Class of 59

Farewell O Wonderful one!

by Ray DeMello

Frank Menezes passed away on April 23rd., 2007, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.

He was the quintessential personification of goodness, affection and generosity, and his unquenchable penchant for fun and a good time are legendary! Ah! But that's another story!

After graduating through the Dr. Ribeiro Goan School in 1959, he went on to become a professional accountant, serving very successfully in Kenya, Zambia and more recently, the United Kingdom.

Frank's devotion to his family was unconditional. Having the misfortune of losing his beloved father prematurely, it fell upon Frank to assume the challenges of his role, which he did with unfailing diligence and fortitude. Latterly he cared for his dear Mother with tender love and understanding for a significant period of time, as her health progressively failed. "She was my best friend" he confided, after she passed on.Clearly her absence was keenly felt.

Whenever I passed through London, England, where Frank lived, I made a point of meeting up with him. I must say it was invariably a very "spirited" experience! The last time we were together, three years ago, it was at a bar at Gatwick airport. I was waiting to board my charter connection to Goa, and Frank, as always, accompanied me to the airport, ostensibly to ensure that I got on the right plane! We soon however engaged in our real purpose and consumed vast amounts of alcohol ( Frank paid! ) and reminisced...until our conversation was reduced to mere murmurs and the occasional guffaw!

Soon it was time for me to leave, and I managed to flail my way through all the airport checkpoints, much to my own chagrin, and Frank somehow found his way back to his flat. This I only know through rumour!

"Whom the Gods love die young" is conventional, and certainly unassailable wisdom. Thus, in my own perverse way, I confidently assumed that Frank and I were destined to share our friendship much beyond the autumn of our our years, being as we were, of a similar questionable ilk! I was so wrong! The Gods truly loved Frank and swept him away in their loving arms. He is now at peace and undoubtedly enjoying a cigarette and a double peg of Brandy!

Cheers my friend.

Our warm thoughts and love go out to Angela, Melita, Alex, Tony and the extended family.