One Year on: Angelo V. Lopes: An obituary by Michael Ali Mr. Angelo Lopes, a career banker, passed away in Goa on May 8, 2013. He was born in Goa but spent most of his life in Karachi where I came to know him about five decades ago. When I met him in the early 60s he was an officer with a big British bank, National and Grindlays. He was very dedicated, efficient and greatly sought after by the clients for advice and to get their work done post haste. He always obliged. Later he was posted in Hong Kong but in the early 90s he was chosen by the Habib family as their General Manager of a newly formed bank, the Bank Al-Habib. Here he was the No. 2 man and greatly admired by his colleagues and those in the banking profession as he took the bank from start to an envious position in Pakistan’s banking world. Today, the bank is a thriving institution. Although, heheld a very high post he never forgot his community and served with distinction the Karachi Goan Association as its President for several consecutive terms twice. During his tenure he ensured that bright youth of the community got well deserved jobs not only in the bank he ran but also in other banks and financial institutions where he could find them employment. A deeply religious man, he was also an unofficial adviser to many priests and Catholic institutions regarding their finances and was well known for his philanthropy. Through my aunt who worked with him at Grindlay’s he became a very good family friend and I was privileged to benefit from his advice on many matters. After, he retired due to health reasons (his employers did not want to let go of him), he left for Goa, about two years ago, to be with his family. Mr. Lopes was a confirmed bachelor and lived a grand life. He was the son of the late Prof. Antonio and Maria Lopes and brother of Ilda, Late Fr. Conradino, Soccorrinho, Oscar, Cris Antao and Estrela Coloco. Farewell, Mr. Lopes and thank you for what you did for the Karachi Catholic community. He was buried at Chinchinim on May 10. May perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul rest in peace. Amen.
