Wilfy Rebimbus : Your life was a song, music was your soul
by Hemacharya
Editor-in-chief
Daijiworld Weekly (Print)
March 9, 2010
Yesterday, till late night you were very much with us, physically, emotionally, feeling our presence, feeling our touch although it was difficult for you to grasp a few words that came spontaneously from our heart out of our love, compassion and respect for you and the members of your family.
It was surprising to observe, just two days ago, accompanied by the members of your family, you sang the popular song ‘Konknni Amchi Bhas, Konkan Amcho Ganv” for the last times sake. Perhaps you had come to know, that you will not be around when the same song is sung, the next time.
Although you were weak and getting restless for having felt your helplessness to converse, the dear one’s who were gathered around you were full of hopes to see you retreat and return. Exactly, the way you had battled the hardships in life before. All were praying to the Almighty to keep you a few years more with us to give a status, a meaning and add value to our lives.
But it was not to be. Today morning, you gave up your will to live and decided to surrender in the court of His Almighty. You proceeded alone to a world, no living person has ever seen. Yet while leaving, you have left behind your legacy through your songs, short stories, stage plays, scripts and many more glowing memorials of your fashion.
You were a friend, a celebrity in your own right but you were never known to have let us feel the value of your status symbol. You were the voice of our conscience and at times a crusader who fought for the genuine human causes.
Your life was a song and the music was your soul and it will remain so forever. And in death you have just left your mortal remains behind, yet the tune of your songs and the stream of your music shall continue to flow. There shall be no death to your legacy and there shall have no end to the songs and music you have played for us.
For life is uncertain and death is certain for all of us living beings, we shall take a pledge in your name, that we will continue to spearhead the principles for which you lived and the cause for which you spent your life before fading away. We will continue to live in your footsteps to fulfill the commitments you have made in terms of Gratitus Rebimbus Education Fund or any other social cause you were associated with. And we are quite confident, that the more we are closer to such causes the more closer we will be to you and your family.
You were a man of hearts. So humble, compassionate and full of love. Before departing from this world you ensured that you have given your friends, their dues, and a token of your appreciation and a memorial for their association with you for all these years. I remember the day you told me, “I wish to thank all my friends and associates on the occasion of 50th year of United Youngsters.” Hardly had we known then that you’re not going to be there for its 51st anniversary. Also, the fact that you are not going to be there when your 250th nite comes on stage.
You may no longer need our prayers; but certainly we will keep in our prayers above all, Meenbai, whom you loved so much in your life. The person who was and will be associated with you forever. I had been a witness to the bond of your love for each other, whether before or after your marriage. I have seen your struggle for a livelihood or to make a decent living. I have seen you swimming against the tides, facing the life with a strong heart, with courage and conviction. And I am quite confident when I say, if it was not for Meenabai’s support, you would have given up your struggle a long ago.
You were there for her, and she was there for you, you never allowed her for a minute not even while entering the operation theatre. And even yesterday night, when you were perhaps setting up for your final journey, your hands were longing for her touch.
You’re gone physically away from us, but your legacy will continue. We pledge you, that while you’re away we will continue to be united than ever before with Meenabai, Vishwas and Shirleen, Veena and Arthur and their families, so that we feel your presence whenever we celebrate in your name. We are also aware of the fact that you are going to send us your representative – a new member into the family - as your final and farewell gift to us. We thank you for that.
You will live on, in our hearts and minds till we meet you again.
And thus I end my few words, through a twisted song of Elton John
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall
Along the Mangalore’s coastline
Your candle's burned out long before
Your legend never will
Goodbye Mangalore’s pride
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
Goodbye Mangalore’s pride
From a city lost without your soul
Who'll miss the wings of your compassion
More than you'll ever know
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