Texi
A
legend among legends
By Al Mathias
Miguel
Jose Antonio Francisco Paulo Teixeira
Date
of Birth: June 30, 1918.
Place
of Birth: Karwar, India.
Michael
Paul Teixeira, affectionately known as Texi, demonstrated great athletic
promise from a very early age. As a youngster, he dedicated himself to
developing all his athletic abilities through much dedication and practice.
Though an all-round athlete, his love was the sport of cricket and many hours
were spent bowling at a rupee placed on pitch to develop a perfect length. His
cricket skills were much admired in his hometown as crowds came to witness and
cheer as he led his school and community to many victories.
In
addition to being a good athlete, Michael also worked hard towards being an
academic, musician, and, not only a gentleman, but a gentle man. Upon finishing
his schooling Michael immigrated to Mombasa, Kenya to join his sister and
brother-in-law, Amy and Januario Demelo. Shortly after, he secured a job with
British East Africa Customs and Immigration and was transferred to Kampala,
Uganda. It is here that he enjoyed a blossoming cricket and field hockey career
representing the Uganda, the Goan Community, and the region. In 1953, Michael
met and married Anna Barretto, a registered nurse and subsequently became proud
parents of three children, Christopher, Terence and Heather.
Michael
and family lived and worked in many parts of Uganda from Entebbe to Port Bell
to Kisoro to Kabale. In addition, they also lived and worked in Dar es Salaam
and Mombasa. In his later years, Michael played cricket with the Mombasa Goan
Association.
In
June of 1966, the Teixeira family immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Here Michael
did clerical work for the Canadian Marconi Company for three years before
making a final move to Mississauga, Ontario. Michael worked in the taxation
department of the Dufferin-Peel District Separate School Board till his
retirement in 1985. He enjoyed his retirement years travelling the world with
Anna and spending precious time with his grandchildren.
Despite
his many sporting achievements, Michael maintained a great humility and gentle
spirit to his final days. He always spoke proudly of his Goan roots and
cherished his East African Goan Community and their many accomplishments all
over the world. He was always grateful for the many blessings life had given
him and expressed that in his devotion to God and the Catholic Church.
Sadly
Michael Teixeira passed away peacefully on January 15, 2013.
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