DR. FERNANDO GONZALEZ-PINO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. FERNANDO GONZALEZ-PINO May 4, 1954 - November 10, 2016 A million times I called you, A million times I cried, If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. Dear staff of McEwen (St. Boniface General Hospital), colleagues of Dr. Gonzalez-Pino and friends: A year has passed and there are no words to thank you enough for everything you have done to celebrate Dr. Gonzalez-Pino's life. As you know, one of the places that Fernando enjoyed to the fullest was Maple Grove Dog Park. Watching all the other dogs play with his beloved dogs, Vito and Maya, was among his greatest satisfactions. I remember one very cold winter night when we took the dogs to Maple Grove Dog Park, their dog coats and paw boots being very much necessary. We thought we would be the only people at the park. But we were wrong because another person had showed up with his dogs. I remember how happy this person was to see us there. While having a conversation about our beloved pets, this person admitted, "I thought I would be the only crazy person here." How wrong he was. Dear colleagues and staff of Dr. Gonzalez-Pino: thank you for the beautiful bench with his name that you donated to his favourite park. You made Fernando's dream a reality, which was to be at the dog park forever, day or night, rain or shine, heat or cold. Thank you so much for the support our family has received since day one of his final journey. The hugs, words, cards, food, friendships, donations to his favourite charities (the Winnipeg Humane Society and Teen Challenge), and supporting his passion for teaching by giving yearly scholarships to medical students at the University of Manitoba in his name. We will always remember how Fernando spent so many nights preparing what he would be teaching to his dear students and residents. Dr. Fernando Gonzalez-Pino tried to live his life as a man of principle, kindness, respect, understanding, truth and knowledge. He always dreamt of a world where justice would prevail. Pinito, you are now the moon, the dogs, the books, and all the friends. Eternally grateful, Majorie, Emily, Edgar and Fernando Jr.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2017