Mangaluru: Milagres Institution Mourns Loss of John Monteiro who died in a Hit and Run Accident

” We Begin To remember Not Just That You Died, But That You Lived And That Your Life Gave Us Memories Too Beautiful To Forget. Sadly Missed, Dear Martin John Monteiro”- Management, Teachers, Staff and Students of Milagres Education Institutions

Mangaluru: The tragic death of Milagres Education Institutions attender, Martin John Monteiro in a hit and run accident is a perfect example of how devastating rash, careless and reckless riding or driving can be. It completely ruins lives and make the lives of their loved ones more miserable and depressed. John never knew that death was coming his way- he was heading home after buying some groceries, and while he was crossing the road in the dark of the night near Jeppu compound/Nandigudda, a speeding biker knocked him down and sped away from the scene. John who was quickly rushed to Fr Muller’s Hospital on the night of Wednesday, 10 June 2015, succumbed to severe injuries the next day morning. A man who had served Milagres institution for nearly 36 years, is sadly missed by many Milagreans.

A condolence assembly was held at Milagres Education Institutions on Friday, 12 June 2015 at 9am. ” Today is a very painful day for the entire Milagres family. a man who ran through the portals of this institution for over three decades is no more and has left us in a sudden shock and sorrow. “Death leaves a heartache, that no one can heal”-these words resound i the hearts of every Milagrean who knew Mr John. As a mark of respect, admiration and love we have all gathered here to offer our prayers for the eternal rest of John. We remember his services in gratitude for all that he did to this institution”- were the kind words of wisdom rendered by the compere Teena D’souza, lecturer in English-Milagres PU College while welcoming the gathering.

The assembly began with invoking God’s blessings, followed by a eulogy by John Pais-principal of Milagres PU College. With tearful eyes, John read an emotional eulogy, where he said, ” Yesterday is gone; Today is mine and tomorrow is unknown. This is true in the life of everyone and on this day in the case of Martin John Monteiro, one of the elderly family member of Milagres institution, who has left us to the heavenly abode yesterday. It is indeed a sudden unimaginable tragic end to the person who knew the Milagres campus much better than anyone else who is present here today”/

“John who was fondly known as “Zuvavn” by the management, staff and teachers, and as “Uncle John” by students was a very simple, humble and dedicated person of Milagres family. He had joined this institution on 1 September 1986, and served i Primary and PUC as an attender. Since then he was the first to enter the college premises and the last one to exit, since he opened and closed the campus gates. Though short in physique, he was very active, moving around quickly like a robot, doing all the work assigned to him. He would never take a leave unless it was inevitable. He had great respect to everyone that he worked with. He acted like a Father to the sick students when they were brought to the rest room”.

“Zuvavn has already won the hearts of every Milagrean, and everyone was his friends. Assign him any work, and it will be done in no time. It’s sad to note that we will not see him open and close the college gates any more. Neither he will be there to ring the class bells, go to each class with the notice book and slips. His fast speech won’t be heard and his quick movements will never be seen. But he will be remembered for all that he has done to this institution. He was dear and near to every principals, right from Fr GW Vas to the present, and quick to respond to their calls. We never imagined that you had to respond so quickly to the divine call”

“We begin to remember not just that you died but that you lived and that your life gave us memories so beautiful to forget. Dear brother, your departure to the Heavenly abode has hurt us a lot, especially the PUC section. Although you won’t be physically amongst us, you will be in our hearts for ever. Milagres family has lost a great member, your family has lost the supporting pillar- we at the Milagres Education Institutions pray that the Lord Almighty grant you eternal rest, and to your family members the courage and strength to bear the terrible loss” concluded John Pais with tears in his eyes, a thoughtful and emotional eulogy to the person who was very dear and near to him, and to a person who stepped into his office in and out hundreds of times everyday.

Fr Michael Santhumayer, who just took over as the administrator of Milagres Education Institutions, and Principal of Milagres Degree College said, ” Couple days ago when it was raining John came with an umbrella, and welcomed me whole-heartedly, and escorted me to the office. Few days later, I hear this fine man is no more-that’s sad news. I am terribly saddened to report that our friend and colleague Martin John Monteiro was killed in a hit and run accident. Our hearts are broken by this news and know you join me in extending our condolences to the Monteiro family. John was a hard worker and never hesitated to do any work. He was liked by all staff and students for his friendly nature and helpfulness. He’ll be missed in so many ways. This is a very difficult time for all of us and, in particular, for those who were closely associated with him. On behalf of the staff and students of this institutions I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. May John’s soul rest in peace”.

Administrator Fr Santhumayer, Principal of Milagres PUC, John Pais, Vice Principal of Milagres High school, Avith Barboza and Lecturer MK Nambiar offered floral tribute to the portrait of John Monteiro.

NOTE: Funeral Mass of John Monteiro will be held at St Joseph’s Church-Jeppu , TODAY, Friday, 12 June at 4pm. Please come in large numbers to pay respect to the departed soul of Martin John Monteiro. Thank You.

Mangaluru: Hit and Run Accident – Milagres College Staff John Monteiro Dies in Hospital