GBE Remembers Joe Antao

At its meeting held on 2nd July 2016, Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott fondly remembered its President Joe Antao who passed away on 24th June 2016 after a brief illness. Members present shared their memories of Joe who was acknowledged for being a soft spoken person and none present ever recalled him raising his voice.

Suzie Pereira said Joe was a very kind hearted man and always very co-operative.

Menino alias Minush Gomes called Joe a “I’m there” man and remembered how he used to join GBE for every activity including the cleanliness drives where he would even pick up a spade and dig. He also remembered Joe as a member of the Choir.

Michael Pereira, the former Vice President of GBE recalled Joe as a very helpful person.

Founder President of GBE Rui da Silva pointed out that Joe brought the notary services to the village thereby helping a lot of villagers specially the elderly who did not have to go the cities.

Vice President and Acting President of GBE Darwin Cardoso disclosed that his association with Joe was from the Jaycees where Joe was his mentor and the person to go to for any help. He said Joe never worked for money but did the work because he loved to do it. Having worked with Joe in the Church and also Guirdolim Club, he said Joe never ever said he was busy but was always available for any work.

Treasurer Anand Shirodkar who is Joe’s neighbor fondly remembered his long association with Joe and said that Joe was one the most easily accessible person. He recalled how when Joe got married, threw an exclusive party for him.

Chester Mascarenhas while admitting that he did not know Joe much said his mother spoke very highly about him specially as he was the only advocate who agreed to take up his father’s case while all others had refused it.

Ex-President John Douglas Coutinho who was out of station sent his views over WhatsApp which were as follows: “For Joe’s sake we must put in more effort in GBE and do one good project that we can remember his tenure as president. No one can say a bad word of him as he didn’t have a bad bone in him. I remember when I asked him to join GBE and said the objective was not to have the boundary of Chandor Guirdolim and for that reason readily joined. We have lost another very strong pillar. I salute him!”

Julio D’Silva also shared his memories of Joe Antao.