I have had the privilege of knowing John for some long years, mainly through my brothers, Assumption (Joe) and Tim, who continue to be closely associated with him. Though sometimes self deprecating and always unassuming, his drive is nonetheless always apparent.

He, along with Avinash, my brother Assumption, the late Alex Fernandes, and Gerson Fonseca, made it to the Duke of Gloucester for 'A' levels. Avinash sailed through winning the Kenya Open Scholarship, my brother went on to England for medical studies, and John found himself at the Royal College, now transformed into an external college of London University. As the only student from Dr. Ribeiro's, there was the added task of carrying the school colours by getting a degree in the very first graduating class. Failure was not an option, considering that there were Goan students from Mombasa, Dar, and Kampala!

Armed with his Civil Engineering Degree John went off to U.K. to train in the consulting engineering firms on Victoria Street, London. Later he went to Imperial College, for post-graduate studies, meeting Avinash who was concluding his doctoral work. Following a stint on big dam projects, he moved to Canada to be with the rest of the family. Those were ‘kinder and gentler' days he says, having come to Canada with a job offer, and getting registered as a Professional Engineer without having to sit any exams.

With Toronto as his base he traveled extensively to places such at Boston, Houston, Calgary, and Halifax to be part of design teams working on mega projects in the power and petroleum industries.

More recently engineering skills were put to use by Ontario Hydro, where one of his chief functions, as a senior engineer, was to maintain the nuclear energy plant in Pickering, Ontario. He retired in 2006.

In between his hectic professional endeavors, John has found time to serve the Goan community. He participated with my brother Tim, in introducing the Internet to a skeptical Goan public in 1995. Then followed 'Goa Action Watch' where they worked hard to raise awareness of the exploitation of children in Goa. He also coordinates the publication of Goan Voice Canada, which reflects the activities of the community here and in Goa.

Realizing that the over 55 age group in the community was increasing rapidly, John teamed with our School Ex-Students, to form seniors groups in the East and West sides of the Greater Toronto Area.

Recently he received a well-merited Community Service Award from the Government of Ontario for his selfless dedication and untiring efforts to promote good will within the Goan Community.

For this we salute you John...truly an unsung hero.

May God Bless you always