Gonzaga memory

I was absolutely shocked yesterday as I thumbed through the California Parks & Recreation magazine and saw Gonzaga's picture above the announcement of his passing. I had no idea. I met Gonzaga at the CPRS state conference in Ontario 2006 at our Dist. IV social. The details are hazy, at least for me. But I do remember him coming up to me the next day greeting me and exclaiming "You were shaking it and baking it last night!" His presence at conferences and meetings always brought an infusion of fresh, cheerful, and joyously enthusiastic perspectives that promoted inclusion and celebration for all. I am saddened that he will not be around to engage and educate the next generation of recreational professionals, as well as to challenge and energize us old professionals. You will be missed Gonzaga. Peace be with you.

Steve Beaty
Recreation Supervisor
Brisbane, CA

Good bye Professor

Wow! It has been over a month since your passing and I just found out yesterday. I am so shocked!

I still remember when sometime around 2002 we first met in the conference room at SJSU. You were explaining what the "Therapeutic Recreation" program at SJSU was all about. You convinced me and I joined the M.S. program and I have never looked back. For a person coming from engineering back ground, your passion for your profession made a difference. Next year I experienced your passion more during the grad courses that you taught. There are many things I disagreed in the contents and the way you taught the course, but there is no denying of your passion and caring. I thank your from the bottom of my heart for all the lessons I have learned from you.

I am sure we will meet again.

sml:-)
Shabbir M. Latif, M.S. Therapeutic Recreation, CTRS.
6 Seconds Certified EQ Associates.
Electrical Engineer, Ph.D.
shabbir@xtra-assist.com

I am truly amazed

Dear All

I am truly amazed that my brother who came here in Kenya to say BYE to me.
spend the last 10 days of his life is remembered like this.

I am truly and definitely amazed and it has changed my life my whole value to exist.
finally I ask myself.
God works in mysterious ways...as definitely he never complained of any health issues
nor did he ever seem to be displeased with anything or anybody.
may be he was but never showed it.

I truly was blessed to have Gonz as my next sibling and definitely he showed that
amazing affection to one and all.
be it the family or his friends or his students.

Let us in any way try to carry his memory forward.
Let any of those who cared and valued know that they can anytime contact me his
eldest brother Jose and are more that welcome to get in touch with me.

My contacts: dagamapais@gmail.com
my phones at present: +254 725981929 / +254 202107998
and all of you are welcome in Mombasa as long as I am here.

Jose Da Gama Pais
Mombasa, Kenya

Dr. Gonzaga da Gama Memorial Celebration @ SJSU

The Department of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Management and College of Applied Sciences & Arts at San Jose State University would like to invite you to a memorial celebration of Dr. Gonzaga da Gama’s life on Friday August 28th.

Date and Time: Friday, August 28 at 4pm

Location: SJSU campus, Engineering Building 189 (ENG 189)

Parking: Lot 4 on 10th and San Antonio

For additional information on the event and parking see www.sjsu.edu/hrtm/gonzaga_memorial

Remembering Gonzaga one month later

I can hardly believe it has been one month today since that fateful morning when I learned the tragic news of Gonzaga's passing. In some ways it seems like just yesterday when suddenly and by no choice of my own the course of my life would be forever changed. Life as I knew it would never be the same. No longer would I greet him returning home late at night, weary from his day, to a darkened apartment except for the light coming from my laptop screen as I work at the dining room table. Lights would stay low and voices hushed out of respect for his sleeping parakeets and my canary Elvis. "Hey Gonzster!" I would say. And he would muster a tired "Hello" in return. Then he would offload his heavy bookbag into his room and return to the kitchen to prepare the dinner he had invariably skipped due to meetings and classes earlier in the evening. At first glance his curt reply and tunnel vision path to the kitchen might be construed as an unwillingness to talk to anyone. But I had learned that Gonz always had energy to connect with his loved ones. After the rest of us would have long exhausted our store of words to share and spent our patience to listen, he could still come alive at the slightest opportunity for a meaningful, encouraging, challenging interaction. I had only to venture into the kitchen and extend myself to him and he would welcome the engagement, ask how my day and life were, celebrate my victories and admonish me when he perceived me deviating from the optimal course for my life and dreams. With gratitude I reflect on countless occasions when I tested this truth about him and benefited from his wise counsel and loving, supportive friendship. And I grieve the loss of the special gift he was to me, irreplaceable in his unique combination of insight, care, wit, and availability.

But sadly it also seems like so long ago since his passing. So many activities, events, family drama, and just the routines, work, and progress of daily life have eagerly replaced any time I would have spent hanging out with and talking with the Gonzster. I realize this is not all bad and it is one way that I heal from pain of deep loss and mourning. But I cannot deny that I am the man I am today due in no small part to the friendship I enjoyed with Gonz over the past 20 years and especially living as his housemate these past 7 years. His values, principles, wisdom, and personality had guided me during our times together and now have new life as part of me in his absence. When I volunteer my time to serve at foster kids' camp I carry Gonz' spirit to champion the marginalized and fringe members of society. I remember him in this activity and so his memory is not lost on me or the children. In fact his legacy is multiplied even unbeknownst in the lives of all the campers and camp staff. When I allow myself to notice a friend is in special need of a listening ear or encouraging word and I actually interrupt my schedule to sit and be, I inwardly call upon what I learned from Gonz who had so masterfully demonstrated this art to me. I come away feeling stronger and learning more about Gonz and why he did what he did to make a difference in other's lives.

Ultimately I understand that the power and attraction of Gonz' life and example are that in emulating them I find myself closer to the true heart of my God and Creator. Yes, that is the big secret Gonz carried so well. He was a man of deep faith in God and Jesus, but he was not one to hit anyone over the head with the Bible. You were just as likely to find him standing in the second row at church, arms raised and worshipping in song as you were to find him at Le Boulanger connecting with friends for hours, talking politics or even railing against those in the church who give Christ a bad rap. He demonstrated His faith precisely as Jesus did, by simply living out his personal life mission while extending grace, peace, joy, patience, and kindness to anyone fortunate enough to rub shoulders with him.

May all those whose lives were touched by Gonzaga not let any part of him be wasted in his passing. May we recognize the ways in which he does or ought to live on in us. May we give life to those ways that keep him dear in our hearts and bring us each closer to the heart of our Creator.

And may God's special comfort, strength and blessing be on Gonzi's dear mum, brothers, and family who helped produce such a magnificent person as we have all known. We grieve with you and share in your devastation and sorrow.

In loving memory and tribute to my beloved Gonzaga,

Paul
Sunnyvale, CA

Gonzaga Memorial Video Montage now posted

You may now find the memorial video montage posted online by clicking here or going to http://tinyurl.com/gonzagamontage.

This video debuted at the memorial service held for Gonzaga da Gama at Open Door Church in Mountain View, CA on July 18th, 2009. May the memory, legacy, and spirit of this great man live on in the hearts, minds,and lives of all those who were blessed enough to know him in the short time he walked this soil with us!

Our thoughts and prayers of comfort and strength are especially with Gonzi' mom, family, and friend who grieve his passing.

Special thanks to Suong Nguyen and Bing Gabis for assembling these photos that recall special memories with Gonzaga.

The soundtrack song is "Elijah" by Rich Mullins.

Gonzaga's reflections on his safari

I only knew Gonzaga a few years but he touched my heart like he did everybody he knew. He became a dear friend and I am overwhelmed with sadness at our loss.

He loved to travel and was always on the go. His trip to Africa must have been a very special treat for him. He left us happy and we will always be better for having known him.

I think you will all like to know in his own words about his last big experience on this earth. This is what he wrote about his Safari.

==============================================
I just returned from my safari.

Was a great experience.

Went to Tsavo National Park in Kenya.

Spent the night in a great lodge where elephants, buffaloes, zebras and
others were coming for water.
Saw many many elephants - males and females and babies.

Saw 3 lions.

That is a treat. One was walking right side by side our safari van. She did
not seem to be bothered. She just glanced at our car and continued
majestically for a bit and then decided that she was going to rest. Then she
just sat and dozed a few times, yawned and watched us.

The other two were a bit far away on top of a rock. A male and a female.
This was on our early morning drive. We left the lodge at 6:20 AM. One cool
thing is that all the safari drivers are in radio contact with each other.
That is how they let the others know if they see a big cat. Then all the
drivers charge to that place.

We saw gorgeous Masai giraffes, impalas, other members of the antelope
family, ostriches, etc.

I wish I could stay there for a few more days. The drive was interesting -
going through the dirt roads.

We had an interesting experience with an elephant and her baby. She was
right in the middle of the road and when our car approached the area, the
mother elephant refused to move and stood her ground. We waited for a while
and when we sort of advanced, she was not happy and showed a stance of
charging. We reversed quickly and left. The elephant let us know who was the
boss. In this case the wild animal won.
==============================================

His friend,
Nicholas Antoniou

Message for the memorial

Just thought of quoting a few words of what I think my brother Gonzi would want to say to all of us from up above.


"Sorry I had to leave right away
I look down and smile at you everyday.
If friends remember and come to say Hi,
Tell them I've departed, but please don't cry.
And to others I'd like to say
Don't mourn because I've passed away
I am walking streets of gold
And am lucky the blessed Lord to behold.
Remember to say a prayer for me
I'll treasure your love through eternity.
So carry on as you did before
Till all of us meet on Heaven's bright shore.
Remember I love you, Remember I care
I'll always be with you
Though you don't see me there."

Fr. Anand da gama pais,

Goa, India.

(This poem was read at the end of the memorial service on July 18, 2009)

Gonzaga Memorial Video

The sweetest reflection

Gonzaga truly was one of the sweetest reflections of the kindness and joy of the Lord that one seldom encounters. I didn't know Gonzaga well, but what I did know was enough to know his deep love for God and his friends. He never forgot the things we consider "tiny" - to speak congratulations or acknowledgment to others for things large and small. To take note of the things people don't often see or speak of, but that those who look with the heart see and understand. It is a rare gift and one reflective of a heart truly submitted and kind.

I am grieved for you Paul and Scottie and Gonzaga's family and how you are coping with this loss. Please know my heart and prayers are with you, and I hope you are finding the comfort of the many that love you and Gonzaga in the midst of this as something to keep you going.

Thank you Gonzaga for being a man of strength, integrity and great love. I hope you are laughing on streets of gold among many, many friends and lives you have touched.

E'en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief;

Death cannot long divide.

For is it not as though the rose that climbed my garden wall

Has blossomed on the other side?

Death does hide,

But not divide;

You are but on Christ's other side!

You are with Christ, and Christ with me;

In Christ united still are we.

Lara Long

San Francisco, CA