A man who died a month ago while working as a security guard in a downtown Calgary apartment has left behind a teenage daughter, who was his ‘pride and joy’. Read More
Senior leaves behind a teenage daughter who was his ‘pride and joy’
Senior leaves behind a teenage daughter who was his ‘pride and joy’
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A man who died a month ago while working as a security guard in a downtown Calgary apartment has left behind a teenage daughter, who was his ‘pride and joy’.
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In March, 73-year-old security guard George Fernandez was killed after intervening in an attempted package theft at the apartment building where he lived and worked.
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CCTV footage of the incident revealed that a woman entered the building and attempted to take packages left in the lobby. Fernandez, on duty at the time, confronted the woman and was pushed during the altercation, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head. He was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition, but died the following day.
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Fernandez is described by his nephew, Gian Mabborang, as a family-oriented man and loyal friend. Mabborang said Fernandez’s willingness to help others made him loved by many, especially his 15-year-old daughter, Margarette.
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He was known to look out for all those around him, even offering Mabborang a place to live when he first moved to Calgary in 2021.
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Following in his father’s footsteps, Fernandez served eight years in the military in the Philippines. When his time in the military came to an end, he continued to seek out positions that honed the skills learned while serving, ultimately relocating to Calgary and taking on his role as a security guard.
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The senior was still working to provide for his teenage daughter
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On why he was still actively working in his 70s, Mabborang said it was due in part to his protective personality and military background, but primarily his unwavering determination to provide for Margarette.
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He worked hard to give his daughter the life and the future she deserves, said Mabborang.
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“She was his pride and joy, and he made countless sacrifices to ensure she had a bright future. Despite the challenges he faced, his resilience and commitment never wavered.”
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In speaking with those who knew Fernandez, Mabborang learned that his kindness extended beyond family. He treated everyone he met with respect, and through sharing his experiences with others he was often able to build meaningful connections with strangers.
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“George’s personality is what makes people love him,” said Mabborang.
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Family and friends have rallied to support Margarette, with Mabborang moving in with her and assuming caregiver responsibilities. “I will be the one looking over her moving forward.”
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Mabborang said he, along with other family and friends, are working hard on “making sure she has every support she needs to cope with the situation.” Though he said she is doing well, all things considered.
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“She has a lot of emotional support,” he said.
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A GoFundMe campaign has been started for Fernandez’s family, surpassing $17,000 as of Thursday morning, to cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as the repatriation of his body to the Philippines. All remaining funds will help support Margarette as she navigates life without her father.
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Amanda Robyn Ahenakew, 45, has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of Fernandez and is set to appear in court on April 16. Ahenakew was reported missing to the High River RCMP in 2023 citing concerns for her well-being, and assumed to be in Alberta or Saskatchewan.
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