Dear Les
Belated Birthday Greetings wishing you all the very best
in the future.
Hope you had a big 60th birthday bash and
Hope you had a big 60th birthday bash and
hope my roving satellite can capture some of your celebration photographs.
Reading all what your classmates had to say about you, I could not help
but release all those wonderful messages for your other
good friends to share.
but release all those wonderful messages for your other
good friends to share.
Love and best wishes - Benny & Betty
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Hi classmates of Leslie Gonsalves, (Les)
Les is going to be 60 this Sat and he is having the family over to his house. This was a birthday he has been waiting for every since my father died at 59. He thought that he would never make it - especially with all that he stress he had over the years. Family from out of state will be coming in because they know this is his most important birthdayday.
So, since there will be no presents, our sister Joanita, thought she would make a pictorial biography. I was wondering if you could write something or some incidence you remember about Les.
If you could get it to Joanita by the middle of the week that would be great. This way she will have enough time to include it in her booklet and print it out. Her e-mail address is jbirkmeyer08@yahoo.com
These were the only students I am able to contact:.
Grignon Pereira
Barghash Al Said
Avito Dos Remedios
Myrna D'Silva Da Cunha
Trevor Fernandes
Steve Parado
Nargis Alidina
Madhu Gajaria
Amita Antao
Ashley Mendes
Juliette Lobo Crunden
Alex Caldeira
Abdul Sood Hirji
Ed Antao
Clarisse Figuera
If any of you have the e-mail address of other classmates, I would appreciate it if you would forward this request to them.
Thanks so much and a very Happy New Year to you all.
Best regards,
Jane Gonsalves Collins
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BUDDY LES.
HELLO EVERY ONE
HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY LES.
All your friends wish a very happy birthday and all the best for the next 60 years.
Thanks to all for sending your contributions.
A TRIBUTE FROM GRIGNION PEREIRA
Dear Bepsy, Clarisse, Abdul, Aleix, Ashley, Avito, Darryl, Jimmy, John, Madhu and Trevor,
It was great seeing all your messages to Leslie for his 60th birthday. The messages from each one of you brought back memories of Zanzibar. It may be surprising to some of you, but I do remember all of you. Now I wonder how many of you remember me.
Yes Bepsy, I do remember you, where do you live?
Clarisse I see you are in the UK.
Abdul, I see you too live in the UK. What have you been up to?
Aleix, where do you live?
Ashley, I enjoyed visiting with you and your wife at the Toronto reunion. I saw your brother Arnold and his family at the Birkmeyers placce on Lake Michigan, at the time of Dr Maitra's 90th birthday. Happy belated 60th to you, when was it?
Avito it was great visiting with you too, but I don't recall seeing your wife. Happy 60th in advance. It is sometime this month?
Darryl, I see you too live in the UK. Do meet up with the other Zanzibaris there? How are you doing?
Jimmy, I did not see you at the Toronto reunion, your sister was there..
John it was a pleasure visiting with you too, saw Agnel and Tina at Dr Maitra's 90th.
Madhu, thanks for driving us to the reunion and back. I had your business card to keep in touch, but somehow it got misplaced. Hope you are doing well.
Trevor, how are you and the family? It's been ahile since I heard from you. How is your family doing? How is your mom? My mom celebrates her 89th next month. Happy belated 60th (Nov 21).
I live in St Louis, Missouri, USA, have 3 daughters, 28, 18, & 17. I am an account and am the controller for a coatings manufacturer. Celebrated my 60th on Jan 4.
Hope that you all remember me. I would love to hear how you all are and what you have been doing.
Bepsy you said your 60th is in February, Happy Birthday in advance.
for all the rest I send you either belated or advanced 60th birthday wishes, the best of health and happiness.
Your old clasmate
Grignion Pereira
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In addition, on behalf of Lazurus Dias, who wishes you many happy returns of the day, and many many more to come. He wishes you a birthday filled with lots of blessings and joy.
Take care,
Best regards,
Ralph Fernandes
Hey Les pal, it's been a long time, and boy am I glad to wish you a happy birthday and may God bless you and give you many more good birthdays. Have a swell time as 60 only comes once and 100 is not that far away.
Say pal, I remember all the good times we had together. There are too many to mention, but just a few as in I cherish the times when you would call me to go on the ship and have some Prunes and Ice-cream with your Pop and Mr. Pinto, who was the cook on the ship. I also remember one Christmas Eve, in the afternoon as I passed down your house, you shouted at me from your window saying, "Hey Ralph! I managed to iron my trouser, and got the crease right!". Hope you remember that too (I remember giving your Pop the nickname, 'Bob Hope'. Hahaha..). Also, on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier when Old Man Zuzin used to play he's violin, and the fireworks we had in the church compound. And not forgetting the Wednesday band-stand, where the Police Band who were in attendance from 8 to 10 p.m., and how we used to play Cops and Robbers ... hahahaha ...
I could go on whole day just mentioning the good times we had. But by the time I finishing you might not be 60 anymore. :-)
So long Bud. Keep in touch. (Don't worry, as I have completed 61 years on the 11th of Jan 2010)
Take care,
Best regards,
Ralph Fernandes
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BUDDY LES
This contribution comes from Bepsy Kanga
Although I don't know you Les (but perhaps I do) and as we are Zanzibaris after all, I would like to add my own congratulations to the many you will be receiving on your 60th Birthday. I too will be celebrating my 60th in February so cheers Les and enjoy your big day.
Love and Best Wishes
Bepsy Kanga
opposite Cable & Wireless (now hotel)
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This is the contribution of Trevor Fernandes, a great sports player in our class.
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This is the contribution of Trevor Fernandes, a great sports player in our class.
Hi! All you classmates and friends:
Nice to hear that Les is going to be 60, I am a few months older (Nov 2009). There's one thing I always remember about Les when I look back at our days in Z'bar - he always participated in everything: sports, dances, picnics, Legion of Mary, Alter boys and boy! checking out the girls at the Tunnel or on walks to the baharini. The last time I met him was in 1995 at the Z'abr reunion in Toronto and didn't look much different which means, that age isn't taking its toll on him and hope he continues to enjoy good health.
He played hockey and football with me until I left for India and would like to thank Les and infact all the guys in Z'bar for playing with me while growing up for if not for that foundation guys I would never make it to playing for India in the 1970's and for the US in the 1984 Olympics, so guys thank you all.
Now one thing I know for sure as John reminded me in Goa during the reunion is that Les and I were both competing for Audrey off then came this guy Tony Leow(?). I don't know if he still remembers those good old days. We still though maintained our friendship unlike what we see today in society. So Les! drink one on me on Saturday with a toast to someone we both had an interest in.
WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR MANY MORE HEALTHY YEARS.
Your good old pal,
Trevor
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This is the contribution from Calrisse.
Hi Les
This is a day we all have to face sooner or later.
On the one hand, its a moment to look back and take stock, and maybe feel good about what you have accomplished.
On the other hand, though, you also have to deal with the little voice that keeps saying: 60? How can that be? The last time I checked I was 20!
Of course, it helps to find that it all adds up to something worthwhile and in your case dear Les, I think it amounts to a substantial 60 years of living.
Do you remember the fun we had when we were kids? You Juliet and myself were buddies. We would find laughter in the most trivial acts. I think you had a soft spot for Juliet and I was just a decoy. ha ha. Remember?
Our picnics too were special and we were in the same 'gang' We were little rascals, we would pinch other peoples picnic tuck for the heck of it and innocently volunteer to find out who the culprits were when we were guilty as hell but never suspects. Those were special magical times and I have treasured them fondly.
You have just joined our club of ''Permanently Young Adults' and want to include you among us. They say Youth is a work of nature but age is a work of art.
Congratulations on your second childhood and a Very Happy 60th Birthday. May you have many more to come. I shall drink to your health.
Hope we can meet soon. Now that you have my email address please keep in touch even if it is to say "Jumbo, habari"
Lots of love
Clarisse De Souza nee Figueira.
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BUDDY LES
This is Abdul Soods Contribution
Hi everyone,
Yes, I do remember Les, a hockey partner and the leader of the one and only strike held at SJCS towards the end of the term. What an idea to play hockey rather than play cards in the classroom!!. Wow the aftermath was not pleasant, Sister Margarita, [Headmistress] was one tough Nun!! six of us got caned one after the other. Poor Jimmy he came of the worst. The welts on his backside was instant.
Well Les have a wonderful 60th [I had mine 1.5 years ago] God Bless.
All the Best
Abdul Sood Hirji
work: abi.hirji@cambsfire.gov.uk
Mob: 07919 492 368
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I just hit my 60th a few months ago. Anyway, here are some of my thoughts on Les:
I was never sure if Les was only my friend because he liked my sister Audrey!!!!!!! but I do know my parents always treated him as their son. I remember many times when my mum came back from the market carrying heavy bags I pretended not to see her as it meant work, but Les would go up to her and help her and of course make me look bad! To this day my parents "light up" when they see Les........a true step son.
I recall In school we used to have singing lessons. Les and I always competed for No 1. We never sang the school songs like "10 green bottles hanging on the wall" or "row row row you boat". Both Les and I were different. Les always sang "traveling Man" and I used to sing a Cliff or Elvis song. Our biggest competition was Avito. Not for his voice but for his actions. His bad voice (and his not so handsome face!) forced him to sing behind the blackboard. But his hip movements and strumming a ruler made it up. It was great.
Les, all the best on your 60th. Although I'm a few months older I plan to outlive you! so lets compare notes (on the best walking sticks) around our 70th.
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Some important information that John De Silva just remembered
Just remembered that Les was the ring leader for that 1 day strike from school (SJCS) he planned along with Ashely and Trevor and Jimmy. I came along with you guys and it was Les who wrote on the school notice board just outside the Head Office "No school today", you guys went to Mnzai Moja to play field hockey if you recall. Hey Les you should have been in the Unions.....never too late
John
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Avito's contribution:
Here is my contribution.
Hello Big Guy Les,
Congratulations on hitting the Big 60. Don't feel alone as I will be joining you in eleven days time.
Wow!! What a milestone you have reached my friend ???? It just means that retirement is around the corner for you my friend. However are you the retiring type? Me thinks not. You are one busy body who likes to enjoy life to the full, always entertaining your friends, working hard for your employer,etc.
I still remember, like it was just yesterday, the good old days in Zanzibar, when we were at school together at SJCS, when we plotted and chased the girls in the school compound, discussed sports under the mango tree and ate pili pili mangoes, mahindi, cassava,and all that other delicious stuff that the vendors were selling outside the school gates and also discussed about the varying sizes of the girl's chests. We always wondered in amazement.
Remember Salha. She had the biggest boobs and you know fancied her??
I won't disclose it here as it my might embarrass some one.
I also remember the day when you got your derriere whacked by the school nuns. What crime did you commit? Beating would have been outlawed these days. The punishment we got those days would have landed our teachers in jail.
Les, do you remember how you were so competitive on our class sports team.
We tried to beat every other team in field hockey and soccer. Boy you had so much energy those days. I wondered if you were already on "steroids".
Boy those were the days my friend. Picnics, dances, parties, fun and games.
Trips to Dar and other places. Time never stopped. Fun, fun fun.
After going through the 50's and 60's in Zanzibar, our paths have crossed several times in different places and it is great that our friendship still continues while you are in Chicago and I am in Dubai. I can truly say that our friendship has stayed the course and time even though we are half way across the world. I have always enjoyed my visits to your home with your fabulous family and the great Thanksgiving dinners at Jo's place.
How I wish that I could be present at your 60th Birthday Celebrations, but don't worry, I will definitely be with all of you in spirit, my friend.
HAVE A MAGNIFICENT BIRTHDAY AND MAY YOU LIVE TO BLOW OUT 101 CANDLES.
ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE.
YOLANDA OTT, LAVINIA, JANINE AND AVITO
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Hello to all Les's classmates and friends,
Many thanks to each and every one for taking a few minutes of your time to pen Les a few kinds words.
Please see the picture of the rogue's gallery that Darryl has kindly provided. The person that can correctly identify each and every soul on that pictures will get a prize. I haven't decided what it is but will get something. Also what was the year that the picture was taken?
I look forward to see Jo's pictorial tribute.
Best regards,
AVITO
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Hi there
60 is a great age, I know, it happened to me a couple of months back.!! The fuss, the fun, the psychological false belief that one keeps thinking-can I still squat?? Well young man, as all the contributions will prove from your old buddies, that depends on where you come from and how well did you perform. By heck it seems you are on a roll. First the one and only place to grow up in, described as Paradise-Unguja. The stunning beaches, the care free island, the competitive sports-we lot had to prove post revolution that SJCS was still the best,especially at hockey, the lovely nuns, and no doubt, the tunnel and Forozhani with the pretty folks parading in the early evenings. Reckon this means it sure will be a fantastic 60th and no problems with squatting or anything else!!
Happy Birthday-Have a great time and enjoy!!
Best wishes
Jimmy
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A BIG HELLO FROM ALEIX CALDEIRA
Hi Leslie
What a lovely occasion to have the opportunity to send you a message -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEXT 40 years ahead!
I am not far behind - in March this year - HOWEVER, I have TWO dates listed as my birthday - the actual day 7 March, and the official day it was actually registered with the authorities - on 15th March (Dad was celebrating the birth of his first son .... so the story goes). Will have one for you and remember you in our prayers too. Yeah, remember the caning and how we stuffed books behind to minimise the pain. The good nuns discovered this and then moved to caning lower on our thighs - wow that hurt ! THOSE WERE THE DAYS - they will not come around again - sigh! will sure miss them.
Have fun
Aleix
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BUDDY LES
Hello friends,
The tributes are coming thick and fast.
However I have still seen from certain persons who are still deeply thinking what they should write about their friend Les.
Believe me that it is very easy once you have written the first few words.
Look at all the examples below.
So get on the computer and start hammering those keys.
We are almost getting there. Just waiting for the few lost souls.
Best regards,
AVITO
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This is Darryl and Viveca's contributionHi Les,
It’s lovely just having the opportunity to wish you on this auspicious day, your 60th birthday.
Don’t worry, mine’s just round the corner ------on June 17th. So who’s the old boy then???
I remember the fun at school and the caning by the nuns. I was no saint either.....Yes, that would have definitely been outlawed today!
It would be lovely to meet up some time, somewhere. Maybe at another Zanzibar do or one more SJCS Grand Get-together!
Meanwhile, have one hell-of-a grrrrrreeeaaat day and a Big God Bless! Our very best wishes to all at home
Love from Darryl & Viveca
Love, Darryl & Viveca
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BUDDY LES
This is Madhu's Contribution
Hi Good “old” friends,.
I used to be with Les in the primary school. A great guy I admire
Les taught me to play the “Double Base” made with a plywood box stolen from Meghji’s Baraza and a fishing line (Shippy) at Ashley Mendes’ house when we had formed a band group with Ashley playing the drums
Wishing you the very best in your coming years and thanks for bringing us together again to relive our wonderful Zanzibar childhood memories
I have added Darryl D’souza e-mail – Darryl, if you read this could you please pass on the photo of our class that I had e-mailed you sometime last year – I cannot find it at present – I am sure Les was in that photo along with our classmates. It could have been when we were in Std V or VI
Best regards to everyone
Madhu Gajaria
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This is the contribution of Steven Parado
I'm, leaving for Goa today, however here's my contribution to Les.
Congratulations Les.
Oh My, 60 years and you still look young.
I remember Leslie, Ashley and Avito standing under the Kungu tree before school watching and sizing the girls as the walked through the school compound. By watching the girls, he would pair them with guys. There were some weird combinations at times.
When it came to sports, boy was he ever competitive. He would shuffle people around just to get that goal. It was a lot of fun being with you Les.
All the best and keep dancing.
Steve
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Hi Folks
Hope you have all enjoyed reading what Les Gonsalves's schoolmates had to say about young Les.
What a popular guy and if Les had to stand for the next President in Chicago, without a doubt he would be number 1 just like OBAMA from Chicago. (Chicago here we are again all good friends and a jolly good company).
Les we all wish you the very best in the future.
Love
Benny & Betty
P.S. If I have left out any messages, please resend to me on bennydesouza@btinternet.com
and I will add to Les's blogspot.
Thanks Benny