WIth Mario's death, humanity has lost a Champion. While he was known and loved for his wildlife paintings, he was a phenomenal sculptor, prolific writer and astoundingly loyal friend. He gave more than he had and asked for nothing in return. Fernandez originals are in the collections of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne of Great Britain, His Holiness Pope John Paul II, President George Bush, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Abdul Azis of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Juan Carlos of Spain, President & Mrs. Mikhail Gorbachev of the former Soviet Union, United States General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colon Powell as well as Wayne Newton, Janet Jackson, Roger Whitacker, Prince and Norman Rockefeller, to name a few. Although well known for his artistry, his abilities as inventor and industrial engineer were significant. Mario was directly involved in the invention of the microwave oven, the pulse-less heart pump for BioMedicus (now Medtronic) , the gyroscopic movie camera for Desi-Lu Productions, the "Maximum Security" swing bolt for Adams Rite, the water clock for RainBird, and many more. He won the prestigious Bachner Award, was granted an honorary Ph.D. in philosophy, and more. Mario gave and gave and gave. He made considerable contributions to the Gabbert Raptor Center, the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Boy Scouts of America, and many more. His life made a permanent and positive impact upon many and he will never be forgotten.

Mario now soars with the eagles he painted. God bless you my friend on your journey. We will all miss you.

We lost a great and talented man - Mario you will be missed very much! Rena Wells-Ashfeld