Nate Berkus, the well-known HGTV personality, is keeping the memory of his late partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, alive by supporting a cause that holds deep significance.
On August 19th, Berkus took to Instagram to commemorate what would have been Bengoechea’s birthday. He posted a touching photo of Fernando and shared that in honor of this day, Marcelo Bengoechea—Fernando’s brother—would be donating 20% of all sales from The Studio at Fernando Bengoechea throughout August to Direct Relief. This contribution will go directly towards aiding those affected by natural disasters.
Bengoechea tragically lost his life in December 2004 during a vacation with Berkus in Sri Lanka when they were caught in the catastrophic tsunami that struck the region. While both men were swept away by the powerful waves, only Berkus survived.
Nate Berkus Opens Up About His Tsunami Experience on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’
Berkus’s heartfelt post was met with an outpouring of love and support from his followers. One commenter expressed admiration for how he continues to honor Fernando’s memory despite moving forward with his life: “I love that as your life moves on, you never forget. Bless you, your family, and happy heavenly birthday Fernando!” Another follower reflected on the tragedy and praised Berkus for finding joy again: “I think about you and your old love (such a handsome guy!) and what a trauma and tragedy you went through. I’m so happy you chose to embrace life again.” A third person reminisced about seeing them together years ago: “I remember you both many years ago. You were a regular guest on Oprah. Eternal light 🔥❤️ Blessings to you and your beautiful family.”
During his early career days as a frequent guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” where he showcased design tips and renovation ideas, Berkus returned after surviving the tsunami to share his harrowing experience publicly for the first time while paying tribute to Bengoechea.
Reflecting back during an interview with Oprah Winfrey herself after surviving such devastation firsthand gave him unique insight into what happened during those terrifying moments; he said: ”My perspective on experiencing something like this is different because I lived through it—I saw everything unfold right before my eyes.” He added poignantly how being there allowed him not just physically survive but also emotionally process losing someone so dear under such tragic circumstances—a journey which might have been impossible had he merely received news over phone calls instead.
Marcelo Bengoechea Honors His Brother’s Legacy Through Art
Fernando’s brother Marcelo has found solace in continuing their shared passion for art even after such immense loss—a journey chronicled beautifully within short film titled Woven Together released earlier this year (2023).
Marcelo explained how beyond having successful editorial career spanning across continents—Fernando held deep fascination towards creating woven photographs—a technique where two identical prints are meticulously sliced into strips then interwoven together forming textured masterpieces unlike anything else seen before within photography world today!
“It took me more than fifteen long years coming terms accepting reality surrounding my brother passing,” admitted Marcelo candidly while discussing impact losing sibling had upon him personally yet professionally too! However rather than letting grief consume entirely decided channel energy preserving legacy left behind instead ensuring future generations continue appreciating work done previously alongside new creations made possible thanks collaboration between brothers separated only physically now but forever connected spiritually still!