Walter Gomes
Walter Anthony Sebastian Gomes
20th January 1948 - 10th July 2023
Compiled by Jeff Fialho
Walter was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He was the eldest of seven children born to Camilo and Claudina Gomes. His siblings were William, Newton, Hubert (Deceased), Oliver (Deceased), George and Judy.
Walter spent the formative part of his life in Kenya where he graduated from Dr Ribeiro Goan school, before leaving for England in 1966 where he was to meet and marry Usha. Together they had two children, Gita and Rohan. In 1971, Walter and Usha left for Vienna, Austria, where Ushas family ran a thriving Textile business. Sadly Walter and Usha divorced some time in the 1980s and soon after Walter met his long term partner Gabriella who remained his rock and loyal companion until his passing.
Classmate Raymond DeMello has this to say about our Redoubtable Walter. . . . .Walter passed away quietly and without fuss. Even in death he managed to stay incognito - his preferred status. He did, however, leave behind a myriad of pleasant and noteworthy memories. He spoke his mind freely and was never afraid to stand up and be counted. Most notably he remonstrated with the school staff about the unfairness and unflattering tone of his leaving testimonial and then promptly ripped it apart .
Olavio Antao another classmate, has recollections of his cheeky remarks to a young female teacher in 1963, who did not know how to discipline him for his pubescent imprudence. Walter got away with it. Was he distracted by her sashaying past his desk wearing a narrow skirt and high heeled shoes?
Walter left for London in 1966 where he teamed up with the late Ronald Carvalho to form a successful Global retail enterprise. Raymond rembers meeting with them in the 1970s and they were full of beans and confidence. Walter and his perennially lovely Gabriella were domiciled in Goa from the early 1990s where they took in the SUSEGADO lifestyle that Goa is known for. Raymond also met up with Walter and Gabriella on several occasions over the years when he visited his parents in Goa and in particular remembers the kindness of Walter and Gabriella on an occasion when his mum and dad were stranded after a late night gathering with no transport in sight. Walter, having recognised his parents and their predicament very kindly scooped them out of their dire circumstance and requested Gabriella to drive them to darkest Anjuna, for which they were forever grateful. Walter did not drive a car or ride a bicycle.
Seraph DSouza describes him as a fun loving individual with a good sense of humour. He met him at our class reunion in 2019 and Walter brought in a lovely cake to celebrate his birthday.
John Costa Bir has memories of his aggressive side and as someone who would not shy away from a fight. There was an occasion on which he took on two of his classmates and won. They were fighting over a young lady. This time he did not win the girl.
Adieu dear friend and God speed.