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.