Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa founder and patron Peter Vaz was laid to rest following an emotional ceremony at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem on Sunday afternoon.
Amidst the pandemic and the subsequent scare of the virus, nothing deterred people from various sections to pay their last respects to Peter who was known all over not only as owner of Sporting Clube de Goa but also as a successful entrepreneur, businessman who had diversified into various fields such as real estate, hospitality and leisure.
The man who lived on his terms was given a befitting farewell by his team Sporting Clube de Goa led by the captain Marcus Mascarenhas. The team gave a guard of honour and the famous Flaming Oranje flag was placed on his casket. And as a mark of respect the Club officials and players carried his casket from his residence to Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem.
Fr. Rosario, Parish Priest was the main celebrant while Fr. Avin Carvalho, Rector of Don Bosco delivered the homily.
During his homily, Fr Avin Carvalho shared his experience with Peter Vaz and said, “Peter built big houses but the biggest place that he ever built was a huge duplex apartment in his heart for those in need. Peter was big made physically; but I guess it was because he carried a huge heart to contain his friends and all those who came knocking at his door for help.”
“Peter had built huge living spaces and had his hand in so many huge projects and a variety of initiatives besides being a passionate lover of football. But when looked upon closely Peter was indeed a great builder but not just the builder of lifeless structures and edifices … He built lives, he built persons, he harnessed talent, he built families, he built homes, he built religious spaces and in doing so built faith, he built hearts,” Fr Avin added.
“You worked with your entire life, head, heart and hands. Your kind heart and generous hands gave love and comfort to all; now rest in peace in God’s comforting arms,” he concluded.
Fr. Frederick Rodrigues, Superior Pilar and Fr Wilfred Fernandes were among the other celebrants for the funeral service.
Peter Vaz was laid to rest at the Taleigao cemetery.
Amongst those who paid their last respects to the departed soul were GFA President Churchill Alemao, Tivim MLA Nilkant Halarnkar, Panjim MLA Atanasio Monserrate, Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate, Minister of Ports Michael Lobo, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte, St Andre MLA Francis Silveira, former Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Dempo Sports Club chairman Shrinivas Dempo, Dionizio Dias (GFA Treasurer), Anthony Pango (GFA Vice President), Jonathan De Souza, John Silva, Anthony Leo Fernandes, Cosme Oliveira (GFA Members), Anthony Levino Pereira (Salgaocar FC Coach), SCG CEO and former GFA General Secretary Welvin Menezes, SCG Team Manager Angelo Albuquerque, former SCG CEO Victor Fernandes, SCG General Secretary Edward Noronha, SCG First Team coach Savio Vas, Youth team coach Anthony Vas, Alex Alvares, Sebastiao Noronha, Vikram Mane and Ajay Acharya along with other officials and players of SCG.
Sporting Clube de Goa Players wore jerseys named “Adeus Sir Peter” as a mark of respect to their beloved Sir.
