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LEO D’ALMEIDA
A towering persona of yesterdays Barkur, the man probably first
among the Catholics to hold the respectable position as the
‘Manager of local Branch of Syndicate Bank’, for more than two
decades, since its very inception at Barkur, Administrator of St.
Peter’s Church, Barkur, Gurkar of Kachhur ward, for record number
of years, man of letters renowned for his special mix of
poetic-prose, not only in preparing but also in presenting
monumental speeches, pioneer who crafted the then famous St.
Peter’s Association, Barkur, later lead it as the President
during its heydays, the man behind the scene as the director of
super hit dramas at the Church Grounds, in 50’s to 70’s - in
short a ‘complete social human being’ born in the famous
and legendary Almeida Clan, one of the early settlers in Barkur
parish was Late Mr. Leo D’Almeida.
Early life, education:
Born on 1st December, 1914, as the third child of the
late Mr. Simon Francis Almeida and Late Mrs. Patricia Almeida,
brother of Apoline Lewis, Dr. John Almeida, Gracie Lewis,
Catharine Lewis, Lucy Almeida, Sr. Matilda (Cecilia Almeida)
Sr.Celsa A.C. (Felcy Almeida). After early education at Barkur, he
studied in Udupi Christian High School and passed his
Matriculation. He was very intelligent and capable enough to pass
Hindi Ratna simultaneously.
Devine call with a difference:
After education he joined St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, with
an intention to become a Priest, a servant of God, to serve the
poor and needy. Everything went on well for Four years…. and then
he was attacked by T.B. (Tuberculosis) A time there was no or
absolutely no chance to survive, since no perfect medicine was
invented / not available. He has to say goodbye to his Dreams and
Seminary as well, with a heavy heart. He admitted in the then
famous
Vellore Hospital,
and miraculously was cured completely! Of course his strict
dieting, strong will power and positive look at life and living,
played a bigger role. It is said He who has faith has everything,
and he who lacks faith lacks everything. It is faith in the name
of Lord worked wonders in Leo’s life. Thus the man survived to
serve the humanity in a different way, and left all of us a lesson
to learn!!
Born again man in search of a Career:
Once discharged from the Hospital, he went to Karachi, where his
sister’s family settled, in search of a career and offered a
position in a British Company and steadily rising in the
profession. After couple of years or so, he was on holidays at
natives at Barkur. Another unfortunate incident, in the form of
his lone brother Dr. John D’Almeida’s sudden and untimely death
shattered the aspirations of Almeida family. The young Leo was
convinced by elders to stay back at Barkur, to look after the
ancestral belongings.
As a Successful Bank Manager:
Once decided to be at natives, the then famous Catholic Bank,
invited young Leo, to join them. As we know this Bank was later
merged with Syndicate Bank, just started by Tonse Dr. T.M.A.Pai,
as the Chairman, seen in this young man a potential Banker to be
at the helm, to open its Branch at Barkur, then the Commercial
nerve center of Northern Udupi, the famous Friday Market – Church
Area. Being the Manager of first ever professionally managed
Syndicate Bank started at Barkur, Mr. Leo had bigger challenges,
and especially at a time Banking concept was unknown to masses.
For any need local moneylenders / traders help was sought at a
higher cost! At the same time the days there was little or no
education, savings and investments not canalized.
Here the Barkurian community is indebted to the pioneer who
educated the masses the merits of reliable Banking system,
inculcated money saving concept, lending funds in times of need
and for further progress. The confidence in the man and his
customer relationship, catapulted the branch to be one of the
Successful in terms of volumes of Savings and business as well. He
was admired and respected by the corporate management of the Bank
at Manipal and Mr. Leo D’Almeida gave best of his 22 Years, as the
Manager of the Branch, to Barkur, to Syndicate Bank, to the
community.
In brief about the Family:
In the year 1946, he got married to Alice and had two children -
the son Patrick and daughter Lezzie. Yet another shock was waiting
in the form of his wife’s death, but Leo accepted both good and
unfortunate as the gift of Almighty. He married again with Ledwin
Fernandez, in the year 1952 and blessed with Five Children – Joyce
D’Souza, Jerry Almeida, Elsie Lewis, Reginald my classmate, and
the youngest Noel.
All his children are well educated and well settled in life.
(Here the brief details only given)
Cultural face of Mr. Almeida:
Leo was affectionate, disciplinarian, soft spoken and jovial in
nature. Reading all types of books and Magazines, Singing, acting
as well as directing the plays were his hobbies. His handwritng
was excellent and was an effective public speaker. His knowledge
of English was superb and was able to read and write Latin too.
(In this context, later some time, the website will publish
contributions of people like Mr. Almeida in the field of Art,
Culture and Social celebrations, in yesterday’s Barkur)
A peacemaker and an ambassador of unity in the Church and a model
to the senior citizens:
Always towed the official line, Mr. Almeida, neither a hardliner
nor supported wrong doings or revolts by any. Though he was in
public life for so long, had never been complained for taking
partisan decisions. His was the opinion always sought for by
clergy and common man during controversy and dealing with
difficult people and circumstances.
Now there are about 1000 Catholics in our parish, but this figure
was very big in 60’s and 70’s, hence the importance of the Church,
naturally, this period was marked by great events at our Barkur.
Conclusion:
About three decades of our childhood and youthful years, we
watched Mr. Leo D’Almeida, with respects and admired him for his
spotless character. As simpler as to volunteer to serve as altar
boy during daily mass, even at the age of 60 odd, same time a
dignified gentleman both by appearance, attitudes and approach.
Handsome, well built and clean-shaved Mr. Almeida was very
attractive, his whitish looks in English full suit for Christmas
night Mass and pure Konkani cultured kachh flash our minds,
while writing these few words on a well deserved personality!
Living at the next door of the church in his palatial bungalow of
that time, made him very religious and personal friend of the then
Parish Priests, especially Rev. Fr. Aloysius Rosario, Rev. Fr.
Bernard D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Mark Walder….. and Rev. Fr. Joseph
D’Souza. Many may be remembering the trio’s, viz. Fr.
D’Souza, Mr. Salvador Gonsalves and Mr. Almeida’s refreshing
evening walk in the fields.
After retiring as Bank Manager, though he was sick, maintained he
by a regular walk, diet, especially attending to daily Mass and
regular prayers. After living a full life of 84 years he breathed
his last in the year 1999, leaving behind un-forgettable memories
being a witness to all that happened in the Church in particular
and Barkur in general, covering some Sixty years, a man borne the
burdens cheerfully to convert them light and the surrounding
better.
On behalf of Barkuronline and ICYM Barker Ex-Members Association,
P.Archibald Furtado,
Muscat, 24TH August 2005.
(Barkur on line Team is grateful to Mr. Reginald D’Almeida, who
helped us to collect and prepare this profile) |
