DEATH OF A GREAT CANDOIKAR – JOAO BAPTISTA SIQUEIRA.
It is with deep sorrow I write this piece on the death of our “ghaum-bhau”
the late Joao Baptista Siqueira on 13th of this month and interred
today at Candolim Church Cemetery. The
funeral was well attended by his closest, nearest and well wishers not only
from the locality but also from beyond.
At the entrance of the Church
The late Joa Baptista was my colleague in our village from my youth
when we were playing soccer together, picnicking together and also doing other
extra curricular activities. Being
physically strong he was our protector especially during the soccer matches and
many times he saved us and other villagers from the hands of our opponents in
the aftermath of the soccer games when we
were winning. To fight and protect the
villagers was his duty as per his thinking and this was what he did
throughout. In mid sixties and early
seventies, the security of Candolim was rested into his hands especially during
the soccer matches. He gave his life for
Candolim during the critical time even by undergoing pains for him. Because, he
loved Candolim, he loved Candoikars.
A section of the funeral attendees
He himself was a good footballer playing as goalkeeper for the then
famed Candolim team called BRAZIL formed by Pe. Chico Monteiro. He was very
good in diving for the ball though he was physically heavy.
Representing this team he played many parts of Goa and earned name and
fame for himself and for Candolim Brazil team.
Yet another section
He was a good Tiatrist organized in our locality doing the role of aged
woman and good singer also singing Duets and Trios with Anthony Mesquita
mainly. He was a good organizer of the Tiatros also in his locality and very
much known in Tiatro circle.
Celso Fernandes delivering a speech
He was very much active in local and Goan politics directly and also
thru remote control. He had vast
following in his locality and he supported his followers very much during their
needs.
Daughter of late JB thanking the people
He enjoyed good respect in his village and he was a decent man having a
decent family consisting of his nice wife Helen, 2 daughters and a son. I offer
my deepest condolences to all of them, may God give them courage to bear this
colossal loss and for him ETERNAL REST.
Family members receiving the condolences
A.Veronica Fernandes.
