Antonio Fernandez, Busquistar's grandfather, dies

Antonio Fernandez Vargas has died. He was Busquistar's great-grandfather. He was born in 1924, and has been the oldest person in his Alpujarra community for many years. Antonio, the well-known Antonio, was a driver's license holder since 1965. He was active despite his advanced age. Dolores Ortega, his wife, enjoyed writing poetry and skits, and they traveled around La Alpujarra with their car, a Fiat Uno. This Fiat Uno was also in good health, and was many years old. Antonio was a responsible driver. His colleagues at Busquistar were jealous of him. He has an unmatched driving record. Antonio was a shining example of humility, hard work, and devotion to his family members and friends. He spent summers in Busquistar. He was blessed with beautiful fruit from the cherry tree that grew near his home.

Busquistar's grandfather spoke clearly. His life was described by Busquistar as Federico and Maria having 7 children. "I was the first child of their seven children in 1924. Two of my brothers have passed away. Due to the Civil War, I was unable to attend school for four months. Everything fell apart. My parents had goats, sheep and a donkey when I was seven years old. Antonio Fernandez, seated on a bench, recalled that the goats gave us milk and that the sheep provided wool. The donkey helped with transporting things from the fields."

Busquistar's eldest son, the elder, said that he grew up close to Alpujarra's stepped and sloping countryside. It was so close that I visited Granada capital and saw the Mediterranean Sea for my first time in 1945 when I joined the military service. After I was discharged from the hospital, I was released and returned to Busquistar. I was then ill again and could not work for three consecutive years. In the military, I lost one of my lungs. In 1951, I married Dolores. We had three children, three like flowers, that gave us four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He proudly stated that Pilar, one of my grandchildren, is a journalist from Catalonia.

Busquistar's oldest man worked at the Barranco de Poqueira hydroelectric station. Later, he opened a small shop in his hometown selling little of everything. But the business failed because he gave out too much credit. In 1960, he fled to Figueras to seek a better future. He then moved to France in search for a better future. There he worked for 14 years, 9 month and 14 days, saving money and paying off some debts. He shared his homeland with Barcelona for many years, where his family lives.

Antonio Fernandez was a soul friend and wrote many books of poetry, fables. Elizabet Lizana, who was the Chair of Busquistar City Council, gave him an award a few years back. Busquistar's grandfather worked with the Fina Palma de Horta Poets Center, Barcelona. Antonio didn't appear at his old age. His ruddy, rosy complexion was free from wrinkles, furrows and folds. His forehead was clean. His cheeks were fleshy. Antonio walked five miles every day to stay fit. He was overwhelmed by his memories. He was not ambitious. His service record is filled with merits. Antonio enjoyed a good conversation and sharing friendship. Antonio was an individual without any duplicity. He loved the homemade sausages made in a Busquistar store near his house. Rest in peace.