Fernando passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 — which happened to be his mother’s birthday — surrounded by his family at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga.

Born in Chile as the eldest of three sons to Marie Émile Joseph de Raucourt and Luisa Antonieta Rivet Chamoneau, Fernando grew up alongside his brothers, Enrique Luis de Raucourt Rivet and Julio de Raucourt Rivet. Raised in the Catholic faith, he developed early values of discipline, humility, and service — qualities that would guide him throughout his life. From an early age, he carried a natural curiosity, discipline, and determination that would define every chapter of his journey.

He completed his secondary education at Liceo Santiago, earning his Sixth Year Humanities Certificate granted by Chile’s Ministry of Public Education. He then pursued higher studies at the University of Chile, where he completed his Bachelor of Humanities, specializing in Biology. His academic journey continued at the Universidad Técnica del Estado in Santiago, where he earned his Industrial Technician degree in Metallurgy — a rigorous and respected technical formation that shaped his lifelong mastery of metals and industrial craft.

Alongside his academic and professional achievements, Fernando also pursued aviation. He was certified as a Glider Pilot through the Chilean Air Force’s Aeronautics Directorate, trained under the Flight Standards Department at its General Headquarters — a testament to his discipline, precision, and quiet courage.

Before immigrating to Canada, Fernando worked for seven years at Lavandería Rivet, a family owned company where he developed deep expertise in industrial laundry systems. He later founded his own business, Compañía de Raucourt Instalaciones Mecánicas Industriales de Lavandería, becoming fully independent and offering his services to local companies that required the installation of heavy industrial laundry equipment. His workmanship quickly earned a strong reputation for precision and reliability.
Recognizing his professionalism and technical mastery, the Ejército de Chile commissioned him to install a new industrial laundry system for their facilities. Impressed by the quality of his work, they offered him full time employment — and housing for his growing family — within the Ejército Militar de Chile.

Despite doing well in Chile, Fernando made the bold decision in 1969 to seek a new future for his family. On June 10, 1970, he arrived in Canada with his wife, Iris, and their seven children — the youngest just one year old and the eldest nine. Within his first week in Canada, through relentless effort, he secured his first position as a metallurgical engineer with McGraw Edison Canada, where he worked until the company relocated. That same first week, he also purchased a home on Clinton Street, laying down roots and creating a stable foundation for his young family in their new country.

His skills and innovations quickly distinguished him. He travelled extensively for the company, installing and repairing industrial laundry equipment in hospitals and institutions across Ontario and abroad. His work earned him letters of commendation from local and international clients, including the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago. He also represented McGraw Edison of Canada Limited at the Lima Sheraton Hotel in Peru, showcasing his expertise on a global stage. His ingenuity improved the company’s workflow dramatically — increasing production capacity from three industrial machines to eight.

When the company relocated, Fernando opened his own business, Canadian Chilean Laundry Machinery, where he continued to excel. He travelled throughout Ontario installing and repairing industrial laundry systems for hospitals, hotels, and institutions. Later in life, seeking less travel, he joined Faster Linen, where he continued to apply his skill and reliability until retirement.

In retirement, Fernando embraced new passions. He began painting, gifting his first artwork — a black orchid — to his son Pierre. He later completed a remarkable painting of the Chilean ship Esmeralda, hand carving the frame himself. It remains a treasured piece, proudly displayed in his home.

He was deeply committed to family history, tracing genealogies across continents and reconnecting relatives in France, Chile, and Canada. He cherished family gatherings and took great joy in organizing celebrations that brought people together. His efforts strengthened bonds across oceans, especially with his half siblings Jacques and Annie de Raucourt from his father’s first marriage in France. He also cherished the families his children and grandchildren built, and the many loved ones who became part of his life through them: James, Glenn, Marlene, Claudia, Iryna, Samantha, and Brett.

Fernando’s love of travel carried him across South America, Europe, and Asia. Among his many adventures, he proudly scaled the heights of the Great Wall of China at Badaling Pass outside Beijing. He was trilingual — fluent in Spanish, French, and English — and even studied Italian later in life.

His generosity extended beyond family. He was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding community service from the Summit Royal Residents Association, reflecting his neighbourly spirit and quiet commitment to those around him.

Fernando is predeceased by his brother Enrique Luis, and by his half siblings Jacques and Annie. He leaves behind his youngest brother, Julio. He is also survived by his wife, Iris, from whom he had been separated, and his seven children: Alexandre, Pierre-Paul, Lissette, Denisse, Jean-Claude, Philippe, and Chantal. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren — Nicole, Michal, Matias, Luc, Giselle, Timothée, Rémi, Chloé and François, — and his great grandchild, Lennox.

Fernando lived a life marked by courage, craftsmanship, intellect, and devotion. He built a legacy that spans continents and generations — a legacy of resilience, curiosity, and love. His story will continue to inspire all who knew him.