Fred D’Silva, left, was born in Karachi, Pakistan, to parents whose roots were Goan. Originally educated at missionary schools, Fred graduated in civil engineering, University of Karachi, 1955. Immigrating to Canada, 1958, to further studies in civil engineering, University of Toronto, Fred decided to remain in Canada upon completion of his studies and pursue his own career in construction even though the D’Silvas in Pakistan ran one of the largest construction and development companies in that country. After a short tenure with several construction companies, in 1967 Fred started, in partnership with Bramalea Development, a company called Bradsil, a name coined from the first three letters of Bramalea and the first four letters of D’Silva. Under the direction of Fred, Bradsil grew to be one of the largest general contractors in Canada, at one time employing over 500 people. Now retired and attending to other business interests, Fred, who is married to Melba, another Goan from Karachi, is pleased that his three children have launched their own independent businesses; Wendy, developing pre-school facilities and sons, Oscar and Darryl, in partnership, pursuing careers in construction. Most importantly, all three are keeping alive the D’Silva legacy of hard work, perseverance, and achievement. [Photo, courtesy Fred D’Silva]

Monsignor Peter Fernandes, right, was born in Goa, a small Portuguese colony on the west coast of India south of Bombay. He was ordained a priest, 1947, majoring in both Theology and Philosophy. After serving as a priest in Goa for 10 years, he moved, 1957, to Mozambique and for another 10-year period served as missionary in the former Portuguese colony. After a year's stay, Rome, Italy, where he studied Canonical Rights, Father Fernandes migrated to Canada, 1967, settling in Winnipeg where he founded the Portuguese Catholic Parish (Sacré Coeur) and then the Parish of the Immaculate Conception which holds, today, some 1,000 parishioners. For 14 years father Fernandes served as member, Canadian Immigration Board for Refugees. Appointed Monsignor by Bishop Adam Axner, 1993, Monsignor Fernandes, a Goan Canadian, whose devotion to Winnipeg’s Portuguese community inspired many thousands over a 30 year career in Canada, retired, 1997. [Photo, courtesy Paulo Jorge de Melo Pimental Cabral]