-Prof.P.Archibald Furtado
A heartfelt tribute to a beloved neighbour and a link to an era gone by.
Robert Fernandes was a name synonymous with Nagermutt for over six decades—perhaps one of the last living links to the Gurkars of the olden days.
To us, he was much more than a neighbour. He was a dependable friend, a helping hand and a man who was always there when someone needed him.
Thirty or forty years ago, when weddings, celebrations and functions were still held in our homes, Robert was the trusted person behind the scenes—arranging food, raising pendals and making sure everything was ready, including mine in January 1993, and others in the family...And when illness or death visited a family, rich or poor, Robert would be among the first at the doorstep.
As the eldest son of Anju and Rogina Fernandes, he lovingly cared for his younger sisters Agnes, Lilly, Nellie and the late Cynthia, and brother Jerome John.
During my Barkur days in the 1970s and early 80s, Robert was the right hand and execution head of the legendary Luvaad Baptist D'Souza. He later carried that legacy with distinction as one of the longest-serving Gurkars of Nagermutt–Pandeshwar, giving the ward leadership, care and service.
At heart, Robert remained a farmer and a man of the soil. I still remember him happily ploughing with his favourite buffalo pair, fishing with Goruballe, climbing coconut trees and carrying coconuts to the Friday Market. His association with the Adarsh Youth Association also remains a cherished memory for many youth and children....
The last time I met and talk to Robert was at the years-mind Mass of his beloved wife Victoria, a true life partner whom he cared for devotedly during her long illness. At 82, advancing age and loneliness had naturally taken their toll. Yet his deep faith, prayers and loving children kept him going.
Today, at about 4.00 p.m., the Lord called him home.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to his sons Roshan and Reggie, daughter Renita, his siblings and the entire extended Fernandes family.
Robert's joint family was perhaps one of the finest examples of true neighbourliness—when people stood by one another in joy and sorrow.
Dear Robert Baba,
you have left us, but your memories remain—in the homes you helped, the people you served, the fields you loved and the hearts you touched.
With you, a beautiful chapter of old Nagermutt and Barkur has quietly come to an end.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Robert Fernandes.
May the Lord welcome you into His eternal home. 🙏🕯️🌹