Fernando Couto: Tribute to Alfie

A TRIBUTE TO ALFRED VINCENT D'SOUZA

BORN 09-07-1959
DIED 04-04-2006

ALFRED VINCENT D'SOUZA, son of Joan and Late Eddie D'Souza, loving
husband of Lynette, Darling father of Shawna, Conroy and Annika, B/BIL
of Late Eric, Clare/Blaise.

When I think of Alfie today, oddly enough, I don't think of him as an
acquaintance but a
Very dear friend who loved his family, friends, reading, singing, food
and drink, to sum it all, he loved Life.

I have known Alfred since 1970, when we both studied at St. Britto's
High School in Mapuca, Goa. In school, he was brilliant, very good in
elocution and singing. I especially remember him for reciting 'Mark
Anthony's speech at Ceaser's funeral'. He along with Alex Braganza and
others started the 9th Dimension band when in school and went on to
win a second place at the then famous Simla Beat Contest. He also
represented the school in Hockey. During my school days, I would cycle
all the way from Ucassaim to Saligao to meet Alfie and other friends.

Both of us passed out from School in June 1975. We were the first
batch of the newly introduced 10 + 2 system. While most others
continued to pursue their higher studies in Goa, we came to Bombay to
study the famous Radio Officers' course. Ever since then, we have
lived together away from our families and that is how we grew up
together till the time we got married ( I was the Best Man at his
wedding) when each went his way to begin our new lives. However, we
always kept in touch and our families grew fond of each other.

We were known as 'Three Musketeers', Alfred, Maxwell & I. We would
often meet and party till the wee hours of the morning. Alfred also
ensured we kept in touch with our school mates. Alfred, Sisino, Alex,
Savio, Maxwell, Dr. George and the rest would regularly get together
proudly calling ourselves the "Class of 75" with our teacher Sir Gomes
(Bonjour) joining in at times. A few months back Alfred, Sisino, Alex
& I sat by the riverside of the Ucassaim Mansher and sipped beer
remembering our good old school days.

Alfred joined ONGC and me, Airport Authority. Since he had to fly when
ever he joined duty or when he went home after a 15 day schedule on
the rigs, he made it a point to visit me. If time permitted we would
sit with all our friends especially Augustine, Robert, Altino and Carl
at the Wellingdon Gymkhana, Santacruz.

Alfred was very well read and could discuss any topic under the sun.
He put to shame many a learned academician with his vast knowledge.
During his spare time he would complete the Times of India crossword.
He loved to read P. G. Woodhouse and has a collection at home. He was
also a good musician who would sing and play the guitar. He never
strummed but plucked while playing the guitar with his favorite 'Simon
& Garafunkul' numbers. He religiously exercised; many in Saligao will
remember him jogging miles together.

Alfred and I have played all sorts of pranks together, pranks that we
are proud of and keep narrating these to our families who burst out
with laughter. There were times we undertook a motor bike journey from
Bombay to Goa with a sense of adventure. One can't forget those ship
journeys back home also.

On Wednesday March 29, 2006 Alfred and I had lunch together in my
office. I went to see him off on his flight to Goa, that's when he
mentioned he was experiencing a peculiar pain when exercising and
said, would go for a check during his stay in Goa. I too, knowing
Alfred's excellent health took it lightly only to be shocked when
Blaise called to inform me that Alfred suffered a massive heart attack
and passed away.

Today, when I think of Alfred, I think of all the good times we had
together. He was very meticulous in what ever he did. If what I am
today, I owe part of it to Alfred. I believe he is not dead but has
only gone to a better place where he is watching over us. I don't
think we should mourn, but continue life the way he liked it.. He was
God's gift to all of us, and now God has decided to take him back.

We all must rally round his family and give Lynette, Shawna, Conroy
and Annika all the encouragement to continue the good work that Alfred
had begun.


Fernando Couto
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Frederick 'FN' Noronha   | Yahoomessenger: fredericknoronha
http://fn.goa-india.org     | fred-po9UeBtN8jQm4/wLoHy/Wg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Independent Journalist   | +91(832)2409490 Cell 9822122436
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Photographs from Goa: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/
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