On February 17, 2005, one of the founders and leaders of the Goan Overseas Association of Ontario passed away while on holiday in Goa.
Neves Menezes first came to Canada in 1964 from Nairobi, where he had played a significant part in the organizations of the Goan community there. He thought of doing the same here, but at the time there were only a hundred Goans or so in Toronto. It would take another 6 years to form a critical mass. Neves was among the 24 people who launched the association on April 5, 1970. He would serve in the first seven Committees, as President twice (1971 and 1977) and numerous other positions since. However, it was in the depth of his service that he excelled. Neves probably had a bigger impact on the G.O.A. than any other single person through changes to the Constitution. In his tenure as President, the emblems (coat of arms and flag) were chosen. The largest impact he had was as Chairman of the Rules Revision Committee in 1981, where he introduced a change that gave the vote to the spouse of members and dependant children over the age of 18. To evaluate the impact, consider that in the first 10 years of the G.O.A. there were scant 6 women members of the Executive, but by 1985, 40% of the Executive comprised of women - and this has been carried on since. By this encouraging signal sent to the youth, the proportion of Young Adults and Youth in the Executive likewise rose to 40% or higher. Neves was a team player - he worked with others to promote programs and encouraged others to do their best. Through one of these exercises the G.O.A. held its first cultural festival for the general public through a one-day Goan Festival at Harbourfront. This surely was a model for many other cultural events that have transpired since. As he left the day to day running of the G.O.A. to younger people, he kept in touch by serving on the Board of Trustees and the Goan Charitable Organization. In his personal life, Neves was very prayerful and was a staunch member of the Legion of Mary. He was very well known by the pastor and many parishioners of St. Patrick's Parish in Mississauga. Thank you Neves for all you were to your family, friends, and communities; may Jesus now reward you accordingly. We will miss you. To use your favourite adage, "You practiced what you preached". Neves is survived by his loving wife Mabel, daughter Jacqueline, son Norbert and daughter-in-law Valerie. Condolence messages may be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Written By John Nazareth on behalf of the family Toronto, Canada
