My family first met Gonz on a Thanksgiving Holiday, back around 21 years ago. Our son, Paul, who was studying at Berkeley, brought home two Indian friends from Berkeley for a Thanksgiving weekend. That's when we first realized what a wonderful friend he is to Paul.
Their friendships grew, from then on, and consequently, Paul would bring him down over Christmas holidays, whenever he's not visiting his family in Minnesota, or Seattle, WA. Gonz is a very warm and loving person. Very easy to get along with. He really listens and gives his opinion with sensitivity.
It was many years later that he completed his Doctorate. But even though he has that prestigious degree, he would not allow us to address him as "Dr. Da Gama". He's still the same old Gonz that we have learned to love for many, many years. Each Holiday, we are dissapointed if he can not make it down to visit us. He did come, when our daughter, Michelle, got married. He came when my husband had his retirement party. He came when one of my nephew got married. My brother and sisters and their family got to know Gonz also, and just loved him. Gonz always asked me how everyone in our family is doing. He is so concerned, and saddened if things are not going well. He has a heart of gold. He is a very precious friend (more like a brother to Paul and a son to us). We feel like he's part of our family.
Boy, does he love to play games. One game that really stuck to my mind, because I had stomach ache laughing while we're playing. The four of us, Gonz, Paul, my husband and I were playing "The Settlers of Catan". this game is pretty intense, don't have any regard for anybody but just your own. We had so much fun playing the game, especially Gonz and me. I would tell him "Gonz, don't do that", whenever he would play something that I was planning to play on. He would just have his boisterous laugh, as if, he didn't really care. I'd do the same to him. We finished at around 4:00 a.m. I feel so comfortable with Gonz. He is just like us. He did not allow his degree go to his head. He is comfortable around anyone and everyone. He is a very likable person.
I can't say that I understand the feelings of his Mom, brothers, and sisters, because I have not experience that kind of loss. I can only imagine how difficult it is to accept the fact that we will no longer have fellowship him. I was in shock when I learned of his passing. Since then, Gonz memory lingers in my mind, as I realize that he will not longer join us on some holidays. To the Da Gama Pais family, please accept our heartfelt condolence for your most precious son and brother. Our hearts aches for you. We will be praying for God's comfort for all of you in the days ahead.
Mely & Don Baty
Desert Hot Springs, CA
