Raymond Gonsalves, a son of Saligao, and a father-mother-teacher and more to his children.... Luis Joseph Joaquim Raymond Gonsalves, better known as Raymond, a son of Saligao, born on August 25, 1934, returned to his creator on March 12, 2020. He was a passionate Saligaonkar whose love for his village and Goa was infinite. No matter where life took him, he always yearned to return. On his every return to Saligao, his joyous repose was animated with a countenance that reflected a dazzling radiance of sheer delight. An inimitable personality, he had the curiosity of a child and wisdom of a sage. He lived life on his terms. An ex-student of Mater Dei, the historic school in Saligao and one of the prominent and early institutions offering education in the English medium, he studied alongwith his siblings, Avelino, Alda and Joe. Those were Portuguese times and life was different in Goa in comparison to the rest of India. At a very young age, he decided to venture into Bombay and started work with the Burmah Shell Oil Refinery, carving for himself an enviable career. His dedication and sincerity at work were often rewarded for his keen adherence to complying with the safety standards in the refinery. He was married to Mabel Margaret Francesca Athaide, an immensely beautiful lady. She was crowned Miss Matheran at the beauty pageant before their marriage, and was a woman of substance, gregarious, had a flair for languages, music, and a passion for life. She was the very definition of life itself. Together, they made a stunningly handsome pair. Unfortunately, life dealt him a harsh blow. A beautiful life was cut short very young -- at the age of just 39 -- when his wife died after valiantly fighting cancer that she battled bravely with her husband by her side in every way. After she passed away, Gonsalves continued to march on in life bravely, looking after his four daughters as a father, mother, teacher, doctor, counsellor and protector. He sacrificed his career, his aspirations and his personal life and he returned to Saligao to be with his children in our formative years, in his early 40s. His daughters commented in a tribute: "He was the King of our world -- Our Captain who helped us navigate through the joyous and sad moments of our lives; always resonated with waves of positive energy, determined to see us educated and independent in every way. An irreplaceable foundation of our conscience; inculcating in us the values of modesty, love for God, humility, responsibility, equanimity in the face of adversity or success and self-reliance." They remembered him as "a man that lived much before his time. His steep inclination towards preserving nature, a love for animals, Jazz music, good food and travel were remarkable indeed." Raymond Gonsalves will also be remembered for his good sense of humour; this was perhaps his way of how he overcame life's most trying moments. His guidance, indomitable spirit and passion for life helped mould his daughters into women of substance. This positive influence is now shaping the next generation -- his grandchildren, as his legacy lives on. He was a very loving Grandpapa who showered immense love and affection on his grandchildren. He shared their hopes and dreams; always wishing and praying that they succeeded in life. Raymond Gonsalves' mortal remains will soon return home, to the land of his ancestors, where his heart resides in the green hills and valleys of beautiful Saligao. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020 evening. "We are blessed abundantly to have him as our father. For us, he was a larger than life Dad whom we shall miss profoundly. We shall treasure in his memory, an intimate collection of powerful experiences and teachings that explore the definition of what it means to be truly alive. We rejoice in the fact that daddy and mummy will be reunited in heaven," his daughters said in a tribute. "Whilst in the midst of our earthly sorrow and tremendous despair, we pray that divine peace washes over all of us and soothes our aching hearts. With the grace of God, we shall together experience the fullness of life and in His loving presence, we are comforted. 'Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. I, I am he who comforts you.' Isaiah 51:11-12," read the tribute from Glynis, Griselda, Zelma and Marusha, daughters of the late Luis Joseph Joaquim Raymond Gonsalves. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Luis Joseph Raymond Gonsalves 1934-2020 of Nigvaddo, Saligao. Ex-Burmah Shell. Beloved husband of late Mabel Margaret Francesca Athaide Gonsalves, beloved father of Glynis, Gnselda, Zelma and Marusha. Beloved father-in-law of Anil, Tennyson, Perviz and Macdowell. Proud granddad to Aditya, Anushka, Timberley, Gayle, Diogene, Nylephta, Malaika, Mikhail and Marc. Mass on March 19, 2020 at 4.30 pm at the Mae de Deus Church, Saligao, followed by burial. The family requests no condolence visits at home after the funeral ceremony. Contact via WhatsApp +971 50 635 6802 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*