, the children of those children. And in that sense, we have not lost our beloved Feña in more than bodily form, as he peacefully lives on in stories we talk about, forever imprinted in the fabric of our minds- past, present, and future.