MBritto Get-together

December 2013 Ice Storm did not deter Dr. Ribeiro Goan School Ex-Students

Meet with Veteran Schoolmaster, Michael Britto

by Muriel Lucas

December 2013 Ice Storm did not deter Dr. Ribeiro Goan School Ex-Students

Meet with Veteran Schoolmaster, Michael Britto

by Muriel Lucas

In late December an ice storm hit us with a vengeance crippling parts of Ontario, Canada with power outages and shortages of water in some areas, a harrowing experience indeed. On the 29th of December 2013, a few days after the storm, the still icy weather conditions did not deter valiant ex-teacher, Mr. Michael Britto, accompanied by his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter to make the trek all the way from Niagara Falls to Mississauga to attend a small impromptu luncheon, held in his honour at the Bayleaf Restaurant in Mississauga.

A gathering of about 30 ex-students and spouses graced this occasion to greet and meet Mr. Britto and waited in anticipation for his arrival. A few ex-students challenged the icy conditions to come all the way from the East End. Also, making it a point to attend were those who served with Mr. Britto in the SJAB (Ambulance Brigade) and the Boy Scouts. Interestingly enough, it was noted that he came to the event in a car with Ontario Number Plates, 'GOA' !!

Finally, the moment came when this delightful, tall and handsome man, still sporting the good looks that we remember, made his entrance, lighting up the room with his broad friendly smile. He warmed our hearts as he affectionately gazed around the room and greeted each one of us with a friendly hug!

After getting acquainted with many of us who had not seen him for several years, we were surprised at his memory of the good old days, as he recanted stories of his tenure at the DRGS. Pretty amazing for a man soon to be 90 years of age!!

Mr. Britto was presented with a few memorable copies of 2003, 2006, and 2012 brochures of Ex-Students Reunions held here in Toronto, for his perusal by Mr. Norman Da Costa.

After a sumptuous meal followed by dessert and coffee, the occasion struck a sentimental chord as lively duets of Konkani Mandos were sung by Frank and Lucy Fernandes and accompanied by Mr. Britto! The mood was infectious as 'ties were loosened and vocal chords tightened' and everyone joined in, even those of us who did not know the lyrics hummed away to glory! Mr, Britto 'wowed' us all by his outstanding performance! It was very moving and uplifting. Some notes had a sadness to it and teary eyed, he told us how happy he was to be part of this get-together. He said it brought back fond memories of days gone by, as he is not surrounded by many Goans in his home town, Niagara Falls.

After a couple of encore sessions, it was time for him to leave, and as he bid us adieu, he reiterated that, 'If I had not made the effort to come to this event, Alice would be very disappointed, but now I know she is happy that I did......' !! It touched us dearly and made us all feel worthwhile attending this event.

I was fortunate to be present at this event with my brother Rowland Rebello and his wife Ella. It was heart-warming to be a part of a nostalgic setting, which so readily allowed for many to reminisce and share their fond memories of the good old days with Mr. Britto. When I asked him about his fondest memories of his teaching years at the DRGS, he plainly said 'My Students'.....I guess that summed it all up for us!

As all good things come to an end, and as sad as it was to see him leave, the fond memories of this day will forever be etched in our hearts, of a man so well respected who gave of his time and beat all odds to make the trek down to Mississauga to share this precious time with his ex students.

Special thanks go out to Mr.John Tavares for doing an excellent job in organizing this event from start to finish.

Slideshow of the get-together

(Photos courtesy Albert Fernandes)

Associated Links:

Tribute to Alice Britto