Fitzi Tamayo
Fitzi was born in Los Andes of San Marcos, San Salvador on January 4, 1963. At the age of four he moved with his older brother Jaime and younger sister Xiomara to his grandmother’s home in the city of Mejicanos. He received a scholarship to the Insituto Emiliani in Antiquo Cuscatlan where he spent eight years studying with his brother Jaime. It was at this time. Fitzi began his political involvement with student organizations in the midst of El Salvador’s civil war. He returned to live with Uncle Naguib and Mami followed by 3 years with brother Jamie and wife Lillian, where he studied electronics and was a big part of his nephews’. Jaimito and Fernando’s lives.
With 75 colones ($50.00) in his pocket Fitzi headed off to a new life in the United States. He reunited and his brother Ivan in Los Angeles. During the three years he lived in L.A. He made many friends where he earned the title “Poeta” for his poetry. Still in search of a better life Fitzi immigrated to Canada with the help of his “Uncle” Naguib and brother Ivan, where he ended up in Victoria, B.C. While in Victoria, Fitzi ran the El Salvador Information Office. In 1989 Fitzi experienced a life changing event when he recruited Kimberly to read the news in English on a bilingual radio show program. It was love at first sight. Three years later on Dec. 20, 1992 Fitzi and Kimberly were married at the University of Victoria where Kimberly was completing her degree. Five months later Martito was born. When Marti was 6 weeks old, the little family moved to Ft. St. James to be near Grandma and the rest of the clan. Two years later, their family was complete with the addition of Sheridan on April 25th, 1995.
Fitzi began his career at Apollo in July of 1993. Fitzi’s passion for his job was clearly evident in the vision he shared for Apollo’s future. Hours before he slipped into his coma, he was still researching the new mill expansion.
Although Fitzi gradually grew to love the community of Ft. St. James, he never lost his desire to escape to warmer climates (especially during winter months), and was constantly planning his next vacation. Fitzi visited Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, England, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Japan, Belize and the U.S.
But Fitzi’s first loves were Kimberly, Marti, and Sheridan. Many happy hours were spent fishing and camping as a family. Fitzi could not bear to see his children unhappy and would anxiously await for their return home if they were out. Fitzi loved planting his flower garden, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving as well as spending time at the Stuart Lake Golf Course.
Three months ago Fitzi’s life changed forever with his diagnosis of brain cancer. Living under the shadow of cancer helped Fitzi and his family to understand the importance of faith, hope, love and forgiveness. Fitzi’s courageous battle ended in victory when God called him home on October 21, 2006 surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Fitzi is survived by his loving wife Kimberly, and devoted children Marti and Sheridan, mother Yolanda, brothers Ivan and Jaime and sisters Xiomara, Olga, and Deborah. Fitzi was predeceased by his baby brother Otto.
Donations in Fitzi’s name to Canadian Cancer Society.