He walked tall in Vanxim. I got to know him 15 years ago when Vanxim agitation broke out. Some villagers had formed a team in 2010 to wage campaign to defend their island. This team was known as "Ilha de Vanxim Association". Uncle John was one of the integral part of this formation that organised three public meetings in front of Vanxim Church in late 2010.
He continued his support what Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa Unit got actively engaged in defence of Vanxim with leadership powers delegated to Margarida Silveira in 2011.
John Fernandes gave all that was required organisational and prayer support to defend Vanxim Island.
15 years ago when Vanxim agitation began to create waves across Goa John Fernandes was 72 years young. At that age he demonstrated capacity and ability to take stand in defence of Vanxim. He gave all the necessary co-operation to late Margarida Silveira in every way possible.
Within all his limitations John Fernandes stood taller than his height. His defence of Vanxim as I know him personally was uncompromising till his health permitted him to do so.
At an annual prayer service Ladainha to cross in front of his Vanxim house he always prayed for defence and protection of Vanxim island from all the predators around.
In his death his resounding voice will always be missed. Yet his uncompromising stand in defence of Vanxim has created another stream of legacy that enriches legacy left before us by Margarida Silveira in defence of Vanxim Island. These are the legacies that transcends death.
His life teaches us that it's possible for a man to walk tall against the tide even it means to begin at 72 and end at 87. Apart from everything else this is something that I would always remember and respect Uncle John - as I used to call him - for what his contributions was to defend Vanxim specially during those turbulent times from 2010 to 2019. May God grant eternal rest unto his soul.
God granted him rare privilege to be born in 1938 and to be recalled in 2025 on the same day of 4th May. His life is confluence of joy and sorrow merged into one at its zenith.
My heartfelt condolences to all his family members at home - Dorothy, Gregory, Jelton, Judy, Kimberly, Denzil, Effie, Nia and Rebecca - those that cared and loved.
Thank you and Good bye uncle John for all that you have been to your family and to Vanxim in your unassuming yet significant ways.
May your long life be a candle of light to all that seek inspiration for the choices that you made to defend your beloved Vanxim Island.
Sebastian Rodrigues
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