. You will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Fernando graduated from Rollins College in 1988 and worked over 20 years as a financial advisor, most recently with SunTrust since 2002. Fernando was a loving father, wholly dedicated to his family and friends. He is survived by son Joseph; mother Blanca; siblings Xavier and Blanquis; sister-in-law Claudia; niece Paulyna, and nephews Rodrigo and Diego.
Fernando and I have been friends and business partners for 13 years. He was and always will be my mentor. He was a gifted teacher. He taught me many lessons in business and life. He always saw the positive in every situation. Fernando was one of the most intelligent people I've known, he had an amazing ability to calculate and solve problems. Fernando was one of my best friends. You never fully realize how few people you rely on in your daily life until one of them is missing. I spoke Fernando almost everyday for many years and I miss him dearly. Each time I meet with a client of Fernando's I hear a similar description of their relationship with him, most called him a friend. I know he is still with me, he just talks to me in a softer voice.
I miss you and love you, Fernando!
Your friend,
Michelle Erwin
Fernando, you were an instrumental figure and influence in my life. You instilled your values, cultural diversity and education upon me. I didn’t always agree with you, but rest assured, I knew that you loved and cared for my Mother and I. I’m sorry that our last parting words were not caring in nature and that we drifted apart as a family unit. Our vacations, epicurean adventures, and your moral and emotional support will remain forever in my memories. Thank you for everything and may you rest sound and secure in that great journey in the mysterious hereafter.
Forever will you remain in my mind and heart,
Garrett
Fernando and I met Thursday July 5, 2002. He came to my garden store for cobalt pots. He had been visiting a beautiful hacienda in Mexico and had admired their cobalt pots adorned in flowers around the pool.
I was having a wine tasting in my store the following Saturday so I invited him to come. He had to decline due to the fact that he was joining his sister, Blanca, for her birthday in Mexico that weekend.
When he returned, he bought his pots from me and asked me to do his garden. When I arrived at his home early on Saturday to design a garden for him I was surprised to discover that he had juevos rancheros prepared for me. He also invited me to a picnic in the park with the Orlando Symphony that very evening. Needless to say, he and I had a lot of fun together.
Early in April 2003 we discovered that we were expecting, I was scared to death, but Fernando was as cool as cucumber and went into prenatal action. I had the best care I have ever had in those nine months, and on December 15, 2003 we were blessed with Joseph.
Despite what our circumstances became, Fernando never stopped caring for Joseph and me. I will miss him more than I can describe, and I thank him with all my heart for the beautiful boy he has gifted me with.
I love you Fernando,
Dorothy
