ADEUS KORCHEA VELLAR You are gone Dad, but not away from our memories. We still remember you as Our Steel Strong Dad, because thats what you always called yourself. Yes, you were strong in your faith, in your walk with Christ, in whatever you did and also in yourself. Allen Costa as you were popularly known to the people of Goa, you never let them down and always gave them your best. During your days at ex-Emissora de Goa (now All India Radio), you regaled and enthralled your listeners with your rich toned voice. Your popularity with the listeners grew even more on the Konkani request show Manajogtim Geetam. Programs like Kandllam Onvllam, Moujecho Khell, and Goenchea Mollbar on FM became synonymous with the name Allen Costa. Your melodious songs of yesteryears, Mandovichea Deger, Vengoi Mujea Buzak, Kallangutchea Praer and especially Adeus Korchea Vellar are still on everyones lips even today. Yes Dad, this song Adeus Korchea Vellar sounds good only when you sing it. Even when you would hum this tune while in the hospital, you never faltered and hummed this tune to perfect. With pride we say we loved it when people called you Jim Reeves of Goa. Your good sense of humour took you a long way as compere at weddings and other social functions and even through your brief illness at the hospital. You had the knack of stealing everyones hearts. You went away too soon Dad. We never knew any sickness as partial Dementia. We were confident Senility was catching on, and we took your forgetfulness in our stride. But destiny had a different script for you. You hit the bed and never got out of it. All the doctors and nurses tried their best to get you back on your feet, prayers and dedications flowed from churches, family members, friends, fans, but in vain! You were destined to be with Jesus and thats where you are now rejoicing, without any pain or sorrow. We saw you struggle to talk, but only silent tears trickling down your eyes spoke what we couldnt understand. There was no exchange of farewell, just a silent retreat. Now while you are no more your voice continues to stay alive with us. We miss you Dad ! So also the people of Goa ! Tina Costa. (O'Heraldo/11 March 2006)
--------------------- OBITUARY: 8 March 2006: ALLEN COSTA ALEIXINHO COSTA ALIAS ALLEN COSTA (Ex-Announcer, Emissora de Goa (All India Radio)); son of late Jose Costa/late Rosa Maria fernandes; Husband of late Beatriz, father of Flora/Marian (Germany), Joe/Melba, Tony/Cynthia, Tina, Evelyn/Ernest (Mumbai); grandfather of Kenneth, Rene, Joanna, Ruth and Elijah. (Porvorim, Goa) ------------------- (Special thanks to Lino B. Dourado www.goa-world.com/goa/poems )
