Class of '59

With a deep sense of the greatest loss, we announce the passing of Steve Fernandes in London on December 22nd 2018, Loving husband of Marjorie, son of the late AP and Maria Fernandes. Father to Melvyn, Jennifer (Paul) and Clifford (Meera). Grandad to Dylan, Nikita, Aaron and Leah. Brother to Thomas (Lydia), Sylvester – Silu – (late Ivy), Raul (Christine), late Leslie (Linda)... lot of cousins, nephews and nieces all around the world. Steve found peace after a courageous four-month battle in hospital.

Condolences:

stevesfamily@outlook.com

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R.I.P Steve Caito Fernandes “The Joker” .....courtesy Cyprian Fernandes' 'Headlines of My Life' Blog*

Steve Fernandes Photo Tribute .....courtesy Cyprian Fernandes' 'Headlines of My Life' Blog*

* Note you can find a listing of Cyprian's recent blog posts on our News Sources page, here

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Kwaheri Bwana Mwalimu Steve

UK: Eulogy by 'Son of Tommy', Lambert Pereira

Rev Father Jonathon, Marjorie, Members of Steve’s family and Friends

I am honoured and indeed privileged to have been requested by Marjorie to deliver this eulogy today for her beloved husband, Steve - a man who had an impact on all our lives in so many ways in the past. Each of you present here, would have your own fond memories of Steve, based on your individual relationships with him. Indeed one could write a novel about the life of one as popular and unique as him. In this regard many of you would have read the very informative and interesting article by the journalist, Cyprian Fernandes , one of Steve’s best friends. I will endeavour therefore not to cover the same ground as done so in Cyprian’s splendid account.

Many here today, like Steve, would have enjoyed all the benefits of living in Kenya, the country of our birth where, in the very cosmopolitan capital city of Nairobi, we spent much of our childhood and adult lives. Our parents would have come from Goa and other lands afar to settle and work in this wonderful land of plenty. They were industrious settlers and brought up their families with hardship and with discipline; and in keeping with treasured values of background and tradition, they forged bonds of love and respect for each other. These bonds of love and respect were to be the foundation stones on which many, like Steve, would have built their own lives and families, be it in Kisumu or Kitale, Karen or Kilimani.

Life growing up in Kenya with its favourable climate, was so very special and enjoyable, with outdoor games like football, hockey, cricket and rounders , and indoor games like badminton, snooker, darts, and carrom. Other activities would have included athletics ,gilli-danda, seven tiles, and marbles - not forgetting the many jam-sessions and card games. What about the safari escapades hunting for dik-dik and wildebeest, and of course the sizzling barbecues to boot?? Our favourite meeting places downtown would have been Tropicana, Rendezvous or Moka Bar.

On the rare occasion when life got boring, there were the un-official lending libraries to enjoy western comics like ‘Kit Carson’ and ‘Buck Jones’ or Annuals like ‘Dandy’ and ‘Beano’!! . It is no small wonder that sporting lads like Steve, myself, and others would have spent more time outdoors than indoors in those nostalgic days.

My own friendship with Steve stemmed back from those days, both at school and on the playing fields. We were proud and privileged to have attended the famous Dr Ribeiro Goan School in Parklands, Nairobi. Like many of our classmates present here today, we completed our schooling in 1959. We had fond memories of those days and of our esteemed teachers – Mr Martins, Mr Tavares, Mr Britto, Mr Nunes and Mrs Jacques, Mrs Coutinho, Mrs Saldanha, and Mrs Lobo, all of whom were Good in their chosen subjects.

I recall that in one particular year ( possibly Form 2), Steve and I shared the same hard wooden bench , right at the back of the class( for obvious reasons). This meant that more often than not, we would be a definite distraction to each other, to the teachers and to other classmates around . One teacher in particular, whose first name was Dolly,( I do not remember her surname) was so affected by our shenanigans, that she eventually had to split us up during her class. On one occasion she also kept us back after class to lecture us on the attributes of proper behaviour in class, and that we had to feel shameful. We were so very shameful ( for a while anyway) that the next day we gave her a box of....guesswhat?? No, not chocolates or flowers but’ Dolly Mixtures’. This brought a tear to her eye and all was forgiven and forgotten

I understand that neither Steve, nor his older brother, Sylvester, had second names. So someone,( God knows who), gave Steve a nickname CAITHO , based perhaps on his liking for the axe-like weapon, which in Konkani one would refer to as ‘Koitho’ !! However, Steve and I would often address each other differently – I would hail him as ‘Son of AP’ and he would respond with ‘Son of Tommy’. My Dad’s name was in fact Thome, which Steve evidently could not pronounce.

Talk of nicknames there were many bandied about in our school days – names like ‘ Putla, Kasaku, Goofy, and Makamba- for the lads, and Crows Nest, Skoda Legs, Hockey Sticks, and Macho Eine for the gals. I would hazard a guess that it was Steve who invented these names for the individuals concerned - all in innocent fun of course. Such was his infectious sense of humour that it is not hard to believe that he belonged to a so-called ‘Jokers Club’ Even his e-mail address was jokersteve@hotmail.com

Steve, as you all know, was a great sportsman. Both he and I were members of the Dr Ribeiro Goan School Football team that included famous names like Gilbert Fernandes, Clive Ferrao, Alban Coutinho and Anthony DSouza. Steve, I believe played in defence; so not many could get past his beefy frame without incurring some bodily damage. Our manager at the time was the popular teacher, Mr Roldao Menezes.

Being a tall strapping chap with a beady smile, Steve would have commanded a kind of aura and invincibility, especially in the presence of his many female admirers. One such admirer whose attention and eventual love he captured, was a one-time model from a strict, respectable and sporting family. Her name, Marjorie Fernandes, whose brother, Alex, played for the Kenya Football team. Steve and Marjorie were married on 18th April 1970 – a sunny day I believe, but surely a sad day for Steve’s other female admirers!!!

My friends, lest I incur the wrath of Marjorie , I would now like to read out some comments from an account prepared by all the family, reflecting their heartfelt thoughts and memories of the many years of life with Steve , both in Kenya and here in the UK.

• Our darling Steve was a dedicated family man who would go to great lengths to attend to the welfare of his wife, children, and more so of his grandchildren - Dylan, Nikita, Aaron and Leah- Gabriella, ( all of whom he absolutely adored).

• He was very popular at Dr Ribeiro’ School, a keen athlete and captain of his school house St Patricks competing fiercely to win the annual inter-house Trophy. Just for the record, I was in the house of St David’s an equally formidable team I remember.

• He was incredibly cheeky, and often got himself and his friends into trouble stealing fruit from neighbouring gardens, climbing up trees and throwing guavas to those below. He would often return home late from his various activities, only to face the music from his furious Mum, Maria, who sadly passed away following a road accident in 1966.

• Our wedding in 1970 was at the Holy Family Cathedral. The service was officiated by the late Fr Francis Comerford, who was the school principal at the time .

• After graduating from Teacher Training College in Nairobi,Steve rose to great heights as Bwana Mwalimu at various schools, and later as a headmaster at Karen. At all these establishments he at gave his best and his outstanding talents were valued by teachers and parents alike. I wonder did he perhaps lecture his troublesome students on the importance of proper conduct in class!!!

• After the family moved to the UK in 1991, Steve was to become well known and liked in the teaching community, particularly at St Stephen’s School, Welling, where he taught for many years. His services were so sought after that even after he retired officially from teaching, he was called back to teach at a few local schools. No doubt he was glad to get away from household chores at the time!!

• He loved football and was an ardent Manchester United fan always engaging in fun and banter with his son-in-law , Paul, who happened to be a Liverpool fan. He was passionate about darts too and was a member of the famed ‘Rebels Club’ in Nairobi.

• Steve was extremely generous and donated to various charities.

• Some of the happiest moments of Steve’s life were when his daughter, Jennifer, married Paul and son, Clifford, married Meera.

• Those days must have been so special for the Fernandes clan!

• He had an inherent love of music, in particular the music of the King( Elvis) - to whose hits he would often listen and sing along.

• I often noticed that when in front of a mirror he would carefully comb his kiss-curl in an attempt to copy that of Elvis!! He also loved dancing, in particular the Jive, and would try to copy the steps of the maestro Rowland Rebello – unsuccessfully though!!

• Steve loved talking about the ‘good old days’ - the various camping trips to Mombasa and Malindi, and the fishing trips with his buddies to Lake Naivasha’. He loved Nyama Choma, and Maindee, sprinkled with lemon and chilli powder, followed by a cold, refreshing Tusker beer.

• Friendships played an important part of Steve’s life and he would often telephone his closest friends like Skippy, Gilbert, Donald and Alvira, Edwin, William, Fatima and of course Yours Truly, all of whom apparently have now become Honorary Uncles and Aunts to his children. Falling in the same category will be Uncle Blasco Goes for his sterling help in organizing today’s proceedings.

• Our lasting memories of Steve will be his hard-working ethic and his will to soldier on (even when times were tough). I would often speak to him in those days when he was ailing; and when I posed the question ‘ How goes it son of AP??, he would always retort with the answer ‘ not good my friend not good, what to do? - a phrase that still echoes in my mind now and again.

• I am given to understand that Steve and Marjorie sometimes dined out at two local restaurants and on each occasion, when Steve requested the bill, he was informed that the bill had already been settled. Neither he nor Marjorie ever found out who paid those bills. This proves the point that he had friends in high places. However, thereafter Steve never went to those restaurants. It is my view that the money he saved on the aforementioned visits would have been invested in buying shares in Ladbrokes!!

Sorry folks - excuse me a moment . Must take this call !!! ......................................................................................................

..............talk of the devil - that was His Lordship pleading with me to ‘ get on with it!!! ‘ Apparently I am keeping St Peter waiting to welcome Steve through the Pearly Gates. Can you imagine that – Steve at The Pearly Gates in such quick time ??. He probably avoided the Dartford Crossing and used the Bexleyheath Bypass instead!!

So people, time to bid farewell to the charismatic and enigmatic Steve, as he ascends upwards and onwards towards eternal rest and glory in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. There he will be re-united with his beloved parents, brother Leslie, as well as his former classmates, Frank Menezes, Anthony D’Silva, Mario Almeida, and Maximo Alphonso....... to name but a few.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, ADIOS MY FRIEND, REST IN PEACE!!

Lambert

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Toronto: Welcome by Silu Fernandes,Steve's brother

I first met Steve on September 2 1940. when the third of five boys was born to the lovely Maria Arcangela & Antonio Piedade Fernandes.

Today, just a little over 78 years later, with a mixed feeling of fulfillment, some joy & a little sorrow, I am pleased to welcome you to the Celebration of Life reception for a wonderful son, a great brother, devoted & loving husband, very caring dad ...... and as his four grandchildren would say, " the best grandpa ever" and a true friend to many of you here, in London and other parts of the world.

On behalf of our family I wish to thank you for joining us today and to congratulate all present for turning up in the colors the Rainbow would envy ....... Steve must be looking down from up above and saying "Wow".

I was talking to Marge a few days after Steve's passing and she told me about the Journal she found among his papers.

In this journal, or the 'little green book' as Marge called it my dear brother had made many a note over the years, of important happenings / events in his life, how much he loved his family & friends .... grandchildren in particular.

Also, in this little book was this little message:

When I die no weeping or crying, at my funeral no black dresses, suits or ties, just bright colors and at the Celebration after ... lots of fun and laughter.

Finished off with this little message ... and I want Elvis!!

So my friends here he is Elvis himself!!!

Your loving brother Silu Fernandes

Grace By: Xandie Fernandes, Daughter of Silu and Ivy Fernandes

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to celebrate Uncle Steve, we thank you for the many blessings that we often take for granted - family, friends, health, our faith...and the journey of life itself.

We are grateful for the beautiful memories we have of Steve over the years, that give us great comfort in our sadness.

We pray especially for Marge, Mel, Jenny, Cliff and their families. May they find strength in their faith in the coming days, knowing that he is in good hands with you and our loved ones in heaven.

Thank you for everyone here and those who prepared the meal we are about to share as we say,

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Eulogy By: Christopher Fernandes (Son of Silu and Ivy Fernandes)

Thank you for joining our family today to celebrate the life of Stephen Fernandes. His friends were very important to him and he’ll be thrilled to see all of you here.

I’m Chris and I’m honoured to say a few words about my Uncle Steve.

His funeral was held today in England and our hearts are with Marjorie, Melville, Jenny and Paul, Cliff and Meera and their families.

Steve enjoyed his life – my memories when I was young was of his laughter and joking. He never treated us like we were ‘just kids’ - I put that down to him being a teacher.

My dad tells the story of how his mum wanted him to be a teacher, but it wasn’t for him. Steve stepped up and made his mother proud .... and found his calling.

He helped me at a critical time in my life. I was 12 and studying for my CPE. Steve mentored me and when he found out that my school wasn’t going to hold the national mock examinations, he arranged for me to sit for them at his school, Kilimani Primary. He encouraged and praised me and helped me build my confidence. I’m sure he did the same for many of his students.

He was part of a group of young Goan school teachers who bonded together and had great fun, including one of my teachers, Tony Reg DeSouza. They came to be known as the Jokers.

Steve excelled at teaching, becoming Headmaster at Karen Primary School. He continued his vocation when he and Marj moved their family to England in 1990 and was well respected by the teaching community that he joined.

Jenny sent us a picture from the Mass that his school held for him yesterday and said that the service was beautiful.

Above all, Steve loved his family especially his four grandchildren Dylan, Nikita, Aaron and Leah. He became a chef and a baker making birthday cakes for his grandkids and was famous for his marble cakes that he would bring to your house.

It’s been very enjoyable to look through the pictures and read the tributes that have been posted and to hear your stories. Steve loved deeply and was well loved. His was a life well lived.

Tony Reg writes “the folks in heaven better watch out – here comes the Joker. Somebody get Elvis quick. Tell him one of his biggest fans has come to stay.

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