Christopher Januario Fernandes

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Christopher Januario Fernandes, who left us on September 2, 2025, at the age of 58. Chris passed peacefully in the ICU at South Health Campus Hospital in Calgary, surrounded by love.

Chris is survived by his cherished son Vincent Fernandes-Miller (fiancée Jaqueline Simon) and his beloved partner and fiancée Debbie Yee. He will be remembered as a devoted father and partner whose greatest pride was his family.

Born in Jinja, Uganda, Chris lived there until he was nine months old before moving with his family to Santa Cruz, Goa, India, where he spent his early years. At 13, he briefly resided in England before settling in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of fourteen. Calgary became  his lifelong home.

Chris grew up in a large, close-knit family with thirteen siblings. He is survived by his
brothers Cajitan & Rita Fernandes, Roque & Avelina Fernandes, Juvencio & Lucy Fernandes, Francisco & Kathy Fernandes, Joseph & Marie Fernandes. His sisters Roselyn & Don Beckhurst, Helen Fernandes, Victoria & Anthony Gomes, Mary & August Fernandes, Stella & Sertorio Fernandes, Brother-in-law Cornelious Rosario. He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and countless friends who became family.

Chris is predeceased by his parents, Vincent Piedade Fernandes and Antonia Maria Luiza Fernandes, as well as siblings Cagiton, Agnello, John, and Philomena Rosario.

Throughout his life, Chris's passions reflected his vibrant spirit. He loved cheering for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national soccer team, watching the NFL and the NBA, enjoying martial arts and action movies, and laughing along with stand-up comedians. His style and spirit shone through his love of Nike, Michael Jordan, and music ranging from 2Pac, Boyz II Men, Ed Sheeran, to Garth Brooks. He especially loved being out in the sunshine and soaking in heat while dreading winter.

Chris built his career in high-end retail management, currency processor, and as an entrepreneur. His greatest legacy was his family and his resilience. From the age of twenty-two, he faced serious health challenges, including diabetes, kidney failure, and years of neuropathy pain. Despite undergoing a double transplant and enduring countless struggles. He faced each day with remarkable strength and resilience, inspiring those around him with his courage. He was known for his heart, humor, resilience, kindness and generous

Those who knew Chris will remember him as kind, funny, sarcastic, and loving—a man who laughed out loud, lifted others up, and gave selflessly, often saying he would “give the shirt off his back—or shoes.” He loved fiercely, and he lived with an open heart.

Chris’s life will be celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

A service to celebrate Christopher’s life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services, 3625 12th Street NE, Calgary. Viewing will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a reception to follow.

A recording of the service is available below.

A go fund page has been set up for Chris, if you wish to make a donation please follow this link https://gofund.me/c4ca8b34a

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Christopher Januario Fernandes, please visit our Tree Store.