Fernando Papini was born on 23 May 1932 in Via Botta, Morbegno, Province of Sondrio, Italy. The second son of Assunta and Alessio Papini, Fernando grew up healthy, respectful and religious in those times.

At 14 years of age his first job was for a metal company called Martinelli, where he worked for 18 years. He was well liked by all his peers and had a terrific sense of humour and was always happy.

At 22 years of age he met his ideal woman, Maria-Assunta and at 26 years of age they wed. A year later their first born son, Fausto, arrived on 6 April 1960. Followed by their daughter Emanuela, 3 years later on 29 May 1963.

He desired a better life for his young family and headed to Australia on 10 April 1966 by ship. He soon found work and settled in Mt Barker. A year later he sent for his family and they were reunited once again. He worked long, hard hours at the Jacobs factory, often doing night shifts. On 8 April 1972 another daughter Maria was born. In that same year their dream home was built. Jacobs then closed its doors and Fernando found work at Johnsons Leather Factory operating heavy machinery.

In 1979 Fernando travelled back to Italy to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of his beloved parents and spent time with his family. In 1983 Johnsons Leather Company also closed its doors and for the next 8 years thereafter Fernando did a lot of maintenance work for family and friends. He became a proud father-in-law to Suzie and Stephen and a very proud Nonno to Vanessa and Jessica, whom he adored.

On 25 November 1990 he felt unwell and with deep sadness passed away suddenly on 8 December 1990. Later additions to his family were three more granddaughters, Priscilla, Taylor and Danielle and a son-in-law Mark, all living in South Australia. Fernando left his family and friends with beautiful memories and he will always live on in our hearts.