Manuel (John) Augusto Rodrigues Fernandes

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

Remembering Manuel

Manuel was one of those people who left an impression wherever he went. He had a big heart, a cheeky sense of humour, and an unmistakable laugh that could fill a room. Whether you met him once or had known him for decades, chances are you'd remember him.

From the humblest of beginnings in the small village of Tangil, Portugal, to building a highly successful life and companies here in Australia, Manuel's journey is a testament to determination, hard work, God's blessings, and the love and support of his family and many loyal friends. He never forgot where he came from, and through years of sacrifice, perseverance, resilience and integrity, built a legacy that made many people proud.

John had a gift for bringing people together. Lunches were never rushed, there was always another story to tell, another oyster to shuck, another bowl of his famous soup to share, and usually a cheeky grin after sneaking another bottle of wine. His greatest legacy isn't measured by what he built, but by the people whose lives he shaped. His generosity, determination, loyalty and love for his family will live on through every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every generation that follows.

Manuel is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carole; his sons, John and Manuel; his grandchildren, Bella, Max, Noah, Hugo and Mia; and the many friends, family and members of the community whose lives he touched. We will miss his laugh, his stories, his wisdom, his cooking and the way he made people feel welcome. We are incredibly grateful to have called him ours.

We would love for you to share any photos, stories, or special memories of Manuel on the memory wall below.
If you plan to join us for the after service gathering at the RSL, we kindly ask that you RSVP below.

If you are unable to attend the church service, there is a livestream link available below.

Timeline

Gallery

Memory Wall

July 18, 2026

1

Started working for Fernandes at the very young age of 17, 1987 and because of Manuel, didn't take long to understand that what anyone can archive in life has no limits if you work hard and have support, (sempre Avanti), the opportunity he gave me will never be forgotten, he was my mentor and a friend for life, I will be missing is calls out of the blue either for advice or a good laugh and lately to exchange ideas and reminiscing about the past.

carlos goncalves

July 16, 2026

1

Blessings said at Mass this morning for John and family
Sorry unable to attend today
Marg and Darrell

Darrell Axelby

July 16, 2026

1

Lots of love and mass fir John abd you all today at Glendale BSW
So sorry unable to attend today.
Blessings. Marg and Darrell

Darrell and Margaret AXELBY

July 16, 2026

1

Tu étais un cousin au grand cœur, profondément humain, toujours prêt à tendre la main et à faire passer les autres avant toi. Ta générosité, ta bienveillance et ton sourire resteront gravés dans nos mémoires.

Tu aimais plus que tout réunir la famille et les amis, que ce soit autour d’un pique-nique, d’un repas au restaurant ou de tout autre moment de partage. Tu savais créer des souvenirs précieux et faire en sorte que chacun se sente accueilli et aimé.

Ton départ laisse un immense vide. Tu vas énormément nous manquer, mais nous garderons à jamais le souvenir de ta bonté, de ta joie de vivre et de l’amour que tu portais à ceux qui t’entouraient.

Repose en paix, cher cousin. Tu resteras pour toujours dans nos cœurs et dans nos pensées.

Elisàbeth Fernandes

July 15, 2026

4

I started working for Manuel 1982 and worked for him a long time until I retired two years ago
I love the times when he the boss would take me out west with is family to muster cattle or do work on the property for weeks at time, or go camping with family and friends up to
the Barrington tops on long weekends. The Boss always kept in touch even after I retired.
Last time he called was only a bit over two weeks before his passing, checking on my good health and making plans for a fishing trip back to the Barrington tops. As he always did.
You have been a good boss and great friend and forever be in our memories
Descanse em Paz Patron

My deepest sympathies and love to the Fernandes Family,
May you remember the happy memories and the good times, as you recover from this loss

Armando&Rosa Da Costa Enes

Armando DaCostaEnes

July 12, 2026

5

I’m very sad to learn of John’s death. Such a great man. I’ve never met a more generous, happy, friendly man whose life is the measure of success. My love to you Carole, John, Manuel and families.
He will be with you and remembered forever by many people whose life he touched.

Fiona and Doc Strachan

July 9, 2026

6

Descanse em paz senhor Fernandes. Ficam as boas memórias, as anedotas e os bons momentos que passamos com a familia e amigos, na Granja, em Santo Antonio e na Vila. My deepest condolences to Carole, John, Manel and the grandchildren. Also to Nanda and the rest of the family. Mr. Fernandes was a wonderful, generous man. Granja will never be the same again...
Abraço apertado to the family. Muita força.

Maria Gil

July 7, 2026

6

Poppy, I will always remember learning to shuck oysters with you, mustering cattle with nothing but a piece of poly pipe, and that unmistakable cheeky laugh of yours. I’ll remember sitting beside you on the couch while you held my hand a little too tightly, laughing over the movie Barnyard, long lunches, your love for head scratches and learning to cook amazing soups. You were stubborn, mischievous (something I inherited, along with your big black eyes) and completely unforgettable. I’m so proud to be your granddaughter and I hope to make you proud. I'm going to miss you x

Bella Fernandes

July 5, 2026

6

And we still dont really know what happened to that finger...Thank you Poppy for all the laughs and funny stories. We will miss you.

Noah Fernandes

Service

Updates