Agnelo Costa-Bir

We are saddened to announce the passing of Angelo Costa-Bir in Nairobi,  Son of the late Miguel & Amanda Costa-Bir; loving husband to Teresa Costa-Bir ('Toots'); beloved father to Natasha, Heathcliff and Nadya Costa-Bir; brother to Hazel, Peter, John Costa-Bir and the late James,  the late Raul (Blaise) and the late Irenio Costa-Bir; Brother-in-law to Zina, Eulet, Phyliss and Jacinta Costa-Bir, Merle & Caruso Monteiro.

Condolences: casaquieto@gmail.com

Angelo's life was made up of a million tiny miracles

Antonio Angelo Costa-Bir was born in Goa in 1938 and travelled to Kenya with his parents and elder brother, my father James in 1941 by ship. He studied at the White Sisters Convent in Mangu which is now known as Mangu High School. His secondary education was at Dr. Ribeiro's High School.

At a very young age he took on holiday jobs in order to help his parents raise his siblings. His first job was at Donholm Farm which is now Donholm Estate. This is where his passion for Farming and agriculture started. The Watson family sponsored him to study at the Egerton University where he qualified in Agriculture and Veterinary Science. He continued working for the Watsons, helping rearing beef and dairy cattle. He took great pride in showing them at The Agricultural Show of Kenya. He even had a pet pig, ostrich, vervet monkey, dik dik and a variety of snakes.

In 1964, he was offered a job as a Manager at Kabuku Farm/Ithanji Estate in Tigoni belonging to Major and Mrs Buxton. He started by clearing the forest in order to plant pyrethrum. He introduced dairy cattle, building a herd of more than 800 head. He then went on to develop a piggery which held over 3000 pigs. The farm had over 100 horses and Shetland ponies. This farm would be recognised as one of the best in Central Province, hosting veterinary and agricultural students from various parts of the world.

A family man, Angelo married his soul mate Teresa in 1969 at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Limuru. They went on to have three children: Natasha, Heathcliff and Nadya, whom he was absolutely proud of. His legacy will live on through them.

In 1986, unfortunately his farming career ended and he moved to Nairobi, where he changed his profession to building executive homes. After a few years, the stress took its toll and he suffered a heart attack, and had to travel to India to have open heart surgery where he was given 10 to 15 years of life but he out did it and lived for 32 more years.

In 1997, he was hospitalized again having suffered another heart attack, and arrangements were made to travel back to India. However, 3 days before he was due to travel, Pastors prayed over him and he received total healing from Jesus. He experienced God's hand of protection at all times in his life. He never feared man, but he feared God.

This is when he dedicated his life to doing God's work. He was instrumental in building ICC West Campus acquiring 15 acres of land for the Imara ICC Church. He helped build an orphanage for street boys in Kitengela and in Garden Estate.

When Angelo retired from his church projects, he moved to his home in Rosslyn where he planted avocados, bananas, mangoes, and guava trees and took up bee keeping. He went on to add a vegetable shamba during the Covid pandemic, and the produce was shared amongst family, friends, staff, and those in need.

Many of you will know Angelo was skilled in so many different areas, and up until his last day he was repairing the lawn mower and other machinery. He was multi-lingual speaking English, Kikuyu, Kamba, Masai, Kiswahili, Konkani, and a little Portuguese. His hobbies included Fishing, Hunting, Outdoor life, Barbeques and Safaris, in fact he had already th planned a safari to the Masai Mara next to month to celebrate his 85 Birthday. There are so many examples and stories to tell but time does not permit today. 

Angelo was a dedicated Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Godfather, Cousin, Friend, and Mentor. We will all miss him dearly.

Eternal rest grant unto Angelo, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May you rest in peace, with the Angels, until we meet again.

Class of 58 Photo:  Angelo, far right , 2nd row from the bottom  (click 'i' for further info)