Class of 64

Irenio Costa Bir passed away suddenly and peacefully on May 26, 2019 in Swindon, UK.  Son of the late Miguelinho and Maria Amanda Costa Bir. Loving brother of late James/Zina, Angelo/Teresa, Hazel, late Raul/Eulet, Peter/Phyllis, John/Jacinta.

Condolences: jcostabir@yahoo.com.au

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Eulogy Tribute to Uncle Irenio by Myrtle Costa-Bir

Revered Fathers, dear family and friends,

My name is Myrtle Costa-Bir and I am the eldest of the Costa-Bir nieces. Before I continue further, I would like to thank my uncles and aunts for giving me this opportunity to pay tribute to Uncle Irenio.

It is with sadness, we bid farewell to one of our dearest family members and a great friend to many.  Uncle Irenio was born and educated in Nairobi, Kenya, and was one of the younger of seven Costa-Bir siblings. He attended the Dr Ribeiro Goan school, class of 64 and earned his popularity through sports, took blame for the mischievous acts instigated by his school mates never revealing on the true culprits. It was also the platform from where his wide social friendships culminated, many of which he fostered, strengthened and sustained until his passing.

Although he moved to the United Kingdom in the early 70’s, his love for Kenya, its people, its ambiance the family and friends he left behind never ended.  He brought a flair of Kenya to the UK, often wearing his Kenyan T-Shirts, Masai watch wrist bands and collecting a bunch of Kenyan car stickers.  Settling in Swindon alongside his dear sister Hazel, he adopted a true British lifestyle, embracing its culture and practice in particular, local pub crawls and a great follower of English Premier League.  To many in Swindon and beyond he was popularly known as “Costa”!

At this point if I was asked to simply describe Uncle Irenio; 6 attributes would apply, and I will touch point on these namely: A party socialite, A fashion icon, A sports enthusiast, A travel adventurer, A friend of friends and last but not least a ladies’ man!

As true party socialite he was excellent entertainer, host and known for his love of music and jokes. Back in Nairobi, in my younger days, he sometimes stayed with us and I recollect him singing in the shower to the songs of Jim Reeves, Tom Jones and Elvis Presley and practising jokes with different accents. He swayed to reggae and the local Swahili tunes, “Taxi Driver Nakuru” being one of his favourites, not forgetting my late Dad James’ saxophone music.  He danced with the Masai tribe attempting to soar to their jump heights.  At the UK SCOGO event, his posh mini tent and welcome hospitality earned his popularity. He just simply loved to be part of the entertainment if not the entertainment.  

As a fashion icon he was well groomed, with his comb residing in his back pocket to ensure well-combed head of hair.   He was a perfectionist for pressing both his shirts and trousers to a crisp.  Before any dance/ball or party he took pride in getting ready, even winning prize for the best button hole at his school reunion dance and I recollect on one occasion at the GOA New Year Dance, wearing his smart tuxedo, as we entered the Wandsworth hall, in a Bruce Forsythe accent tweaking his bow tie he greeted the ladies on arrival….Nice to see you, to see you...nice", "You're my favourite", and "Let’s Keep Dancing'” 

As a Sports enthusiast:  Back in Kenya he excelled in inter school sports and in the late 50’s his passion for football spurred on, forming a team called “Benefica” and he went on to play for Nairobi Spurs winning the RAF Cup final in 1969 with a 4-0 win over the Crusaders.   As mentioned earlier he actively followed the English Football league. Initially he was a Burnley supporter later moving his allegiance to Everton. Post arrival in Swindon he joined the Swindon Supporters Club, having met the likes of Lou Macari, George Best and Rodney Marsh, proudly holding onto his photo collection with them.  He often either took or sent football memorabilia/sports magazines to my Uncle Angelo’s domestic staff back in Kenya, his joint fans.  Aside from football, like all Costa-Birs, he mutually shared a love for fishing in Kenya and on many visits opted to compete with his brothers, his late cousin Edmund and nephew Heath, on the size and quantity of catch.  

A travel adventurer:  His love for travels continued especially in recent years with the primary goal of catching up with his family and friends which took him across to Canada, Australia, Kenya, India, Goa, his most recent visit to Goa in Feb this year, where he was to enjoy what was his last Goan School Reunion. Post his passing my uncle John recently shared with me Irenio’s organised collection of memorable photos that showed a common theme of his travel adventures from Parties/Get-togethers, family and friend pictures, food, to city parks and gardens not forgetting the many pretty ladies.

A friend of friends:  There are friends and there is family, and then there are friends who become family!  Yes, he was a friend of many friends, globally, that became his extended family.   From the many local and world-wide tributes we have received and the presence of many of you here today, I know this is an uncle who was never short of friends plus had the apt to make new friends easily whatever the race, creed or colour  He was well known for his jokes on his mates, and on one occasion at the Aldona feast in London 4 years ago, he chose to take the mick of a close visiting Canadian friend Jules who last saw me at 7 years old in Kenya. Without any prior knowledge Irenio introduced me to Jules as his new girlfriend Vicki, I was stunned! Irenio whispered to me to keep the joke going.  Jules fell for it, quizzing and wondering most the afternoon how Irenio’s luck set in yet again.  It was only until the band played a Salsa, Irenio dancing with me at the time, scurried from dance floor handing me over to Jules where he quoted “my hips can’t keep up with hers, please dance with my lovely niece Myrtle don’t you remember her and her dimple…. you should have gone to Spec Savers😊 make sure your hips don’t drop and bring her back in one piece! or else we will arrange your deportation back to Canada!

A ladies man:  My dear uncle had quite a reputation for being a ladies man!  Irenio’s eligibility of bachelorhood followed him from Kenya to England.  It was a no wonder he had to have his own telephone hot line under Hazel’s roof.  Back in Kenya I couldn’t keep track, as many hopefuls came by, mind you, it was hard at the time as all my younger Costa-Bir uncles were dating about the same time. Irenio was known to wait in corners hoping to steal of one of their contenders.  Confusion reigned who was seeing who… he attempted to bribe me to get information on the status of his brothers’ dates.   Somehow, he seemed to have the edge over his siblings as his charm, complimented by his fashion sense, jokes and not forgetting his occasional fibbing gave him the advantage he had truly broken and equally won special hearts, thus redeeming the Julio Iglesias Hit “To all the girls I loved before”

Some uncles can sometimes be a pain or a “nice pain”!  In very recent years as I returned from intense business travels or late parties and having the much needed, weekend lie in, the phone would ring about 7am!  Guess who!  As I answered the caller from Swindon simply said in sequence! Hey Jambo… Habari …What’s Up? How’s it going?  Were you awake? Did I wake you?  Were you dreaming? Did you dream you won the lottery?  If so can I have your 6 numbers? 😊

To sum up the Costa-Bir family acknowledge with sincere appreciation and thanks for the many sympathy messages, support and assistance availed since his passing.  Our thanks to the Reverend Fathers, Parishioners, Co-op Funeral Home amongst others.

There are tears and there are many memories that will give us both comfort and joy.  As he joins my grandparents, my late Dad, my late uncles Raul & Edmund and many of his dear friends, he is now truly resting in peace if not entertaining.

Farewell dear uncle you lived life to the full and as you like me wearing hats, I have worn one for you today.   As you loved telling a joke I therefore leave one of your favourite Irish jokes with this congregation.

An Irishman is struggling to find a parking space.  Stopping the car to one side, “Lord” he prayed,  ”I cannot stand this.  If you open a space for me, I promise, I will give up the Guinness and go to mass every Sunday”.  Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot.   Without hesitation, the Irishman kicks in the first gear and says “Lord never ever mind it is okay I just found one!”

May your soul rest in peace. 

God Bless you all

Thank you

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A Tribute to Irenio 

by the Class of 64

The sadness in our hearts is palpable as, yet again, we must bid farewell to another member of our DRGS family.  And it is all the more devastating when that member is a classmate with whom we’ve spent our formative years.

My memory of Irenio harks back to Primary School in Nairobi, in the year of Mrs. Nelson Paul.  One of this teacher’s favorite targets of torture was Irenio who, of course, generally was the orchestrator of most miscreancy, however, even if he weren’t, he’d be blamed and the infamous “ear-pull and slap” would be administered.  To his credit, Irenio would never snitch on anyone else who might have been the real culprit.  Rather, he would accept punishment with stoic and silent resolve, thus forever endearing himself to all his classmates.  And, from that time on, Irenio become the beloved buddy whom we all remember so fondly.  Irenio’s attributes were many, not the least of which were his good looks.  He was always well turned out, with crisply pressed shirt and trousers, even in our youngest days.  It would be remiss if we didn’t make special note of his well coiffed head of hair.  Don’t anyone ever mess with that hair, to their peril!   Take note that he was never, ever, to be found without his legendary comb in his back pocket.  Irenio was always eyed by the ladies, all of whom entertained much hope of being singled out by his dark eyed glance.  But alas!  From Kenya, Irenio’s eligibility of bachelorhood followed him to England, regrettably rued by many a hopeful female. 

Then there was his singing, memories of which go back, again to our school days.  One memory of his singing was shared by Melba, a neighbor of their days at the Power and Lighting flats.  She recalls on the front lawns of the Secondary School, Irenio crooning the Jim Reeves hit, “I Love You Because” and everyone going crazy at his superb rendition.  Apparently, the song was directed at one of the girls, one wonders who!  Irenio’s love of music continued as he followed the iconic bands of the 80’s and, in fact, can boast of a photograph of himself with Jet Harris, the legendary bass player of the original Shadows.  In England, Irenio’s social accomplishments continued when he participated at SCOGO, the yearly Goan festival in England, where he set up a huge marquee.  Afra, another classmate and neighbor of those early days, recounts it as being like home away from home, with tables and chairs all set out hosting endless amounts of food and drinks.  Pretty well every visitor at SCOGO would find their way to Irenio’s marquee and enjoy his generous hospitality.

Besides all his social accomplishments, Irenio’s sporting achievements were well known.  He was a miler of repute starting as early as Primary School, not only participating and excelling in DRGS sports days, but also in the numerous inter-school meets.  His brother John relates that the first marathon Irenio ran caused his parents much consternation when he had to be transported home in an ambulance, sporting innumerable raw and bleeding blisters. 

 Of special note was Irenio’s prowess on the football field.  In the late 50’s when Sunday soccer began to take off in Nairobi, Irenio formed a team, calling themselves “Benefica”.  He worked tirelessly to recruit players and a memory from John, recalls that Irenio together with his brothers, Peter and John, dispatched themselves to the Saint Peter Claver’s Church where, with the help of the Parish Priest, they managed to find some excellent players, a feat that impressed many of the local managers.  Irenio then went on to play for the Nairobi Spurs who, on Dec 20th, 1969, won the RAF Cup Final, besting their opponents, the Crusaders by a 4-0 win.  From a very young age he followed the English Football league, and every Sunday evening would have him glued to the radio, checking out the football pool results.  He was a Burnley supporter at the time, but later switched his allegiance to Everton with whom he stuck through all the ensuing years.  Irenio’s love of football never waned.  On his arrival in Swindon from Kenya, Irenio joined the Swindon Supporters Club, but due to age restrictions, was prevented from participation in the main team.  Here, however, is where he met up with Lou Macari, George Best and Rodney Marsh, proudly posing for photographs with them.  He was, also, a keen fisherman, constantly sending out photographs of himself showing off his impressive catches. 

Irenio loved his jaunts to Canada and Goa where he would meet old friends and renew friendships of yesteryear.  His most recent was a sojourn to Goa earlier this year, for a DRGS alumni class reunion.  He travelled from London with classmates, Jeff and Chris, and met up with a group of alumni who were lucky enough to have  spent time with him and will have many new memories of this iconic classmate to hold dear.

And finally, all that’s left to say to this legend of our beloved DRGS, is goodbye dear friend, rest in peace until we meet again.

We loved you, Irenio, and the love you gave us back will be the memory of you that we will always cherish.

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The Irenio (Class of '64) Photo Album

Irenio Costa Bir's Sports Certificates (Added March 19, 2023)