The life of a much-loved husband, father, motorcyclist and DJ will be celebrated Sunday afternoon in the theatre at Oak Bay High School.
Ferdinand Polintan Fernando, known to family and friends as Fred, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Oct. 6, outside Port Renfrew. The 58-year-old father of two was riding his motorcycle with friends when he lost control and rode over an embankment.
Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Fernando was well known in the Vancouver Island music and Filipino communities. He was a DJ for more than 30 years, and the man behind Fernando’s Music Service. His Facebook page is filled with videos of people dancing and singing at weddings, parties and high school dances.
“As much as a shock that this has been to everyone, we are sincerely grateful for the incredible support of the community and friends,” his wife, Anita, said Friday on behalf of the family.
“During a very difficult time, so many people have stepped up with support in so many ways, and we appreciate it so very much.”
An obituary written by his family said Fernando loved nothing more than to ride his motorcycle. He joined the Patriarchs Motorcycle Shop, a Victoria repair shop whose members became like a family to him.
“Our dearest friend, brother and business partner, May you rest easy. … Our thoughts and spirits are with you and your family. We shall ride again together, one day. Freddy, you were an individual like none other and you will never be forgotten. Much love buddy, much love,” says the shop’s Facebook post.
A few days after his death, friends and family created a memorial for Fernando near the scene of the crash. The cross bearing his name and date of death has a photograph of him and his motorcycle and is adorned by flowers and a baseball cap.
Fernando worked at the Fairfield Health Centre and Victoria General Hospital. He was the former owner and operator of Mariners Pizza. According to his family, he then became active with CUPE union 382 of the Greater Victoria School District.
Sooke RCMP believe the crash occurred between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on West Coast Road near the Parkinson Creek trailhead. Police are not sure what caused the crash, but believe Fernando was riding east on the winding road.
Fernando is survived by his wife, Anita, and children Desiree and Joshua. He is also survived by five sisters and two brothers, son-in-law Joshua Bola and many other relatives, nieces and nephews.
His celebration of life will be held from 2 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fernando’s memory can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Victoria branch.
The police investigation is still in its early stages. Sooke RCMP is working with the Island District Traffic Analyst team and would like to talk to any witnesses. Anyone who might have witnessed the crash is asked to call Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
