Obituary of Javier Emilio CERDA

December 3, 1967 -  July 8, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Javier (“X”) Cerda on July 8 th at Bethell Hospice in Inglewood, Ontario. He leaves behind his loving wife Lynda and adoring children Julianna and Logan. Javier is also survived by his long-time friend Martin (Terry), sister-in-law Arlene, parents Roma and Guillermo and siblings Oscar (Lisa), Elena (John), Roma (Craig) and many adoring nieces and nephews who are missing their Uncle X. He is reunited with his loving in-laws Bob and Betty. Javier is mourned by many others including his extended family members in Chile, Lynda’s family in Scotland and South Africa as well as countless friends and colleagues.

Javier grew up in Chatham, Ontario after his family moved to Canada from Chile when he was a child. He later attended Ursuline College The Pines School and excelled both academically and in several sports. He went on to pursue his Bachelor of Science (Physics) at McMaster University in Hamilton where he met his future wife Lynda. After graduation, in 1992, Javier joined Canada Customs and Excise (now Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”)) as a Customs Officer in the Commercial Operations District at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Javier moved from the Cargo Flexible Response Team to the Passenger Operations District when he was promoted to a Superintendent in 2001. He joined the Integrated Customs Enforcement Team in the Enforcement Division of Passenger Operations in 2007. He was very proud to be promoted to Chief of Operations in 2017 with a move back to Commercial Operations District where he was responsible for the Airside Enforcement Team. 

Javier also had the privilege of travelling to represent the CBSA across Canada as well as to Thailand and Columbia. He was a well respected leader who embodied integrity and inspired others with his passion and dedication. He earned several awards during his career with the final one being the President’s Award for Integrity which was presented in 2021. Javier worked in many other areas at CBSA (all with their own acronyms!) during his career and the family would like to acknowledge some of his other memorable times: Rigaud College, the DART team (good old baseball days) and to everyone else he met along the way that enriched him in his work life. We know he is sorely missed by many CBSA colleagues, some of whom were real brothers to him.

Javier loved sports and was active in the community having coached soccer for the Brampton Youth Soccer Club as well as having been the team trainer on his son’s Brampton Hockey team. He also helped out with his daughter’s volleyball team, often acting as linesman and go-to sports Dad for injuries during tournaments. He was his kid’s loudest and proudest fan! 

By far, Javier’s proudest accomplishment in life was his family – his many happy years spent with his wife and most of all, being an amazing Daddy to Julianna and Logan. They will forever be enriched by his unconditional love, massive bear hugs and devotion. He was the heart of our home and brought us so
much joy.

Javier bravely fought against a very aggressive blood cancer for two and a half years. He underwent countless treatments including participation in two clinical trials. The family would like to thank the
many doctors, nurses and others who treated Javier along the way including Dr. Bhella (and team) at Princess Margaret, Dr. Conter (and team) at William Osler, the caring staff at Bethell Hospice and of course our long-time family physician Dr. McCallion.

The family has requested time to come to terms with this enormous loss and will plan to hold a Celebration of Life in the future when there are less COVID restrictions and we are ready to do so.
Details will be posted on this site when available. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that you consider donations to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or to The Canadian Cancer Society.

Javier, Xavier, X, Chief X, Uncle X, Coach X, Trainer Javier, Daddy – we miss you with all our hearts.

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Cerda Family.