FELIX NAZARETH
RIP
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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 50th 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.
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