A
PEACEFUL REQUEIM
‘A
FEW GOOD MEN’ - hard to
find in today’s selfish world. They serve the world and this country
relentlessly and selflessly through their noble deeds and good actions, without
expecting reward. So indeed, it is a great loss, to lose our dear Trustee
and Friend, retired IPS Officer, Mr. Herbert Almeida who belongs to this
legacy. We waved a final good-bye to him on Sunday, 26th May, 2013 at Wodehouse Church, Colaba. The kripa team, was
presented by Sr. Theresa Pereira (nun sister of Fr. Joe, who officiated as the
torch bearer in the absence of Fr. Joe who is doing programmes in Germany). Sr. Theresa was accompanied
by many staff members of Kripa.
Tears streamed down the faces of family
and friends who had gathered in large numbers for the final rites. His Grace
Oswald Cardinal Gracias who was the main celebrant at the Mass emphasized
on Mr. Almeida’s noble achievements. He stressed on Mr.
Almeida’s altruistic attitude not only towards his family but also to society,
and especially to Kripa Foundation. His brother Robert Almeida on behalf
of his siblings Late Norbert & Bertha Almeida, Late Hubert & Philo
Almeida, Robert Iris Almeida Dorothy & Late Paul Cable Late
Judy & Brian Lobo gave a very pertinent eulogy to the crowd. The
grief and bereavement of Mr. Almeida’s Children Jacqueline
& Christopher Verma, Karen Vivian Peres; Albert & Anita Almeida Lara & Sean Wassoodew was very apparent.
Mrs. Majorie Almeida wife of Mr.
Herbert Almeida stood tall in grief as she mourned in silence the loss of her
life partner, yet wishing every one by name as they came to condole her.
His grandchildren
Mikhail, Raoul, Rayhaan, Aalika, Taarika, Mika, Kiara, Aria
tearfully expressed their fond memories that he shared with them right
through their childhood .His son Albert thanked each and every one right from
his fathers personal aides to every one present at the funeral.
As the funeral mass was in progress in
Mumbai, Fr. Joe walked the same path in Germany by offering a Eucharistic
celebration, prayer and Meditation for the soul of his close associate and
Trustee of kripa Mr. Herbert Almeida.
The Police Band rung out a solemn
tune apparent as Police Personnel gave Retired IPS officer late Herbert Almeida a 21 gun
salute.
Truly, it will be a long while, before the
world makes good this loss of a rare diamond, one of ‘A FEW GOOD
MEN.’
Submitted by
Brett Rodricks
Kripa Bandra
Photographs
Sheldon Patrao
Collage
Newsdesk
