Antonio do Forno – South Western Ontario Portuguese Community Leader
Chatham, Ontario
António Joaquim Pereira Alves do Forno
March 29, 1935 – October 12, 2025
A Lifetime of Service to the Portuguese Canadian CommunityWho He Was
40+ Years of Public Service
Born in Adoufe, Vila Real, in the mountains of Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, António do Forno emigrated to Canada in 1966, settling in Chatham, Ontario — arriving with little more than determination and a deep sense of community.
Over four decades he became one of the most consequential figures in Southwestern Ontario’s Portuguese Canadian community: a club founder, language advocate, elected community representative, travel agency entrepreneur, Notary Public, Honorary Consul, and a devoted Knight of Columbus.
António passed away on October 12, 2025. He is remembered by his family, his community, and everyone whose life he touched as a man who gave everything he had to the people around him.
Companion Page
Explore António do Forno’s Legacy & Reflections
To explore additional material related to António do Forno’s life and legacy — including the podcast, YouTube interview, feature article, and other reflections — visit the companion page below.
Visit the Legacy & Reflections PageHis Contributions
Community Building
Founding the Portuguese Club of Chatham
In 1971, António co-founded the Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham, giving the community a permanent home to celebrate culture, faith, and fellowship. In 1997 the club acquired land and built a hall that continues to thrive today.
Conselho das Comunidades
For more than 20 years, António was an elected member of the Conselho das Comunidades Portuguesas, representing Ontario and Manitoba. He attended meetings in Portugal and across North America to defend Portuguese Canadian rights.
Portuguese Language Education
António established Portuguese language classes in Chatham, Leamington, Wheatley, and Windsor — first funded by Portugal, then by Canada — ensuring children stayed connected to their heritage language and culture.
Honorary Consul of Portugal
Named Honorary Consul of Portugal in Canada in 1998, António served as a direct bridge between the Portuguese government and its diaspora in Southwestern Ontario.
Notary Public for 40+ Years
Appointed by the Province of Ontario at the recommendation of the Portuguese Consul, António assisted the community with “Procurações” and Portuguese-related legal documents for over four decades.
Forno’s Travel Agency
From 1977 to 2009, his travel agency in Chatham, Leamington, and Windsor served thousands of Portuguese Canadians — organizing flights to Portugal, preparing passports, and keeping families connected across the ocean.
Knights of Columbus
A charter member of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus in Chatham, António achieved the Fourth Degree Knight in 2003, serving as a faithful volunteer for over 40 years.
Nossa Senhora de Fátima Festa
António helped establish Chatham’s Our Lady of Fátima festival in 1979 and was personally responsible for having the statue made in Portugal, blessed in Fátima, and imported to Canada.
“Um Forno sempre a arder” — A Forno always burning. António Forno is a community reference in Chatham, Leamington and surroundings, because he always dedicated himself to it.
— José Mário Coelho, community journalist & author, 2004Recognition
Honours & Awards
- Medalha de Mérito das Comunidades Portuguesas
— presented personally by Secretary of State José Cesário (2025) - Certificate of Exemplary Service to Canada
– in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III (2025) - 4th Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus (2003)
- Honorary Consul of Portugal in Canada (1998)
- Province of Ontario Volunteer Service Award (1987)
- Multiple awards from the City of Chatham
In Photos
Founding Portuguese Club of Chatham
In Photos
Representing the Community
Public Office
Notary Public & Honorary Consul
Entrepreneur
Forno’s Travel Agency
Faith & Service
Knights of Columbus
Before Canada
Early Life in Portugal
The Man Behind the Mission
Family & Legacy
Life Story