A Tribute to a Fallen HERO (…of Mine)

“While we'd all prefer smooth sailing over stormy seas, you can't have a rainbow without a little bit of rain”

Not too long ago, I was the recipient of some heart-breaking news, of the demise of my High School coach, Mr. Walter Ferreira or as he was most loving called by almost everyone ‘Walter Sir’ A man who epitomized the best qualities of humanity in every facet of his life.

And while countless others and I work through the grief of this loss, as I pen these words, I am deliberately choosing to Celebrate all the memories I can, of this good man, than to dwell solely on his absence among us today.

Stealing a quote from Frank Ocean, “When you’re happy, you enjoy the music, but when you’re sad, you understand the lyrics” … and right now, even if only for a fleeting moment, I want to enjoy the music.

I was One of a Hundred students in the first batch to Pass out of Holy Cross Convent School (Mira Road) that had the honor and privilege of being under Walter Sirs’ tutelage in the athletics sphere of my schooling years. But his passion for his students often overflowed into academics and the personal spheres of life as well.

Under his guidance, both the school and the students experienced so many ‘Firsts’ as we grew together.

The first time we ever put up a High School Football Team, a Cricket Team, a Kabaddi Team (classic Indian Sport that is now growing in traction across the world), the first time we ever represented the school in City level competitions, District Level competitions… this list could go on for quite a while.

But the beauty of all these experiences, for me personally, was our coach. Nurturing our spirit, guiding us through our failures, celebrating our successes, disciplining the wayward among us just so that we could develop the core values that make us better human beings. We were encouraged, from a very young and impressionable age, to carve our own path; as there wasn't already a beaten path for us to trod on. It is so easy to overlook the importance the role of a good Teacher (and Mentor) can play in a persons life, especially in today’s day and age, where Humanity should be our First and Foremost thought and not an Afterthought.

This is something our coach personified with every fiber of his being, and I know for a fact, there are thousands of students (ex and current) who will wholeheartedly agree to this.

“Humility learns even from success; pride, not even from failure” and I have never met a man, more humble and down to earth than our dear Walter Sir.

While every Teacher gets to know their students, Coach made the extra effort to really get to know his students. He never once hesitated to help a student in a time of need, whether in Athletics, Academics or on the rare occasion it was warranted, in their personal lives as well.

A very dear friend and batchmate Vineet Pulikottil recently, in an Ode to coach, penned about the sobering honor he experienced as he watched Coaches bank balance drop to almost nil on more than one occasion as he attempted to help a student in need… and that line right there, so aptly describes the individual I wish to celebrate. He gave so selflessly, and never expected (let alone ask) for anything in return. To quote a line from the Ode penned, “They’re just kids; they don’t know any better.” He never judged, never held a grudge, and always gave us the benefit of the doubt.”

I had the privilege of being the very First Head-Boy at our school (yet another first) and the encouragement, support and guidance from all my teachers and Principal was immense as we established new traditions for the school and our Coach was an integral part of that counsel. Everything from the setting up the Marching Band with equipment and training, the Practice Parade runs, the sports day ceremonies to something as small as us wearing the badges and sashes correctly. I hold each and every one of my High School Teachers very close to my heart. Apart from the Impeccable standards they upheld to the priceless molding they provided each of their students.. I often wish today's generation could have such privilege.

As I look back today, at the humble beginnings we came from, I now realize just how integral a role our Coach played in our lives and made it appear so seamlessly easy to do. He has nurtured so many of our firsts and brought the school (and its students) so far that I can barely recognize the place.

I know with absolute clarity in my mind that this man has not only touched and improved the lives of more than the 3000+ students he has crossed paths with over the years but countless parents and families as well along the way. The elegant simplicity with which he lived his life, is something to aspire to, for us all.

I could write a book and still have stories that remain untold. So rich was our experience growing up in his aura. Undeniably, everyone of my batch mates would have so much more to reminisce about as well.

“What is hardest to accept about the passage of time, is that the people who once mattered the most to us, wind up in parentheses.” — John Irving

Our dear Walter Sir leaves behind a Wife, a Son and a Daughter, and for those of you who have the privilege to get to know (or already do know), I am sure, will see the strongest of impressions Coach has left behind.

A few of us from this first batch of ’99 have decided to give something back, to express our gratitude to a Man who walked among us, silently improving the lives he touched directly and indirectly.

If any of you wish to join us, you are more than welcome to do so with no obligation whatsoever to do so.

But at the very least, spread the word, share your stories and help us immortalize this POWERFUL individual and most beautiful soul.

https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-nuesha-ferreira

(Proceeds go directly to the Wife and Children)

Should you have any queries or questions, please feel free to DM me here.

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.

Rest Easy, Coach, We will ensure your Legacy Lives on..!!