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that he has compiled of little known, down-to-earth facts about incidents that bring a
smile to the reader‟s lips and a tear to his eyes. His humour was affirming and supportive
and all types of people basked in it: Jesuits, workers, students, friends and strangers. As
one Jesuit put it “Right from the beginning one feels at home with Gus. The experience
with Gus is like a wearing an old pair of shoes in which you are absolutely comfy. Yet
another Jesuit had this to say, “ He was so charitable and protective of confidentiality.
Rather than take the limelight himself, he was a master at turning the spot light on others,
making them feel great”. Yet another Jesuit spoke of him as a “man with a soft responseso
sensitive to all he meets. He listens with all attention until he has a clear picture and
then he responds. He was the ideal community man whether at Loyola, De Nobili,
Lupungutu – one could always count on Gus to be there when needed and to inject his
quiet sense of humour in any gathering. Can any of us forget his mannerism of “throwing
up both his arms in the air” as a signal that he knows but he‟s not telling.
Whether as a teacher or as a pastor, a house minister or as a financial manager, his has
been an exemplary life marked by devotion to duty, spirit of service, radical apostolic
availability, methodical carrying out of responsibility and deep faith . His punctuality and
discipline were extraordinary. Even in his late seventies, Gus would attend office right on
time. He used to be in XLRI Accounts Office right on the dot 8.30 a.m. Similarly for
community exercises - Eucharist, Community Meetings, Community Get –Togethers, etc.
“Men of his qualities are rare. He has touched the lives of many, gently but effectively.
Not even Gus would know how much good he has done” so wrote Fr. John F. Guidera,
his former Provincial. What was said of Professor Gartier in St. Mary‟s, Kurseong, could
aptly be said of Gus: “He was a man of worth, mirth and girth”
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-Eric Cassel