Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Apr 30: Founder adviser of 'Konkan Taram Jerimeri', which has been through its golden era in this metro, Lawrence Daniel D'Souza Taccode (79), breathed his last at his residence at D'Souza Chawl at Safed Phool, Kurla (west) here on Thursday April 30 morning.

Because of the efforts put in by Lawrence, prayers and other religious rituals in Konkani had been started in St Jude Church at Jerimeri in Kurla (west) for the first time. He had been immensely popular, having worked as founder adviser of 'Konkan Taram Jerimeri' organization, which came into being at St Jude Church about two and half decades back. He was also a well-known social worker.

Lawrence worked for Bruhanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) since the initial stages of this organization as an executive and retired after serving this concern for about 35 years. After retirement, in the recent past, he used to operate Derek Xerox Shop from his residence in Kajupada. Being an avid lover of art forms, he was a patron ofor various creative activities. He used provide publications to readers of Konkani and Kannada, and always was in the forefront as far as supporting cultural and educational activities is concerned.

He was from Taccode near Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district. Lawrene is survived by wife, Fieda D'Souza, a son, a daughter, and son-in-law, Harry R Sequeira, who is the president of Andheri Karnataka Sangha, and scores of well-wishers and admirers. His family members said that funeral formalities will be conducted at 11 am on Friday May 1 at St Jude Church Jerimeri, after which the body will be interred at the cemetery of Holy Cross Church at Kamani in Kurla (west).

Former spiritual directors of Konkan Taram Jerimeri, Fr Alwin D'Souza, Fr Walter Pinto, Fr Simon D'Souza, organization's office bearers, John Mascarenhas, George Furtado, Flora D'Souza, and various present and former office bearers of the organization, members, Leo Fernandes of Maharashtra Konkan Association, Tonse Sanjeeva Poojary, and scores of dignitaries have grieved the death of a noble man, and offered condolences to the bereaved family.