Team Herald
MAPUSA: People from all walks of life on Thursday afternoon bid a tearful adieu to renowned fashion designer and activist Padma Shri Wendell Rodricks, who was laid to rest in his native village of Colvale.
Family and friends paid their last respects to the late fashion designer whose funeral was held at St Francis of Assisi Church. Prominent among those, who attended the funeral included actor Arshad Warsi, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Thivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar, Historian Prajal Sakhardande, Convenor of Goa Green Brigade and activist Avertino Miranda, AAP Goa leader Elvis Gomes and Christopher Fonseca.
Wendell Rodricks, who passed away on Wednesday evening following a brief illness, chose to settle down in his native village of Colvale after making it big in the fashion industry.
Partner Jerome Marrel and Wendell’s three brothers remembered the late fashion designer as a down to earth person who loved the environment and for his creative fashion designing skills. Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said, “When I came to know about Wendell’s demise, it came as a shock to me. I knew that he was not well but never thought it will be so soon. His contribution in the field of fashion designing is immense and nobody can forget it. Not only Goa but he has made the country proud. He was also an ambassador of peace and in him we have lost a true Goan, who worked hard in fashion industry and earned him a name in the fashion industry”.
Thivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar said, “Wendell was a great talent and author, who made Colvale, Goa and the nation proud in fashion designing. He is an inspiration to the village and after his death, his legacy will continue”.
Historian Prajal Sakhardande said, “Son of Goa has passed away. The saddest part is he won’t be there at the inauguration of “Moda Goa” and see his dream fulfilling. This was his dream project, which was in the final stage of completion. He always stood for the Goan heritage and fought against demolition of chapel at Colvale and wanted it to stay. It is our duty and I appeal to all the Colvalkars that we should fight for the chapel protection. He was also particular about protection of Goan natural heritage. He was writer and renowned fashion guru and it’s a big loss to Goa, nation and the whole world”.
Meanwhile, students and faculty of Department of Garment Technology, Goa Polytechnic College, Panjim also attended the funeral and paid homage.
“Wendell has been a father figure to us because he has been there ever since the course started. He was Courses Committee chairman and recently till November, he had attended every exam. He encouraged and enlightened the students. We will not forget his contribution and it is sad to lose such a wonderful person so early in life”, the students said.
Fashion designers Riidhi and Siddhi Mapxencar said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear this. We first met him at LFW 2010! He was our mentor for Genext. He was supportive of Siddhi and me as we were fellow Goans. He always encouraged us and spoke about us highly. We will always have fond memories of him. A genuine soul who had so much passion for fashion & art. He is indeed the first Goan to make it big in the fashion world.
