Euquerio C J Lopes, leaves a legacy behind Blessed with long, healthy happy life for his devotion to God and service to fellowmen Born to Casmiro Lopes and Maria Assumpta Alemao at Chinchinim,on 20-2-1929 he was the youngest among three brothers and two sisters. The love and concern for his mother was admirable indeed .He passed away suddenly but peacefully on 19-9-2018. He was a self made man, hard working, focused and determined.During school days and whenever he was in holidays , 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 for his specialised studies. 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 manufactured bamboo stretchers filling a need for lowering sick from the ships. It was meticulous, self taught laborious undertaking work after office hours and on 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 the 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 has also taught himself organ. His residence at Mazagon, Bombay was small and he 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 and founder Trustee 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 and just cannot be wished away .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 till the very end. He has founded "Union of Chinchinim" organisation 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 purchased property for the same at Dandeavado .He was actively involveled 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 commitments and charitable disposition are unquestionable. He led ward children for Carol singing and donated proceeds for charity .He attended daily mass till the very end and participated in funeral services too. 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 and 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 enthusiasm for dancing even at this late age was admirable. He was full of life and age was never a factor. He was dressed smartly and carried himself elegantly. He was the only person of his age riding the cycle to work and church in the Village. His relationship with old friends remained intact as was seen by his meetings with them and visitors at his residence. He loved agriculture, planted trees, worked with his hands and was always busy keeping surrounding and house clean He was a perfect example of dignity of labour. He forced himself of late to be 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 , accommodating and not selfish in his attitude and behaviour in the division of family assets between the brothers. He remained nostalgic about his experience and visit to Canada The sudden passing away of his wife Belalinda, appeared to have touched him severely and he lost his usual jest for living. It looked as if he was giving up after losing her company. . He expressed happiness and was proud of his children Vencio, Sr Nina, Jenefir , Veny and Glen well settled in their life and chosen profession and with their grand children It is gift of Goa, for his long life, as devoted head of the family,faithful, committed to God ,service and generous to the underprivileged.
His friends will always cherish in their hearts and minds, lasting memories of my close association and intimate relationship. I pay humble tribute to his memory and pray for his soul. Regret, I missed paying my last respects Farewell "Euquerio mam" my affectionate salutation, you will be missed but dearly remembered Nelson Lopes Chichinim 19 Sept 2018
