Godfrey Phillips OAM, Born in India, now living in Sydney Australia

18 Oct 2022 will make 14 years since our great teacher Br C J Harrison passed in Goa. His niece Robyn Fisher is gathering as much as information on Br Harry for their Harrison Clan get together in Tasmania, Australia in June 2023, to celebrate 200 years of the family in Australia. The list below of the wonderful testimonials is testimony to the love for this amazing Christian Brother. He was the "Dream Teacher" according Br Rod Parton another Aussie teacher who taught in St Vincent's Tech college , along with Br Whiting another Aussie. The three Bothers ran the tech department and all students who went through the tech were thoroughly trained in fitting and turning, carpentry, welding, forge and electrical work and tech drawing. This gave all of us a distinct advantage when we applied for a job in engineering after we graduated from school. Br Harry as he was affectionately known sowed the "seeds of greatness" within us. He encouraged us to "dream big dreams" and anything was possible if we dreamed big, and "really had a go" at everything we tried. I have no doubt that this positive reinforcement was responsible for many students who made real successes of their lives, contributing greatly to their families and communities. Our Phillips family was the very first family to emigrate to Australia in January 1966, thanks to Br Harrison's Mother who sponsored us. Over time we went on to sponsor other people from our little Anglo Indian community in Kulti, Burnpur and Asansol. All have made wonderful contributions to Australia. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the three Aussie Christian Brothers who assisted many Anglo Indian and Chinese families emigrate to Australia, Canada and the UK. We remember them fondly, and at this time, Br Harrison on the 14th anniversary of his sad passing, on 18 October. Godfrey Phillips. OAM.

Godfrey Phillips, Burnpur, Sydney

It's 6 years since Br Harry died and we remember him fondly as a great friend, motivator and teacher. He encouraged us to excel in ALL areas of our lives at school which has held us in good stead as we matured.He along with Aussie Bros Whiting and Parton helped so many of us emigrate to Australia, Canada and the UK so we could have a better life. Let's reflect and give praise to one of the great teachers who lived a life of significance and encouraged us to be the best we could be. RIP good mate. Godfrey Phillips. Class of 1965 JTD

Aubrey Myers, Cal/SVTS Mt Carmel UK Sydney NSW, TexasQld Aust

RIP good friend, mentor, tutor, role model. "No greater thing a man does, than lay his life down for his fellow men" This Br Harry did by being an example to us all. I will miss you friend and Brother. Heaven is a better place for your arrival. RIP
Came upon this notice quite by chance tonight and the news shook me. I was sure he was set in cement here on earth for us to look up to. God bless Aubrey Myers

Walter D'Souza, Mangalore

May his soul rest in peace.

Kalyan Biswas, Asansol / Canada

It's nice to hear the known faces speak - thecomments are heart touching too.

Kalyan Biswas, ISC 1974
SVTS Tech Hostel - Daddy

Kalyan Biswas, Asansol / Canada

It is sad to hear that Br.C.J. Harrison is no longer with us. He was a great guide and a life teacher. I recall him at the annual sports meet, cricket fields, perfect hand-writing which I so much wanted to imitate. He will be in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in peace.

Kalyan Biswas, ISC 1974
St.Luke's

CA. Nikhil D'Souza, Vasai

RIP Brother Harrisson. While he was here in Vasai, I had the honour of being his pupil. I may have been the worst in the choir, but he brought out the best in me in a couple of years. Thanks to him I learnt how much I love music and will never stop writing and practising all because of him. Even today I have kept the parting gift that he gave me before he left for mangalore in the late nineties. I came to know about his passing through my friend Rudy who is in mangalore in the seminary. We will miss you. I loved attending mass at which he read. From my sister and me .... I hope God has a place for you in his Choir of angels just have will always have a place for you in our hearts :)

sujit chaudhuri, kolkata

I shall always remember you for the wonderful guidance I received be at cricket nets, study hall or Delhi trip during the hockey tournament in 1972. We last met at Old Boys Union at St. Joseph's in Kolkata in late 90's.
Sir, we all miss you very much & may your soul rest in peace.
Sujit Chaudhuri - 1973 batch
St. John's captain.

Kumar Nair, Kolkata

I heard about Br Harrison passing away very recently.
He was the most popular teacher in our time(1962).
He was our tech teacher and of course I played under him in the SVTS cricket team.
A great and wonderful man

Dinesh Yadav (ICSE-1986), Dhanbad

A very good brother to be the part of SVTS and in our life. we are blessed to have such brother.May his soul rest in peace.

Ronald Payne, CUnited Kingdom

Bro. Harry was one of the best Christian Brothers and guided me to a good citizen working for London Underground for 31 years.

Anuj Chaturvedi, Asansol, Kolkata

May his Soul rest in peace

Siddhartha Banerjee, Jamshedpur

Words cannot express the sadness on learning of the passing away of Br.Harrison. During the 8 years I was a boarder in St.Vincent School, Br.Harrison ( along with Br. Whiting and Br. Mousley ) was everything to us kids,away from our homes,away from our parents. The school was our home, they were our friends,our mentors,our parents.Br.Harrison touched our young lives and made those years golden.It was a special time for all of us at SVTS.Blessed is the soul who is loved and missed. Br.Harrison will always be loved and always be missed by those whose lives he touched, so simply yet so profoundly.

Godfrey Phillips, Burnpur. Sydney

As we approach Br.Harry's first anniversary of his passing, 18th November, many of us still find it so hard to believe he has gone.He was the best mentor to many of us, continually encouraging us to do our best in everything we did in the class room and on the sporting field.I miss you mate, especially our chats during the lunch breaks, when Australia were playing India in Cricket.RIP.Godfrey Phillips.Sydney and SVTS 1965.

Michael Simpson (Simmi), Calcutta / London, UK

Br. Harrison. May you rest in peace. St Vincents (1957 - 1967)

glen martin, calcutta

bro harrison was a great teacher and a gentleman and by far the best hand writing i have ever seen he taught us a lot of things and was a great teacher,i am very honoured to have been taught by him and may his soul rest in peace.

mohammad Sahabuddin, Railway quarters , Asansol

It was very sad to hear about my beloved,brother Harrison''s demise. May his soul rest in peace.I owe to him my sincere gratitude and respect for the manner in which he had groomed us to face this contemporary challenge of the present world. He was very kind and co-operative to every student.During his time in late sixties and early seventies, he was the pride of St.vincents high and techincal,school.Asansol. His handwriting was superb. and the signature on my certificate is a memorabilia.

Gerry Young, Calcutta/London

In '63 SVTS the catholic senior boarders were offered the choice of attending weekday mass for the very first time. I always found the sound of the organ being played by Fr Harry as another great reason to go. I also remember his playing the recorder when directing the musicals that we all enjoyed so much. God bless you Sir for the music you made!

Busty Sebastian, London UK

God bless you and give you the peace you gave so many people who were fortunate to know you, meet you and go away learning what kindness, humility, caring and sharing was. I was one of those lucky ones to have had the training and education from a gentlman who inspired me and was responsible for what I am today. Thank you Bro. Harry God grant you the rest you so rightly deserve in a better place in Heaven

Cliff Bunting, SVTS Asansol

So much has been said about this very special person that to try would render anything I might add inadequate.They haven't invented superlatives and adjectives to do justice to his memory.Br.Harry represented a time in my life that was as close to complete happiness and fulfillment as it ever could have been. This was clearly thanks to him and indeed all the selfless generous souls that formed and guided us those many years ago. Br. Harry, we salute you. Your memory will endure forever. God bless and keep you. Cliff

Lesley Velu ( Hoffland ), India/ Melbourne Australia

Dear Brother Harry, always in my heart and memories. Through you I grew to love Australia even before I came to live here. I am so glad I got to meet you the few times you came to Mebourne. May he rest in peace without suffering any more. Give my love to Ted xo

Melvyn & Cheryl Barrett, Asansol/Perth Western Australia

Br. Harry will be remembered by me and my wife Cheryl always, as we had spent the day with him in August'08 when we were in Goa on holiday with the family, had the pleasure of having a most memorable afternoon Tea with him. Will be dearly missed on our visits to India.May the Almighty grant him a place in the Heavenly Choir. Has a place in our hearts forever.

Keith & Judy Fonceca and Cecilia Clements, Asansol/Melbourne

We will always remember Bro Harry as a pillar of strength & hope in our community - a beacon of light piercing the dark. Whether we were at work, at school or on the cricket field, he constantly encouraged us to achieve our goals. Bro Harry was a friend and an inspiration to all who knew him. "Your life was full of loving deeds, Forever thoughtful of our needs, Today & tomorrow, Our whole life through, We will always love & cherish you" R.I.P Bro Harry...until we meet again

Wendell Howe, Calcutta/Brisbane

 Dear Bro. Harry. Along with Bro. Parton and Bro. Whiting it was a breath of fresh air and a rejuvination for SVTS when they arrived. Bro. Harry was outstanding for his nurturing, caring and very human attributes. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. I used to tease him every chance I got. He would never burr up, just give me a twisted wry smile and look at me with those deep steel blue eyes and go tsh, tsh, tsh. If anyone did do something very wrong the hurt look and sad eyes was worse than any beating one could get. I remember one Easter, when he was Principal and trying to do the best he could,we had Chicken for lunch, the first and only time. When I thanked him he said it was the least he could do, but he added that he had almost run the school broke! Here was a person that just cared for everyone way beyond the call of duty. I think, that if we would like to thank him, we should try emulate his actions and be the best we can. Just look at all the people he has brought together even as he leaves us! I am sure God will bless his gentle soul and keep him a special place. P.S. Southing, Thanks for putting this together, W.

Tyrone Stacey, Asansol/Perth WA

I only knew you for a short three and a bit years in my final years of schooling but you taught me the art of precision and how to be my own man. For this and more I will remember you eternally. May you rest in peace dear Brother.

JAMES DOUGLAS, SVTS/ MELB. AUSTRALIA

you were my friend, brother,father and teacher.Because of him I am the man I am today! Heaven can only ba a better place with you in it. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.

Brian & Jane Seaman, Asansol, Melbourne Australia

Bro Harrison, may you rest in peace. You will always live in our hearts forever. A True friend and Mentor with a heart of a giant.

Bryan Ryder, Burnpur (Asansol, now in the Philippines

"Dying is not blowing out the candle, But dimming the light because the dawn has come" Requiescat in pace Br Harrison, I remember you vividly eventhough I was a pupil of St Patrick's, we used to have some wonderful hard fought games of cricket and football with the class of 1965. Bryan Ryder (class of 65 - St Patrick's)

Nisha Raj(Kavan), Kulti/Delhi

Bro Harrison came into my life when I was 15 and became an integral part of our family,he came to hold my daughter's hand when she had her ears pierced! Our last meeting with him was on the 27th Aug '08,my husband and I had gone to Goa to meet him and he took us to his favourite restaurant at Bogmalo beach along with Bro Keene,and he was as always very lively with a twinkle in his eye! We feel truly blessed to have known him and been able to meet him over the years.

Lyn Harris (Phillips), Adelaide South Aust

My dearest friend and special person in my life, my mentor,a star in Heaven. Bless your soul  Bill xx

Francis & Marie Dragwidge, Melbourne, Australia

Bro. Harry was our friend, brother, teacher, helper, mentor & we will always remember him for his caring & affectionate ways & also helping those in most need - physically & financially. We will miss him tremendously & may his sould rest in peace.

Bill Aitkins, St.Vincents Asansol/Perth WA

RIP Brother Harry. It is with deep affection and respect I will always remember this good, caring wonderful man. Pam, Ann-Maree & I met him in 2003 when we visited Goa India, his mind was as sharp as it ever was, frail but he still had the happy smile I'll remember always. God grant you the rest and peace you deserve Bro Harry. We will always remember you.

CHERYL, Asansol/Canada

I am deeply sorry to hear of Bro.Harry's sad demise but I am sure he is free of his suffering now and happy in his Heavenly home. He was a true blessing from God. Apart from growing up with his guidance and inspiration, I had the honour of working for him as his secretary in SVTS for a few years just before he left for Bajpe and I know the endless number of lives he touched. His kindness knew no bounds. Even though it was so many years ago, the impact he had on my life helps me to this day. He was a living example for all of us, from his handwriting, to his discipline, to his dealing with people and his selfless service till the end. May he rest in everlasting peace. He will never be forgotten.

Melwin, Bajpe,Airport -New Zealand

Heartfelt condolence to all. God give you all strength to bear the loss. May his soul rest in peace.

plevi braggs, mumbai

oh!Br.its sad to hear about u.u had my teacher.i was a student of urs. MAY THE SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Fr.Roshan, Capuchin, Agrar/ St.Anne'sFriary, Mangalore

A brother with deep faith, with cheerful countenance, though learned but very humble, friendly and noble, a tall figure.... these are the memories that come to my mind. May you share the joy of the Risen Lord forever.

Syd Boyne, Calcutta/SVTS/Washington DC

What a great guy! When my family met him in December 2006, they were as impressed by his genuine caring and happy fun-loving disposition as his humility! That was what stood out for me. He was the same Bro. Harry. Consistently classy, right to the end. We boys did love him, and he loved us right back. A very special human being. Playing with a straight bat in Heaven.

Tony Clements, Swindon, England

Bro. Harry was a colossus among giants. He gave people hope and helped them to dream the impossible.He nurtured the community he worked with and giant oaks have grown from little acorns.They broke the mould after Harry was born.He was a visionary that will live on in the hearts of all those who were priviliged to know him.

veena, adyapady/riyadh

very sad to hear the demise of Br.C J Harrison. May his soul rest in peace.

Preetham, Bajpe

May his soul rest in peace.

Maud BOB PHILLIPS, PERTH W/AUSTRALIA

IT WAS WITH A SAD AND HEAVY HEART, THAT WE HEARD THE SAD NEWS OF BRO. HARRISON'S DEMISE. BILL AS HE WAS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN BY OUR FAMILY, WAS A FRIEND OF MORE THAN 50 YEARS,MUCHED LOVED AND RESPECTED. A FEW WEEKS AGO OUR SON GODFREY AND HIS DAUGHTER CINDY FROM THE U.K. WENT TO GOA TO SPEND A WEEK WITH HIM. THIS VISIT GAVE HIM A LOT OF PLEASURE, THIS WAS QUALITY TIME. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU, AND REST IN PEASE DEAR FRIEND. WE WILL MISS ALL YOUR HOLLIDAYS WITH US IN ROCKINGHAM. R.I. P.

Stacey Trevor, Asansol / Perth WA AUS.

Br. Harry Gave his life for the kids of India, Anglo or otherwise.It was his commitment and dedication to our education that guaranteed us a future - if we were prepared to apply ourselves. I believe that every boy I knew during my schooling years in SVTS Asansol has made a better life for himself mainly through the teachings and values imparted by Br. Harry - May God Bless you Brother and reward you greatly for your efforts on our behalf. May your soul rest in peace. Trevor S - Class of '65

Geoffrey Good, Calcutta/Perth WA

Brother"Harry", as he was affectionately referred to, by students who were fortunate enough to have been tutored by him, was a unique teacher. He certainly practiced what he preached, and abhorred the 'unchristian' use of corporal punishment, "the cane". Requiescat in pace.

Lou Welsh, Calcutta/Toronto, Canada

Br. Harry,(Sir)was truly one of a kind. He had my utmost respect and admiration as person, as a teacher and mentor. So here we are, many of us senior citizens ourselves, and we still recall and revere the man who influenced our lives so richly that many years ago. This speaks volumes as to the type of man he was....a gentleman, caring, ever ready to help anyone, a remarkable teacher, director and above all a good friend. I am very fortunate to have met him and spent three years of my life under his guidance and care at St. Vincent's, Asansol. I am equally fortunate to have had the pleasure of visiting him in January of this year, 41 years later,in Shanti Nivas. No doubt, there is a very special place in heaven for him. Thank you Br. Harry and may you rest in peace and eternal happiness. I will always cherish your memory. LOU WELSH -Class of '67

Christopher Madeira, Asansol/Brisbane / Australia

Bro Harrison born into eternal life, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, more present than the living man. R. I P. Dear Bro Harry. You should always know, wherever you may go, No matter where you are, we will never be far away. CJ Madeira. SVTS, 64-69

David Huang, Calcutta/ Vancouver, Canada

It was the saddest moment of my life when Bro. Harry and I said our goodbyes in Chicalim, Goa about six weeks ago. My friends Sou Thing Leong ,Godfrey Phillips and his daughter Cindy were there too. What a great teacher he was @ SVTS, Asansol - with multiple skills, always warm, understanding and his unforgettable Aussie smile. Amen to his soul resting in peace.

Jenevieve Mercia Dsouza, Toronto/Canada

"Eternal rest grant unto him,O lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his sole rest in peace. Amen". God did remainded me before his death and i did pray for his health....but it was his wish to take him to his heavenly adobe. He had a bunch of talents and he was always in peace and joy. i have no words to discribe his loss....miss him. May his sole rest in peace.

santhosh d souza, bajpe/dubai

May his soul rest in peace. Brother, you will be always remembered for the great service to the Bajpe Community.Brother i will remeber you always........

Cynthia DCunha, Bajpe/Abu Dhabi

May his soul rest in peace. Nice to hear that people from Bajpe will get to see him, and will be laid to rest in Bajpe. All people in and around Bajpe have oved you and will miss you always. You will be in our prayers.

Oliver Mark D Souza., Bajpe/St. Mary's School,Dubai

I am in great pain and will remain so whenever I try to realize that Br. C J Harrison has left us behind to join the Lord.Many looked up to him as he was a role model for thousands.A talented musician,a great teacher, excellent communicator,and a warm and wonderful person like Br. Harrison will be missed by millions.I thank JESUS for the gift of this special Christian brother.I just can't describe how I feel when I write these last words in honour of Br. Harrison.Only way to remember him is to inculcate some of his qualities into my life. Thank you Br. for your love care and warmth.May you be crowned in heaven.

Prema Edwina Pinto, Bajpe

Very sad to know that Bro. Harrison is no more. He was very dear to all the Bajpe people especially to our family. Though He is no more His memories will be fresh in our Heart & mind. His soul must have been already reached heaven i feel.. May His soul rest in Peace. Brother we miss you. Pinto family, Parengipalla, Bajpe.

cecilia castelino, Gurpur/Dubai

Bro.Harrison was a great teacher He was a  caring, loving, cheerful , smiling & enthusiastic human being. He was a role model for all the youngsters during our colleage days. May his soul Rest in Peace.

Veena , Vasai

 Brother, you will be always remembered for the great service to the Bajpe Community .

May his soul rest in peace.

Richard D' Souza/Genesius D' Silva, Kolambe Bajpe/Bahrain

When I think of my high school & college days in Bajpe, I always remember only one great person - my dear Br. Harrison. His smile, warmth, helping hand, love, leadership and other endearing qualities helped so many of us to choose the right path in life. Because of him we learnt to perform better in our studies, learnt to play different kind of sports and learnt to face life with a positive attitude. I can proudly say, I am what I am, because of him. I miss him dearly. We the people of Bajpe have lost our dear friend. He will be in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in peace.

Jaison Dcunha, Abu Dhabi / Bajpe

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

Julie, Bajpe / Kuwait

I felt very sad and tears rolled automatically from my eyes when I read the news of Br.Harrison's death. I was a student of 1st batch from St.Joseph's PU college run by these Christine Brothers and he was our principal. I can boldly say what I am today is bacuse of Br.Harrison. He thought me to speak english, improved my handwriting and thought me how to mix with people.A big thank you to you Br.Harrison.You will be remembered forever. Eternal rest grant to him O lord. May his soul rest in peace Amen.

Gracy, Adyapady/Evershine City, Vasai

May his soul Rest in Peace. I thank God for giving me an opportunity to meet him few months ago. I was so touched the way he recognised me, the way he remembered my brothers and sisters and his visits to us. His is a rare personality filled with good virtues. He will be remembered always.

John Sterling, Sydney, Australia

CJH was one of the principal driving forces from my school days at SVTS Asansol that has made me what I am today. A Christian Brother like no other that led by example. Fun loving,firm but fairer than fair.  Never a word spoken in anger.Loved by all who had the good fortune of knowing him.  Thanks for the memories and the inspiration that you were to so many. May the Good Lord grant you the rest & peace that you so richly deserve in His Heavenly home. Hope you are there conducting the heavenly chorus when we too have to make the journey home.Rest in peace Good Friend & Mentor.

Anandi Dsouza, Kinnigoli/Singapore

Brother, Your memories will never be faded in St Josephs history.May his soul rest in peace.

Brian Selfe, Calcutta/Perth WA

Brother  Harry is  one in a million. He taught me and many others like me who attended SVTS to be real gentlemen (a true gentleman himself).I learnt so much from him and other Brothers at our school in Asansol. God please take him into your heavenly kingdom where he may enjoy eternal bliss.

Celine, Bajpe/Dubai

May his soul rest in peace. Brother, you will be always remembered for the great service to the Bajpe Community.

Vincent A. D'Souza, Evershine City

May his soul rest in peace.

Noreen Pereira, Yedapadav/Canada

Those we love don't go away, He walks beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

GODFREY PHILLIPS, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Br Harry, as he was affectionately known was a wonderful mentor, and "moulder" of our dreams, always encouraging us to do and be the very best we could.A great Tech teacher, and inspiring Coach of our successful Hockey, Cricket, athletic and football teams.A visit to GOA,6 weeks ago to see Br Harry with my daughter Cindy, and two school mates now in Canada David Huang and Sou Thing Leong was very special, reliving our formative school years in St Vincent's Asansol.His 54 Years of Missionary work in India will be a lasting Legacy.He made "Friends for Life".Thank you for everything, and may you rest in peace.You were one of a kindWe are going to miss you mate. GODFREY PHILLIPS.Class of '65

Sou Thing Leong, Asansol/Canada

Br. Harrison had a profound impact on all of us during our formative years at St. Vincent's, where he started the JTD program in the early sixties. He was a kind, loving and caring person and very witty. I had the privilege of visit him recently, along with several others. Thank you Br. Harry for all that you have been for us. We shall miss you dearly. Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace, Amen.

Peter Liang, Ajax, ON, Canada,

I am sure Jesus has welcomed Bro. Harry with open arms into His Celestial Kingdom.

Nelson D'Souza, Adyapady / Kuwait

May his soul Rest in Peace. Cheerful, Loving, Caring, Smiling and Enthusiastic. A great Spirit!

Denis Valento & Fly., Bejai

May his soul rest in peace

Dorine Correya, Yedapadav / Dubai

Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul rest in peace.

Kanthi, Bajpe/Canada

It is sad to note that Rev Brother Harrison is no more. He has moulded the youth of Bajpe and showed them the right path in life. Bajpe community will be ever grateful to Brother Harrison. I am happy to note that Brother Harrison will be laid to rest in Bajpe so all the people who loved him can pay their final respect to him. May his soul rest in Peace.

Flavia Rego, Bajpe/Dubai

May his soul rest in Peace. Br. u had a special space in my life. U are the roll model for me. U taught me great things in my life. I cannot forget ur fruitful services during my collage days and my service in SJC. We always remember u in our prayers.

Ashok R. Monteiro, Bajpe/Bahrain

Br. Harrison will be remembered by all the community surrounding Bajpe for his social service . He was a good musician and played the piano during mass for the  Bajpe Choir. He was an active member of various social service groups of Bajpe Church. We pray that the almighty grants him eternal rest.

Fr.Manu Noronha, Agrar-Goa

May his soul rest in peace.He was a loving and caring person .I had the privilage of  administering  him the last sacrament.Thank you Brother for what you were to us.

janet, bajpe/uk

May his soul rest in peace.

FELIX J M, BAJPE/MUSCAT

May his soul Rest in Peace. He was a role model for all the youngsters during our college days.