António Forno

António Joaquim Pereira Alves do Forno (1935–2025) was a pioneering Portuguese Canadian community leader whose tireless service shaped the Portuguese community of Southwestern Ontario for over four decades.

Born on March 29, 1935 in Adoufe, Vila Real, in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal, he served in the Portuguese Army from 1956 to 1958. He emigrated to Canada in 1966 from Valpaços, Trás-os-Montes where he was the treasurer of the Farmer’s Guild. António built a legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

He co-founded the Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham in 1971 and served as its first president. He represented Portuguese Canadians for over 20 years on the Conselho das Comunidades Portuguesas, rising to president for Ontario and Manitoba, and was appointed Honorary Consul of Portugal in Canada in 1998. Recognizing the importance of heritage, he established Portuguese language programs across Chatham and surrounding communities, securing funding from both the Portuguese and Canadian governments.

He founded and operated Forno’s Travel Agency for over 30 years and served as a provincially appointed Notary Public for four decades. A charter member and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, he volunteered for over 40 years and helped establish the annual Nossa Senhora de Fátima festivities in Chatham. His contributions were recognized with the Medalha de Mérito das Comunidades Portuguesas, presented by Secretary of State José Cesário, Ontario’s Volunteer Service Award, and the Certificate of Exemplary Service to Canada.