P. Archibald Furtado, 11th February, 2022.
A tribute to Uncle Simon DLima, a less known genius of Nagermutt – Barkur
He was so simple and humble many of us not had a smallest hint that a practical economist, an investor, an articulate analyser of financial market is hidden in him. I can name out at least half a dozen Barkurians, learned the trick of the trade and made fortunes for themselves in the company of Simon DLima.
Born as the eldest son of late Francis DLima and Nathalia Furtado on and was in one of the early batches to study in National High School Barkur to secure his SSLC, once passed his studies till V in Maryknoll Primary School. As per the prevailing custom, he too landed in Bombay and fortunate to serve in BEST as Bus Conductor till he voluntarily retired to shoulder the responsibilities to look after his children. Alas his wife Philomena said goodbye to this world at a young age, leaving behind five small kids literally orphaned. Of course their granny Natalia had taken care of all the grand children, the best way possible….
The greatness of Simon Uncle measured in the upbringing of his infant kids and leading them to be self reliant in their life. It was he who looked after his aging mother during her fragile years.
We erstwhile AYA family owe Simon Uncle a lot…..Yes as its Director he led the young team of ward teenagers to be promising leaders who now shine in their own way in different corners of this globe. The trios - Simon DLima, Irene teacher and Gurkar Robert Fernandez encouraged and motivated grooming leaders of the ward especially during decennial years of this small platform in 1990.
Soft spoken, sincere in his dealings and not to speak a word of himself unless one forcefully asked was a genius in his own terms. He was a daily visitor to the town and voracious reader of capital market, financial ups and downs, many a times so accurate to predict success or failures of multinationals…..He was trusted advisor to many investors expecting nothing in return and his tips always resulted in rich harvest…..by way of fund appreciation or in the form of dividends etc.
Many may not be aware of the other side of this generous man who was actively associated with St Vincent DePaul Society and its manifold charitable work not craving for name or fame especially remaining miles away from Camera….!!
Personally I have nostalgic moments to remember in 90’s and early decades of 21st century. Yes today Uncle Simon not midst of us (as he breathed his last today morning – 11-02-2022) as we witness the burial of his mortal remains on Sunday, 13th February, 2022, but the beneficiaries and their dependents are there and we owe a lot to this unsung hero, who was a guide to us during his heydays….!
May Almighty Lord grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to bear his absence to his children – Ozzie, Maria, Deepak, Herald and Jerald and all in the extended DLima family, friends and relatives.
With respectful salutes, adieus to Simon DLima.
P. Archibald Furtado, 11th February, 2022.