Euquerio Lopes, leaves a legacy behind He was a self made man, hard working, focused and determined, As he studied, he engaged himself in field work ,toiling with his parents. After completing SSC, he completed Medical Orderly Course/Registered Pharmacist at Belgaum and was indebted to his brother Fabiao for his valuable assistance. He served Mackinon Mackenzie, Bombay in the Medical Dept with distinction, where his services, honesty, sincerity,discipline, punctuality and good relationships were much appreciated , recognised and praised. He retired from there with great satisfaction of fulfillment and work well done .He was known to be very helpful, sympathetic, outgoing to Chinchonkars in particular undergoing medical examination, prior to joining sea service .He was very popular and cultivated long lasting friendship with all those with whom he came in contact . Married to late Mrs Belarmina, he was blessed with 5 children, two boys and 3 daughters. Nina has taken vows as a nun, He had to struggle, being the only bread winner to bring them up with good education.He was very industrious and would undertake masonry , carpentry tasks and was a handy man around the house. He would ride to work on cycle ,purchased in Goa to M.M at Ballard Pier, Bombay, which was not advisable for safety reasons but he was a challenging personality willing to take calculated risks. He would manufacture bamboo stretchers for lowering sick from the ships. It was meticulous, self taught undertaking laborious work after office hours and holidays, It needed skill , patience and sourcing materials in the city of Bombay . I joined him in buying and selling imported articles, foreign currency too. He opened and old pant and learned to cut and stitch, but sewing machine was a hindrance. Together we decided to enroll for music classes, but unable to purchase instruments and hence had to retreat .However he practiced violin by self and played it for litanies etc. After retirement he was also taught himself organ. His residence at Mazagon was small and needed a bigger place for the family. I was surprised to see that his friends made it possible by extending financial help without interest and conditions of repayment. He even offered me money to pay my fees, when his own requirements did not permit. His attitude of generosity touched me deeply In Bombay he took over as the Manager of Club of Dandeavadcares and accredited himself with perfection He was strict in enforcement of regulations and looked after the affairs for many years even from Goa after retirement. His voluntary contributions are well documented .He was also appointed manager of various other clubs because of his efficiency, honesty and reliability.He continued to be associated with Club and render his expertise needed. He founded Union of Chinchinim with like minded friends and accumulated a fund of Rs 5 Lakhs plus. His dream to house the elderly remains to be realised, He has purchase property for the same at Dandeavado .He was actively involve led in the Management of Holy Cross Chapel at Dandeavado and also Co- operative Society He was active member of Vincent de Paul Society and Couple for Christ. His religious leanings and charitable disposition are unquestionable. He attended daily mass till the very end. In the Village his presence was pivotal at litanies, birthdays, and other celebrations as he was tasked with raising toasts and offering prayers. His absence will be very much felt but will be fondly remembered. He participated in the meetings of small Christian community of the ward regularly. During his student days, he has penned Dramas,directed and acted in them. He refused the proposal to seek Goa Govt. assistance for artist for which was duly qualified. His love for music and dancing even at this late age was admirable He was full of life and age was no factor. He was dressed smartly and carried himself elegantly. His relationship with old friends remained intact as seen by his meetings and visits. He loved agriculture, planted trees, worked with his hands and was always busy keeping surrounding and house clean. He forced himself of late to work and keep occupied as a pharmacist in the village medical store .It provided an opportunity to renew contacts and meeting customers and friends, who also sought his experienced ,medical advice. He was moderate, reasonable and accommodating and not selfish in his attitude and behaviour in the division of family assets between the brothers. He remained nostalgic about his experience of visiting Canada The sudden passing away of his wife appeared to have touched him severely and lost his usual jest for living. It looked as if he was giving up after losing her company. It was indeed astonishing to see him cycling his way at his age.like no other person in the village. He expressed happiness and was proud of his children/ well settled in their life and chosen profession and with their grand children I will always cherish in my heart and mind lasting memories of my close association and intimate relationship I pay humble tribute to your memory and pray for your soul Farewell Euquerio mam, you will be missed but dearly remembered
Nelson Lopes Chichinim 19 Sept 2018
