On behalf of the Goan Overseas Association Community Members, congratulations Mr. Carlos D’Cruz on your 100th Birthday.  We would like to share your remarkable life with our Community.

Carlos (Charles) D'Cruz who hails from Aldona Goa, lived in Nairobi Kenya, and now in Toronto Canada, celebrated his 100th birthday on March 26th, 2009.
Mr. D’Cruz family planned a special Mass and luncheon reception at Payal Banquet Hall on Sunday March 29th in Mississauga to mark this truly special occasion attended by 110 family and friends. Father Ralph Besterwitch from Detroit was the celebrant. The Ave Maria was sung by professional singer Nihal whose rendition was inspiring and awesome.  All family members participated and contributed to this special Birthday event. A customized cake was made for the occasion.  

Neighbours and friends of Nairobi Goan housing Estate, out of town guests and care givers were present for this celebration. The raising of the toast and speech was done by Frank J Dias his senior son in law who tried to do justice to his achievements. The party was special for all the grand children who took part in singing their composed song, danced to their Papa's favorite tune Rivers of Babylon, presented a humorous skit and slide show of all the children to include baby pictures and treasured memories of 100 years gone by.

While in Kenya, Carlos contributed articles to the Goan Voice and was an active pioneer of the Nairobi Goan Gymkhana. A qualified Chartered Accountant and British expatriate officer, he was sent to Israel by the Kenyan Government to study the co-operative movement. He was then tasked with its implementation in Kenya, which he carried out until his retirement.

Carlos emigrated to Toronto with his younger six children in October 1970. He is the first proud Great Grand Papa of 17 grand children and 6 great grand children in Australia, England and Canada. Carlos is a G.O.A. Founder Member who actively helped his Goan community at large but most especially in his home parish St. Teresa, Eastleigh. He promoted cultural and fund raising events for the church and the school. He is deeply religious and inculcated these values in his 8 children.

He was an avid walker and loved to dance, but unfortunately Alzheimer's has gotten the better of him, and he is presently confined at home.
Carlo’s wife Zita and the D'Cruz family wishes to thank one and all for their kind wishes and prayers in gratitude to Almighty God for the many graces and blessings He has bestowed on Charles (Carlos).