Tribute: Two Young Lives Snuffed Out in Their Prime—Devin and Oliver
Daijiworld Media Network—Managalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Mar 23: Devin Walder was to celebrate his 25th birthday on Monday March 23 and had postponed his journey to Nigeria because of this. However, fate had something different in mind.
Devin, a resident of Capitanio, was one of those who died in the sea at Panambur beach, on Sunday March 22, while swimming with friends. Though the lifeguards rushed to his rescue, he breathed his last on the way to the hospital.
Seven youngsters who had gone to the beach for an evening of fun and frolic, instead found themselves at the centre of a tragedy.
Oliver D’Sa (22), a cousin of Devin also died in the sea on Sunday.
The others who were with them on that fateful day were Vijay Fernandes, Adrian D’Souza, Joel Pinto, Naveen James D’Souza, and Devin’s brother Bryan Walder.
Devin was good at comedy and participated in CLC dramas, always donning comic roles. “We have never seen him angry”, says Robin Vas, teacher, St Aloysius ITI.
“He was helpful in nature and after finishing a course from ABIC, he went to Jamnagar in Surat”, says Vas.
His father Stany Walder had a small scale industry preparing pickles under the brand BDS. After Stany’s death, his mother Florine Walder took over the business which is a means of livelihood for the family.
Florine earlier worked in Capitanio School, but had opted for the VRS.
Devin’s elder brother works in MCC bank and his sister is pursuing her MBA in the city.
“Despite hardships he had secured a good job in an oil company in Nigeria, prior to which he was in Qatar. The move to Nigeria was on promotion”, said Naveen James D’Souza, a friend of Devin who was with him when tragedy struck.
Oliver, resided near Adyarkatte and had completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from St Aloysius College last year.
He was working for Metlife since the past two months. “He was a good friend and led an active life. He was a frequent visitor to the beach”, said Joel Pinto, his friend.
Oliver is the son of James D’Sa and Rozy D’Sa, and has an elder sister Jennifer D’Sa who is a college lecturer.
Five of the youngsters had traveled to the beach by car while Oliver was on his bike with Joel.