FAREWELL FELIX NAZARETH

 

FELIX NAZARETH

RIP

February 3, 1937 - January 6, 2023

THERE are moments in life when we mortals are called to be brave but no matter how hard we try, we fail, especially when death calls someone we have loved and admired so much. Felix Nazareth, ex Moira, Nairobi and Sydney, was such a man. He was in and out of hospital over the past few years. Each time he fought without surrender and recovered from various ailments … until today. Those who knew him will never forget his hearty laugh, his jokes and his love of a good glass of beer or the “medicinal” tot of Scotch whisky. He also loved a good story of the old days in Nairobi, Kenya where he was born and grew up and he laughed heartily recalling some of the hijinks of his youth, especially at his beloved Nairobi Goan Gymkhana. What was particularly special about him was his wonderful memory with instant recall of people and events going back several decades.

For 30 years he worked for East African Airways, later (Kenya Airways) with best friends, Gilbert Fernandes, the late Albert D’Souza, Hector DeSa and others.  He worked as a planning engineer, his role involved aircraft maintenance planning but also the purchase and procurement of aircraft for the airline. This position saw him travel widely, on one such trip in the late summer of 1963, together with Alfred Fernandes he travelled to Scandinavia, Bergen, Stockholm, Stavanger and London where they met the late Leo Braganza. Their trip saw them purchase a new Comet aircraft on behalf of East African Airways and as the only passengers together with the flight  crew flew back to Kenya with it.

In Australia, Felix worked for Hawker de Havilland, in a similar capacity as a planning engineer, associated with the manufacture of military aircraft, along with the maintenance of Boeing aircraft for the leading global airlines.

With Tony Reg D’Souza, Felix was the keeper of memories of a once beautiful and much-loved life in Kenya.

It was just last year, even though he was ailing a bit at the time, that he and his wife Hazel celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. Their sons Sherwin and Vernon filled them with joy every day of their lives. This joy was multiplied tenfold when Vernon married Jenna and the grandsons Lachlan and Levi were born. Later Sherwin married Evelyn, and the family loved every moment.

Felix was very close to his brother Victor (his wife Monica) and his sister Greta. They were all together in Sydney after the Nazareth’s migrated in 1984.

Felix was also a much-loved uncle to Gavin, Brendon and wife Vinita  and a great uncle to Joshua. Felix’s extended family included brother-in-laws Sidney & Romeo  deSouza.

Felix, Victor and Greta were the children of Avelino Joao Nazareth & Maria Beatrice Nazareth.

Felix was one of the early members of the Friday Club in Sydney. The group’s primary interest has been to share a glass or two, dressed with a lot of nostalgia where Felix’s memory came in very handy. Like everyone who knew him, we are all heart-broken and saddened at his passing.

Condolences to Sherwin@outlook.com.