Hong Kong Stories – World War II as a “Defining Moment”

Hong Kong Stories – World War II as a “Defining Moment”
Roy Eric Xavier
One story is about a fifteen year old “sapper” who volunteered for the
army by claiming he was seventeen. Another is about a boy of ten who
experienced the terror of war through the anguished cries of another.
Another young girl, age eleven, traveled across Kowloon with her mother
and four siblings dodging looters and bandits. Yet another boy of twelve
convinced his father that war was coming after seeing an enemy flag
above the Peninsula Hotel. And a woman and her three small children
escaped from angry mobs before finding sanctuary on the second floor of
an abandoned building. Each of these stories form part of a finely woven
tapestry, revealing a portrait of the war as it unfolded.
The Japanese attack
The invasion of Hong Kong by the Japanese Empire on December 8, 1941, and the beginning of World War II
in China, is considered a “defining moment” in the history of the Portuguese community. These events had
profound and lasting effects, not the least of which was the disruption of familial, religious, and commercial ties
that held the community together for a century under British rule. But the war was not an isolated incident. It
was the result of larger processes involving rival nations, colonial ambitions, and global finance.
In some respects, the roots of the war in Hong Kong can be traced to the decline of the Qing dynasty from 1662
to 1911. During this period, the China Trade opened, English domestic wealth grew, and then became
dependent on Asia. By the early 20th century this dependency led to a decline in British influence in East Asia,
the rise of Japanese industrialization and military power, wars with Russia and China, and eventually to the
occupation of Manchuria in 1931.
Placing eyewitness accounts of the Japanese invasion within this context allows us to better understand the
personal stories of Portuguese in Hong Kong on that fateful day, and the forces that drove them to emigrate in
the years after.
The War Comes to Hong Kong
By 1935 Hong Kong was considered by Britain to be little more than a colonial outpost. As tensions with Japan
grew, Winston Churchill characterized the defense of the colony as “… frittering away
our resources on untenable positions” in light of the threat at home from Nazi Germany.
The options were limited: build up the local forces, further stretching British defenses at
home, or mount a holding action without a build-up in the hope that reinforcements
would come from Singapore or Manila. The adoption of the latter meant that Hong
Kong’s defenses would be outdated and its military garrisons undermanned. Meanwhile,
conflicts between the Hong Kong Government and non-Europeans over an evacuation
plan further eroded confidence.
Hong Kong remained a symbolic and material obstacle to Japan as it continued its war with
China through 1937. To win over hearts and minds, Japanese propaganda highlighted
English racial arrogance and victory over colonial imperialism, as it tried to ignore atrocities
committed by Japanese troops on the mainland. As time went on, Hong Kong became a
major supplier of Chinese munitions, fuel, and spare parts, and a suspected haven for
Nationalist sympathizers. Those developments, and the possibility of a strategic blow
against an Allied power, made the British colony a likely target in late 1941.
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Portuguese Volunteers
When the invasion began on December 8th, people on the ground experienced
the war in different ways. Among those in the first line of defense in Kowloon
were Portuguese members of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. They
numbered about 240 men scattered in infantry companies, artillery batteries,
and support units. These troops were part of a British force of 14,000 soldiers,
including 2,000 newly arrived from Canada. According to reports, in the weeks
before the attack many were positioned in the New Territories along the “Gin
Drinkers Line”, a defensive placement of pillboxes and bunkers that stretched
across the Kowloon peninsula.
HKVDC Outpost
Most of the Portuguese in the HKVDC served only on weekends, and
virtually none had seen combat. The contingent was joined by Scottish,
Chinese, and Eurasian troops organized along racial lines. Many had
volunteered out of loyalty to the British government, not expecting to face
52,000 battle tested Japanese troops who fought in China over the last
decade. One observer characterized the Macanese militia in this way:
Portuguese Boys in Training
Many joined more for the camaraderie of their friends, not even dreaming that one day they would be called
upon to use their training to fight in an actual war defending our homeland.
Lacking equipment and training, novelist Brian Castro describes how one Portuguese company coped during the
first attacks.
No. 6 Company AALA, … had old Lee Enfields, Smith & Wessons revolvers and one Lewis gun, which had to
be held on the shoulder of the firer and steadied by (another), whose left hand beneath the drum was burned
raw and black at the edges…They fought and withdrew, fought and withdrew and … the Japanese broke
through the Gin Drinkers Line, that phony line of pillboxes built to defend the north which the troops all
knew was useless without reinforcement but. was a great place to have a tipple,…
Officially the Portuguese defenders varied in age from 17 to 45, taking leaves from jobs as teachers, clerks and
bookkeepers. The youngest among them was, in reality, a 15 year old student named Eddie Hyndman.
Hyndman was the only son of Eduardo and Laura Hyndman, whose families were from Macau. He was not
among those in Kowloon at the time of the invasion, but enlisted following the first attack after telling recruiters
he was seventeen. Alarmed by her son’s plans, his mother asked a relative who was married to Lt. George
Palmer to transfer her son to his Engineer’s Unit to keep him safe. An account of Hyndman’s service follows:
On the 20th (of) December, George, his Chinese driver, in the front seats, and Eddie, safely in the back seat
of their staff car, made their way under fire from Japanese planes to the Peak. When they arrived at
Magazine Gap Road they received heavy strafing from one of the planes, followed by a bomb which hit the
back of the staff car. George and the driver were blown free…and landed on the road, unhurt. .. but poor
Eddie … received severe injuries and was rushed to the War Memorial Hospital…
Eduardo Filomeno Hyndman died of his injuries eleven days later. At fifteen, he was the youngest soldier killed
in action.
Chaos in Kowloon
Civilians caught on the peninsula during the first days bore the full force of the
invasion. On Monday morning December 8th, ten year old Basil Xavier dressed and
prepared to leave for La Salle College with his younger brother Gene and cousins,
Daniel and Tony. The school was three miles from Basil and Gene’s home in
Homantin. As they were leaving, their father Jose listened to radio reports on KZPI,
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Hong Kong Stories
the voice of the Philippines, that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. He cautioned the boys that if there was
trouble to go to an uncle’s home in Kowloon Tong, which was closer to their school. The boys considered the
request to be odd given the attack was more than 4,000 miles away, but relied on their father’s assurances that
they would be safe.
On the way to school, the boys walked a few paces behind a Russian woman they knew who had fled the
Bolshevik revolution. Suddenly, fighter planes appeared in the sky to
their right. Basil’s memories of those moments are poignant:
Look! Spitfires! someone said. But they were not British Spitfires.
They were Japanese Zeroes. And soon the sound of bombs
bursting in the distance greeted our ears. We were not really
aware of what was happening. But the White Russian lady in front
of us cried out in terror, and the despair and fear in her voice
galvanized us into action. The memory of that cry forever haunts
me. Instinctively, I knew that it was the anguish of horror
remembered. We turned and ran. Ran for all our worth towards
home. My rattan school bag was heavy with my books, but we ran
as fast as we could, and did not stop …
When Basil and Gene arrived, their father decided it was no longer safe to remain in their home. Stripping beds
of their sheets, the family filled them with clothes and other valuables, including a statue of Our Lady, tied the
bundles together and gathered them on the floor. Then Basil’s family of six walked a few doors down the street
to his uncle Pedro Marques’ home, collected his family of four, and all of them made their way to the
Portuguese consulate nearby.
They soon learned that the consulate’s estate was overflowing with refugees. Some of the families, including
Basil’s and his relatives, were housed in the adjoining home of a Frenchman. The older boys were organized to
protect the consulate and the surrounding houses from roving Chinese gangs. Setting up a defensive perimeter,
they patrolled the grounds while Japanese regulars fought the remnants of British troops falling back into
defensive positions toward the harbor.
`
In the midst of the chaos, Jose Xavier, as the “Air Raid Chief Warden” at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank,
felt obligated to report for duty on Hong Kong Island. Japanese troops were still mopping up in Kowloon and
bombarding Hong Kong in anticipation of the final assault that would begin on December 18th. Despite
pleadings from Pedro Marques and his own family, Jose left with other bank employees on the last ferry across
the harbor as bombs began falling on Hong Kong’s Northeastern shore.
Meanwhile, Basil’s family and relatives endured scant meals of rice and celery, and learned to live under the
Japanese occupation. The two families shared a single room. Five children slept cross-wise on a king-size bed.
An older girl was given a cot, while the adults slept on mattresses laid on the floor. Sandbags outside the
building protected them from stray bombs.
One night, Basil heard “loud guttural noises” in the room. Turning on the light, the adults found that Pedro had
suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep. The next morning Basil remembers some men gathering wooden
planks to build a makeshift coffin for his uncle, and burying him on a nearby hill.
A few days later, Basil recalled playing outside with his brother and seeing a man walking slowly up the street
toward them. In the hazy sunlight he recognized the lone figure. Jose Xavier had somehow returned to Kowloon
for his family. Basil’s memories suggest the closeness of familial ties:
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He grabbed me tightly in his arms, and kissed me. I noticed … he had
tears in his eyes. Soon my brother followed me, and we joyously led my
father to the flat where the rest of the family was staying. We told him
about Uncle Marques. He was stunned at the news, and comforted my
aunt. Embracing both my mother and my aunt, he said (softly), “Now I
have two families.”
Meanwhile, On the Island
Reggie Pires remembers that the first hint of war was a terse announcement by the brother
who taught his class at St. Joseph’s College near downtown Hong Kong. The teacher read
aloud that the older boys were to report for maneuvers in Kowloon. Reggie thought this was
strange, since like him most of the students in the class were twelve years old. Perhaps this
was a precaution, or a warning. In any case, it was unnecessary, the boy reasoned. His father
Humberto had assured him, based on Churchill’s addresses over the radio, that war was
unlikely.
On Monday morning December 8th, Reggie and his friend, Terrence Pomeroy, attended
Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, then
proceeded to school late, knowing that they would be excused by the Christian Brothers. Waiting at the tram
stop, the boys heard the familiar whistle, then saw the tram come to a halt several blocks away and passengers
disembarking. Just then, Tommy Castillo, a seventeen year old neighbor, stuck his head out a window and said:
“Go on home. There’s no school today. We’re at war with Japan.” Tommy wore the uniform of the HKVDC
and had just returned from a week of duty in the New Territories along the “Gin Drinkers Line”. He was visiting
the home of his girl friend, Rosy Murphy, who lived just above the
tram stop.
Arriving home, Reggie witnessed the bombing of Kai Tak Airport
from his family’s apartment above the Happy Valley Race Course, and
saw the first British anti-aircraft shells falling short of their targets. He
could see the planes close enough to recognize the rising sun on the
wings, and feel the concussion of the bombs as they fell to earth
destroying buildings and neighborhoods he knew well. Listening to
KZPI, Reggie and his father heard the first reports that the invasion
had begun in the New Territories and was moving toward Kowloon.
Realizing that war was imminent, Humberto sent his servants out
to buy food and provisions for the family. They returned with dry
goods and a case of Argentine corned beef. Still believing the
conflict would be short lived, the father shaved and went to work
at Cable and Wireless Ltd. Humberto soon learned that the tram
service was permanently suspended, and was forced to walk. But
he returned a few hours later with his boss and assistant in tow.
Both lived in Kowloon Tong and were cut off from their families.
The men were given rooms and food by the Pires family and
waited for the invasion to come.
The View from Happy Valley to Kowloon
From his balcony, Reggie could see troop movements on the Kowloon peninsula and the exchange of artillery
between the British and Japanese armies. One day he saw a sobering sight. In the distance, atop the Peninsula
Hotel, he noticed a large flag with a red ball. Immediately he knew the significance. Calling his father, Reggie
pointed toward the harbor and told him what he saw. In disbelief, Humberto used a pair of binoculars to confirm
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that the Japanese army was in control of Kowloon. They knew it was now only a matter of days before the final
assault on Hong Kong would begin.
The assault came quickly. The Pires’ learned from news
reports that the Gin Drinker’s Line was breached on
December 10th, two days after the invasion began. The
British army’s evacuation from Kowloon to Hong Kong
began the next day under heavy aerial and artillery
bombardment. Reggie recalls reading that ferries containing
civilians were fired upon by Japanese troops as the ships
crossed the one mile distance across the harbor. One of
Humberto’s fellow workers at Cable and Wireless, Vicente
deSouza, who was on the last ferry to leave, witnessed
machine gun fire from Chinese collaborators who had picked
up weapons left by retreating British soldiers. A woman
standing next to him on the ship was shot and died before
reaching the island.
Japanese Army entering Hong Kong
The Pires family and others weathered the final push to take Hong Kong. They pooled all the food and
provisions they could gather, stored them on the upper floors of their building, and slept in the stairwells for
protection during the bombardments. When the power was cut off after the Japanese captured the electrical
station at North Point, frozen food thawed so quickly that it had to be eaten in a few large meals.
When the surrender finally came on Christmas Day 1941, everyone living in the apartment building was given
24 hours to leave. The Japanese designated the structure as a command headquarters. Nearby, Happy Valley
Race Course was used as a staging ground for trucks and machinery. More troops were bivouacked in other
buildings around the island.
Since the Portuguese government had declared neutrality, it was granted time to move refugees to Macau. Like
others, the Pires group wrapped clothes, food, and valuables in bed sheets and walked downtown toward the
Club Lusitano where the Portuguese consulate had set up a temporary shelter. On the way, an employee of the
Belgium Bank offered the group a large office to stay in before the ships arrived. Overcrowding at the Lusitano
made this an appealing proposal, since the first ships would not depart for several weeks. Reggie’s family of
four and eight other refugees lived in the office until leaving for Macau on February 18, 1942.
The Aftermath: Evacuation and Lessons Learned
Those who were fortunate to survive in Hong Kong lived in limbo before
making their way to the relative safety of Macau, following their friends
and relatives who had left from Kowloon. Most Portuguese waited for
ships (similar to the one on the right) that were secured by the Macau
government. Many landed in their ancestral homeland where they were
greeted by relatives some had not seen in years. Up to 30,000 Macanese
refugees were assigned to centers set up in clubs, hotels, schools, and
military depots. Some were housed on ships moored in the harbor. Others
lived with grandparents, elderly aunts, and other relatives who generously opened their doors and their hearts to
those displaced by the war.
Many refugees realized that the world they knew had changed forever. Some had seen signs before the war that
Macanese confidence in the British government was eroding. In this new environment, they learned to adapt as
their ancestors had done before in Goa, Macau, Canton, and Shanghai. But the Macanese also learned some
important lessons.
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As the war progressed, they understood that old world prejudices and expectations of privilege were gradually
being replaced by a new order based on equality and freedom. And like their ancestors, they recognized that
with freedom came change and opportunities that did not exist before. This was the hope that an Allied victory
represented, and the example that western democracy provided to Macanese refugees as they pondered their
future.
Other information about the Portuguese-Macanese community can be found at: www.MacStudies.net.
You can also send comments, contribute your stories, or contact me at: rdinvst@yahoo.com.
Carlos Augusto Montalto de Jesus
A Man before his time
By Daniel Gomes
Carlos Augusto Montalto de Jesus was born in Hong Kong in 1863. The Montalto family, who lived in Macao,
Shanghai and Hong Kong were forward thinkers in a region where opportunities were very limited. Carlos
Augusto was fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French and English and had no trouble finding a job with a leading
British company in Hong Kong. His immediate supervisor was a young auburn-haired Scot with pale blue eyes
and a ruddy complexion. An altercation of some kind occurred one day between them, and it went further than
Montalto could stand. He picked up an inkwell and emptied it over the auburn hair, calmly walked out of the
office and was never seen there again.
For Carlos Augusto, it was the end of an ordinary existence. He had rendered himself unemployable by the large
commercial establishments in Hong Kong. From then on, he worked as a business translator for various
companies and consulates. He traveled from country to country and in 1896 became a member of the
Geographical Society of Lisbon, one of the great learned societies of Europe.
At the Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa, he prepared many lecture papers which he
delivered before that august body. His first paper, Centenary of India. Early Portuguese
Intercourse with China, was published in English in the Boletim in 1897, on the
recommendation of Lourenco Maria Pereira Marques, a Macanese doctor and philanthropist
from Hong Kong, and son of Comendador Lourenco Caetano Cortela Marques. Comendador
Lourenco Marques was an expert on Macao’s history and politics, having been a member of
the governing council and former President of the Leal Senado in Macao. Montalto’s
acquaintance with the Lourenco Marques family gave him great insight into the history and
politics of Macao as he sat down to write “Historic Macau”, which was published in 1902.
Montalto de Jesus
Why did Montalto de Jesus write “Historic Macau”? In 1836 when Ljungstedt published his book, “An
Historical Sketch of the Portuguese Settlements in China” he argued that the Portuguese had no rights
whatsoever in Macao, however no one paid any attention until 1842 when the British obtained sovereign rights
over Hong Kong. It was suddenly realized in Macao that the British held Hong Kong by right, whereas the
Portuguese were in Macao on sufferance. At that time there were two prevailing versions of the origin and
sovereignty of Macao:
(1) Portuguese version: Towards the middle of the sixteenth century, China’s anti-foreign policy so
infuriated the Japanese that they collaborated with local pirates and wrecked havoc along the coastal cities
from Che-kiang to Kwantung. Chinese Imperial forces were dispatched but were unable to rid the area of
these pirates. According to the records of Macao, the Portuguese attacked and destroyed a great number of
pirates off the coast of Macao and the Emperor in gratitude sent the Portuguese commander “a chapa de
ouro”, a colloquial term used in Macao for an official Chinese document. At the same time the mandarins
and merchants of Canton obtained Imperial sanction for the Portuguese to establish themselves at Macao.
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(2) Chinese Version: According to the “Ming Shi”, the Portuguese availed themselves of China’s
preoccupation with the pirates to take possession of Macao. In 1534 the Portuguese and various oriental
traders secured a footing and set up a state of their own in Macao. The “Ao-men Ki-lioh, or History of
Macao”, alleges that the Portuguese first reached Macao in 1550 when trade had been centered there. In
order to get special facilities for themselves, the Portuguese bribed the Macao authorities with a rental of
500 taels a year. As the Chinese were fully employed in repelling the Japanese pirates, it was thought
better not to drive the Portuguese from Macao and keep them in good terms
Ljungstedt argued that the Chinese version was far more believable and Portuguese merchants who needed
temporary shelter to dry sea-damaged goods asked and received permission to land and build huts at Macao. He
argued that such an important document ceding Macao to the Portuguese would definitely be chronicled in the
official archives in Peking and most certainly recorded by the Jesuits who arrived in Macao in 1562, however no
such record was noted. Moreover, in 1593, the Senate of Macao assured King Philip I that they were able to retain
the good graces of China by developing good working relations with the mandarins. During this period, Portugal
tried to improve diplomatic relations with China in order to obtain from the sovereign of China, special
privileges, for the Portuguese in Macao - however no benefit was conferred and the long and costly voyages
resulted in merely mutual exchange of presents and gifts.
Montalto argued that the loss of those documents were immaterial as the official version emanating from the
Colonial Office in Lisbon was that Portuguese sovereignty over Macao was not based upon any grace or
concessions on the part of the Emperor of China but founded on the right of conquest, acquired by the arms of
Portugal and at the cost of Portuguese blood.
This led to Portugal’s struggle, lasting more then forty years, to obtain a treaty with China acknowledging
Portugal’s sovereignty. This treaty was ratified in 1888, and Montalto’s book appeared 14 years later, showing
that the Portuguese had been invited by the Chinese to settle in Macao and that in the early days there was no
ground rent. To the people of Macao he had vindicated Portugal’s position in China and Carlos Augusto
Montalto de Jesus was considered a hero.
In 1992, Fr. Manuel Teixeira, wrote a “Forward” when Ljungstedt’s “Sketch of the Portuguese Settlements in
China” was republished. He wrote, “sixty years ago, when I started my research into the History of Macao, I was
prejudiced against Ljungstedt by Montalto de Jesus and Jack Braga. I have finally come to the realization that
this book was based on historical documents and that these documents had disappeared long ago. The documents
used by Ljungstedt had been collected by Dom Joaquim de Sousa Saraviva who was sent to China as bishop of
Beijing.
Bishop Saraiva arrived in Macao in 1804 but could not proceed to Beijing because of the persecution against the
Church in China. He remained in Macao all his live as a professor in St. Joseph’s Seminary and collected many
documents from the Macao Archives in order to write the history of Macau. He turned all his documents over to
Ljungstedt to write the history of Macao.
Whether or not Ljungstedt or Montalto’s version of events were correct, Montalto’s book “Historic Macau” was
well received by the people of Macau and the Senate of Macau publicly expressed their appreciation of his work
and recommended that he be given a royal honor.
After the publication of his book, Montalto de Jesus travelled throughout the world publishing many articles in
Lisbon, on Portugal’s maritime quest, for the Geografia Sociadadi de Lisboa and wrote two books in Shanghai,
The Rise of Shanghai (1906) and “Historic Shanghai”, published in 1909 by the Shanghai Mercury. He loved
Shanghai and spent a great deal of his time there with his family, regaling them with exotic stories of his travels.
In the June 2002 issue of the publication “Macau”, Alfredo Dias wrote a very interesting article on “Montalto de
Jesus: Macau’s Place in the World”. Dias wrote - to understand Montalto and why he added the three
controversial chapters at the end of the Second Edition of his book, one must consider the Historical era in
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Montalto de Jesus
which he lived – the birth of the Republic of Portugal under Salazar, the birth of the Republic of China after the
monarchy, and the birth of the League of Nations after World War I.. These were monumental events that shaped
Montalto’s thinking when he began working on his Second Edition of “Historic Macau”.
A paper he wrote for the Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa, O Oriente Modernizado, published in 1912 gives us
a glimpse into his critical thinking. In O Oriente Modernizado, Montalto de Jesus begins by examining the place
occupied by Portugal and Europe in the world and the shift in power from the Iberian peninsula to the northern
countries in Europe - Holland, France and Britain. He laments the end of the splendors of the Iberian discoveries
of the 15th and 16th Century and the rise of raw economic domination of Asia by the Northern European countries
which he calls “nortamos”. He stressed the important role opium played in the consolidation of British
domination over China and predicted that European colonialism will come to an end, as all peoples have a right
to self-determination. He was especially concerned with the plight of Macau and the Macanese (a product of
Portugal’s strategy of interracial marriages with local inhabitants as a means of holding on to her colonial
territories).
At the turn of the 20th Century, most of the China trade had moved to Hong Kong and Macau was mired in
economic malaise. There was very little industry left in Macau, so between 1922 and 1926 the Government of
Macau undertook a Public Works project to dredge the Outer Harbor (Porto Exterior) in an attempt to provide
Macau with a deep harbor port, and reclaim a large tract of land for commercial development. World events in
Portugal and China, at that time, conspired to doom the Public Works project in Macau to failure.
In the Second Edition of Historic Macau, he criticized the bureaucratic bumbling of the Public Works Project and
the government’s failure to jump start the economy, and proposed the administration of Macao be turned over to
an international governing body, such as the League of Nations, to ensure that Macao will be developed for the
benefit of its residents and not the bureaucrats in Lisbon. This created an uproar in Macao and the Government
banned the Second edition and confiscated all copies of the book in Macau.
Montalto’s intentions were honorable. Since the Portuguese had recently overthrown the monarchy, he surmised
that the new Republic under Salazar, would be more sensitive to the aspirations of people in its overseas
possessions, for greater freedom and control over their own destiny. He also had great hopes for the new world
order which arose from the ashes of World War I. Unfortunately, the government of Macao, did not see things his
way and resorted to censorship when faced with ideas which threatened their authority.
The Patria (Portuguese newspaper in Macau) wrote that neither on moral nor civic ground could the work be
rightly held as indictable and that it told but the plain truth in criticizing bureaucratic bungling, just as others had
done. “Because of the critical and ominous situation in Macao, the author inferred that sooner or later the drifting
colony might come to grief, and there he suggested it being placed under international auspices as the best
safeguard – a mere suggestion after all”. (Patria 18th January 1926).
Efforts were made, in vain, to suppress the work in Hong Kong too, despite public indignation against Macao’s
outrageous proceedings. In an editorial on freedom of speech, the South China Morning Post (18th June 1926)
pointed out that by a similar hounding, Rizal’s work had finally broken Spanish power in the Far East and such a
lesson should not be lost on the government of Macao.
To the Lisbon government the author sent a protest with a copy of the work, insisting on redress but all in vain. A
year later, in destitute and failing health, he urged his own trial, as a last resort to clear his name and recover his
confiscated property. After an exhaustive inquiry, the case was brought before the police court in Macao in April
1928 for abuse of the press law. Judgment was rendered against him and a fine of 180 escudos or 40 days’
imprisonment was levied. The current exchange rate at time of judgment amounted to 20,000 pataca but the
judgment required the fine to be imposed using the old official exchange rate which amounted to 400,000 pataca.
He immediately appealed the decision.
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Pending the court of appeal’s decision, an amnesty was promulgated in Lisbon for all outstanding press-law
cases. This amnesty was applied to Macao eight months later and Montalto de Jesus was granted amnesty,
however, he was denied restitution for the confiscation of his property. Since the government would not return his
confiscated property, he recommended that the confiscated copies of his book be burnt instead of being left to rot
away, so 500 copies of the Second Edition of “Historic Macau” were tossed into a pile and set on fire in
Macau.
Editor’s Note:
“Historic Macau” chronicled the lives and times of our forefathers in Macau. It has now been digitized by
Google and you can download a copy to your computer for your personal use. Jim Silva has donated a copy of
“Historic Macau” to UMA, Inc and the Editor of the UMA Bulletin has donated a copy of “Sketch of the
Portuguese Settlements in China” . These books are now available to the Macanese Community for research in
the Macau Cultural Center in Fremont, California. Anyone interested in reading either of these books can
contact the Editor of this Bulletin and arrangements will be made.
Gregory David Vas Carini
Gregory David Vas Carini, son of the late Vickiann Vas Carini, and grandson of Barbara and Bernie Vas,
graduated “Magna Cum Laude” in June 2010, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of
Mechanical Engineering at the University of California in Los Angeles.
Greg is a proud product of the Catholic school system, having graduated as the class valedictorian from
St. Charles Borromeo Grammar School in San Carlos and from Bellarmine College Preparatory High
School, a Jesuit institution in San Jose, where he earned several awards including a scholarship to attend
Santa Clara University. He is currently in the Masters Program at UCLA’s School of Mechanical
Engineering where he was awarded a Fellowship to perform research in his field.
Acknowledgements
The family of Teresa da Luz (Twitch) wishes to thank those who came to the house to visit her, for the
prayer cards and get well wishes. We also wish to express our thanks to those who attended the
Memorial Mass at “St. Anne’s Church, Walnut Creek, and for the many cards we have received. She
well be greatly missed, but will remain ever present in our hearts and minds.
Sally Carchidi and family would like to thank everyone who attended the Memorial Mass for Joe. We
also thank all of our relatives and friends in UMA for your love, caring support, prayers, Mass cards,
visits, phone calls, flowers and condolences. We are sincerely grateful to everyone for your kindness.
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CARCHIDI, Joseph Marion passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 7, 2011. Joe
will be dearly missed by his wife Sally (da Silva), daughter Kathy (sons Evan, Eric and Alec), daughter Laurie
(husband Dave and children Joseph and Stefanie), and daughter Debbie (husband Chris). A Memorial Mass in
celebration of Joe's Life was held on Oct. 24, 2011 at St. Philip Benzie Church, Fullerton. It was a beautiful
service, with each grandchild participating in the Prayer of the Faithful. The music director sang a very touching
song "A Tribute to Peep" with lyrics written by granddaughter Stefanie (age 11). The large attendance in Church
was a tribute that Joe was loved by so many people. Joe was a Korean War Veteran and he was laid to rest, with
military honors, on Nov. 1 in Fullerton. It was a beautiful service, touching all of our hearts. We will forever
miss him and are grateful for having had Joe in our lives. May he rest in peace.
CASTRO, Mildred Mary (Millie) nee OZORIO. Fondly referred to as "Mouse" by family and close friends,
Millie passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 26 in Toronto, of cancer. She was 82. Born in
Hong Kong, Millie moved with her family to Toronto in 1969 and took up being Canadian with enthusiasm,
curiosity and a spirit of adventure. She eagerly participated in winter activities such as cross country skiing,
camping and hiking and made many friends from the numerous Committees she was involved in. She was a
devoted hockey mom and involved grandmother and is survived by 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Her proudest
achievement was realizing her life long dream of higher education and at age 68 graduated with a Bachelor of
Arts degree from the University of Toronto. Up until her illness she was active in Hart House and took various
continuing adult education courses. She had a love of learning and was always enrolled in courses. She took them
all up with equal enthusiasm whether it be a music appreciation course, an Ikebana flower arranging course or
line dancing. Millie was fond of cooking and traveling and made regular trips around the globe. She walked the
Great Wall, was a pilgrim on Compostable de Santiago, visited Paris, Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, Burma,
Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and flew regularly around North America visiting family and friends.
She remained active and interested in her activities and the people she was close to.
Millie touched many who crossed her path and heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who extended the hand of
friendship and kinship to her during the course of her life. Particular thanks go out to her medical team, friends
and family too numerous to list here as well as the wonderful support workers who helped make life easier.
CRUZ, Beatriz (Betty) Maria Vieira Ribeiro, born in Hongkong; passed away peacefully on 3rd November
2011 at John Paul Village, Heathcoat NSW Australia. Daughter of Jose Augusto da Costa Senna Fernandez
Vieira Ribeiro & Sarah da Luz Vieira Ribeiro, loving sister to Carolina, Arthur, Gustavo, Hector, Marcus,
Ricardo, Luis, Armando and Evelyn (departed) and only surviving sibling, Reynaldo from Vancouver, Canada.
Betty joins her husband Luis (Ito who passed away in 1994). She leaves behind her two daughters and their
spouses; Patricia & Antonio dos Santos; Yvonne & Manuel Herero; grandchildren; Antoinette & Michael;
Antonio Jar & Caroline; Mark & Nicole; Simone & Cesar; great grandsons, Liam, Damon, Declan, Zachary &
Harlan. A matriarch of the Cruz family for four generations, her presence will continue on in spirit. Dearly missed
also by her in-laws including many nieces and nephews. May her gentle soul rest in peace in God’s care.
D’AQUINO, Socorro (nee Sequeira) , passed away peacefully in New York City on Saturday, October 22, 2011
surrounded by her family. Socorro (Sockeye) was the widow of Francisco (Chico) d’Aquino, mother of Bernice
Tiscione (late husband, Peter Tiscione) & Leticia Morris (husband, Jules Morris), grandmother of Amanda
Tiscione and sister of Vincent Sequeira, Alice Noronha, Lydia Remedios and Elvy Marques.
DA LUZ, Louis Anthony, 1964-2011, who passed away on May 16, 2011. He is survived by his wife Serene
and two children Jaida and Ricky. We would like to thank everyone for all their prayers and to continue to keep
us in your thoughts. “Don’t think of him as gone away – his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets – this
earth is one. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…for nothing loved is ever lost – and he was
loved so much.” - quote from E. Brenneman
Obituary
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
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DA LUZ, Teresa M. Yvanovich (Titch) passed away after a brief illness on October 20th.Her husband Flavia da
Luz pre-deceased her 14 years ago. Titch is survived by her son, Carlos and his wife, Karen, their sons, Colin and
Cody and her sister, Laura Alves (Lo).
DA SILVA, Edna Campos, longtime widow of Roque da Silva (died May 1988) passed away at age 94 on 6
October 2011 unexpectedly but peacefully at her home in Belmont, California. The previous day she had her
regular Wednesday restaurant luncheon with her two sons. That same evening she retired early to bed without any
difficulty. She died in her sleep. Her two sons are Danny and Ronnie (wife Paula, daughter Elaine, son Jeffrey).
She is the daughter of Henrique and Edalina Campos. Her brothers and sisters are Stella (Arthur Ribeiro,
daughter Sheila), Melvina (Billy Soares), Avito (Teresa Baptista), Leo (Socorro Alves), Rene (Lita Ozorio),
Teresa, and Harry who served with the Hong Kong Volunteers and who died during The War. Edna was a
devoted contributing parishioner at St. Mark Church in Belmont. She was also active with socials at Belmont
Senior Center. Earlier, post-WWII she met Roque when he played hockey for Club de Recreio and she was an
active badminton player at adjacent Little Flower Club in Kowloon. They were married at Rosary Church in
November 1949. The family emigrated to San Francisco in early 1953. As Roque and Edna recounted both they
and the late John B. Pomeroy (senior) would be on Pier 3 near San Francisco Ferry Building Tower to welcome
Hong Kong Portuguese. By mid-1955 Hong Kong and Shanghai Portuguese were arriving regularly aboard the
two American President Lines ships President Wilson and President Cleveland. The two vessels docked
alternately every 3 weeks at noon on a Friday with a 24-hours layover stay arranged by management and labor.
Roque would take the afternoon off and with Edna and John Pomeroy be at hand when the ships moored. These
occasions went on for some while long before the founding of UMA in 1959. When her two sons became
grown-ups Edna found employment as a secretary until her retirement from California Dental Service at lower
Mission street in San Francisco. The ashes of Edna are reposited alongside those of Roque in urns at their crypt
in Holy Name Cemetery at Colma, California.
DA SILVA, Leonel (Sonny) eldest son of Lindamira (Mira) and Reginaldo (Nado) da Silva, passed away
suddenly on October 31st, 2011 in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his devoted
wife, Teresita Botelho.
Leonel resided and worked in Hong Kong, England, Los Angeles and Denver as a Chartered Accountant and
CPA. In 1979 Amoco Corporation acquired Cypress Mines Corporation and transferred their operations to
Denver where Leonel continued to work until his retirement and subsequent years. During his stay in Denver, he
became involved in various community activities and formed endearing friendships especially among the
parishioners of his new church - St. Thomas More. He became an active member of the choir which he
thoroughly enjoyed. He attended daily mass, joined the Knights of Columbus, became their Treasurer and
rendered generous stewardship to his parish especially in the financial field of their various projects.
The funeral Mass depicted his character and was overwhelmingly attended. The Knights of Columbus in their full
regalia, stood resplendent in honor guard; the entire choir was present with Leonel's son, Paul, as their
accompanist on the piano. A golden chalice was given to the family in his honor to present to a seminarian who
would use it when he became a priest. The priest gave a profound homily on Leonel's dedication to serving his
great love for our Creator. The readings were read by his sons David and Gerald and Anthony carried his ashes to
the altar.
Leonel leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his four loving sons, Anthony, David, Gerald, and Paul. He was
a beloved father-in-law to Nancy, and adored grandfather to Kyle, Katherine and Theresa (Tessa). He will be
sorely missed by his sisters, Hilda (Joey), Marie, Sister Geraldine, Freda, Beatriz (Ben), Sylvia (Manuel) and
brother Eddie (Ann), as well as his nieces and nephews.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
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Obituary
NORONHA, Henrique Francisco (better known to his friends and relatives as Mickey Noronha) was born in
Hong Kong on 21-02-1936 and died in Sydney, Australia on 22-11-2011.
Mickey commenced his education at La Salle College of Kowloon before his father, Dickie Noronha, decided to
send him to Manchester where he excelled and became the first student at Xavierian College to top the entire
country in English in the A Level Examination. The College decided to honour him by ringing the bells in the
tower to announce to everyone an achievement of such high distinction (never previously achieved by any student
of this College). He completed his degree at the London School of Journalism in 1961 and embarked on a
remarkable career, firstly in Hong Kong with the American Embassy (as a China watchman), later with SCMP
and other publications. He migrated to Australia in 1971 and soon went to work for the Hon. Doug Anthony (the
then leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia) for some years before deciding to
freelance with Johnson & Johnson of New York and many other media agencies. Some of his most remarkable
articles were discussed at length by the BBC by his peers.
His parents, Dickie and Marichai, and his sister, Rosie Noronha Guterres, pre-deceased him. He will be sorely
missed by his brother-in-law Al Guterres, his nephew, Richard and fiancée, Josiecar; his niece, Denise, her
husband Alain and their children Sebastian, Chresten and Cerise Maryrose; his nephew, Gerald, his wife Claudine
and their children, Arturo and Giselle.
PEDRUCO, Virgilio N. “Vic”, beloved and devoted husband, father and grandfather, was born March 18, 1933 in
Macau to Julia and Luiz Maher Da Silva-Pedruco. He was the youngest of 23 children and the last surviving
Pedruco of his generation. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman; playing softball, rugby, field hockey and
tennis. He lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 4, 2011.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Branda Pedruco, daughter Deborah Pedruco-Labanowski, son Sean
Pedruco, granddaughter Michelle Tusher, and a myriad of nieces and nephews across the world.
REMEDIOS, Francisco passed away peacefully in San Mateo on November 20, 2011. Francisco is survived by
his brothers, Jorge (Raquel), Vincent, and Arthur, and sisters, Deanna (Eugene) and Christine (Dennis), and many
nephews and nieces.
SOUSA, Elvira M, (Nov, 18, 1926 – Nov 23, 2011). Beloved wife of Anthony G (Tony) Sousa for 61 years,
passed away at home five days after celebrating her 85th birthday. Born in Macao and raised in Hong Kong, she
emigrated with her husband and children to San Francisco in 1958. She first worked as a school teacher at St.
Mary’s School; where she was known as “Mrs. de Sousa”. Because of her fluency in English, Cantonese and
Portuguese, she then worked for many years for the State of California, Human Resources Department. Besides
her husband, she is survived by her two daughters, Maria and Angela. She now joins her son, Anthony J. “Tony”
Sousa, Jr, her mother , Serafina; and her sister, Marie Marcal, who pre-deceased her.
TAVARES, Marcos Antonio May 7, 1918 - Oct. 19, 2011 Resident of Alameda Marcos passed away peacefully
on October 19, 2011 at the age of 93. He was the devoted husband of the late Alda Tavares; beloved father of
Marcos Jr. (deceased), Cathie (John) Crowell, Joan (Larry) Gerigk and Valerie (Richard) Mendoza; loving
grandfather to Caroline and Andrew Crowell, Michelle, Joseph, Anthony and Christopher Gerigk, Matthew and
Daniel Mendoza. Marcos was born in Hong Kong and moved to San Francisco in 1964 and then to Alameda in
1985. He will be in our hearts forever.
FR. XAVIER, Lionel was born in Hong Kong on July 3,1930 and passed away on Oct 19, 2011. After his
secondary education in La Salle, Father Xavier worked at Lowe, Bingham & Matthews before joining the
Franciscan in 1956 and was ordained on April 27, 1963 at Rosary Church in Kowloon. Subsequently Fr Xavier
was assigned to teach moral theology in Maryknoll College in Manila for a year before he was asked to go back
to Hong Kong to further study for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English language at the University of Hong Kong
and became the Principal of Rosaryhill School in Hong Kong. He was then sent to Macau to serve as the Head of
the Department of Religion at St. Paul College between 2004 and 2007. In 2007, he returned to Rosaryhill
School as the Master of Students in St Dominic’s Priory.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
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Tribute to Theresa Maria Yvanovich da Luz
By António “Tony” M. Jorge da Silva
Theresa Maria Lopes Yvanovich da Luz, known to many of her friends as “Titch” is now with the
Angels. “God hears you best in the mornings” Theresa whispered to me as she prepared to be with her
loved ones waiting in the light beyond.
Her children, Carlos and Karen, honored me with the privilege of writing a few words about her. Also
on behalf of her grandchildren, Colin and Cody, I offer these words:
Theresa was much loved by her friends and family both here in the San Francisco Bay Area as in other
countries where our community emigrated. A bright star we all had the great pleasure to know and share
our time with, she in turn loved us just as much. A very gentle and intelligent lady, her presence had a
charm and elegance that stood out among us.
How can one condense into a few words what flows into the mind about our lovely Theresa? She was
special! Her very Yvanovich smile warmed every greeting just as she forgave mischievous deeds as her
eyes winked with a twinkle. Her patience was beyond belief, her kindness more so.
Born in Hong Kong on 5 November 1926 Theresa was the 7th child of Philippe António “Pito” Lima
Yvanovich and Palmyra Augusta Lopes Yvanovich. Her very dear younger brother “Calau” was the last
born. Theresa was married to Flávio Norberto Vaz da Luz who was born in Macau. Theresa loved her
family and was very proud to be an Yvanovich. Her last words to me was how much she loved her son
Carlos, her brothers and sisters, and her gratitude to her father and grandfather, Guilherme António, for
all they have done for her. She spoke of the War years with tears in her eyes as she remembered what
her father went through. It seemed all her brothers and sisters were waiting for her as she spoke their
names with her unforgettable smile.
More than anyone Theresa had a fantastic memory for names of those in the community. Without her
collaboration and persistent dedication to name the many faces in photographs now published, the
identity of many individuals of our community would have faded away.
Her memory lives in our minds as her presence will always be with us. Querida Theresa, nós o veremos
outra vez …… quando Deus deseja. (Dear Theresa, we will see you again ……. when God wishes)
Eulogy for Joseph Carchidi written by his wife Sally
(Delivered at Memorial Mass by grandson Evan Van Auken)
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
From Page 18 to 36
It's unusual for a wife to write her husband's eulogy. I thought for a long time about
this and I realized that I know Joe better than anyone else, and many of you here
today know very little about his childhood and what shaped his character. This
eulogy is written with all my love to honor the memory and celebrate the life of
someone so special to all of us.
Joseph Marion Carchidi was born in New London, Conn. on March 18, l932 to Amelia
Marie Germain and Joseph Carchidi. Joe was very proud to be a Connecticut Yankee!
Joe's father was born in Italy. His mother was born in Taftville, Conn., a small town with
many French-speaking residents of French Canadian ancestry.
Joe lived in New London as a child, with his Italian relatives, until his father passed away when Joe was only 21
months old. Joe and his mother then moved to Taftville, where they lived with his mother's relatives. Joe loved
his French grandfather "Pepe" (a French nickname for grandfather). That's why he wanted to be called "Pepe" by
his grandchildren. A few years later, Joe had a stepfather whose parents were born in Poland, and Joe's family
moved to a Polish neighborhood in Norwich, Conn. From an early age, Joe was quite international. Perhaps
that's why he developed such a love for all different nationalities, their family traditions, their culture and their
food.
Joe, his mother and his brother John moved to Long Beach, Ca. when Joe was 16. Joe had a part-time job
delivering telegrams for Western Union to help supplement their income. Joe rode his bike and could find any
street in Long Beach - without the help of GPS.
At the age of 18, Joe enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. He did his basic training in Fort Ord, Calif.
and then was shipped to Korea. He was assigned to Headquarters Co. 3rd Medical Battalion (the Battalion
featured in the TV show "MASH").
We often watched this show as a family. After three years
of service, Joe returned to Long Beach in May 1953. He never forgot his Army serial no. but could never
remember his social security number.
Under the G.I. Bill, Joe attended college classes. He then pursued a career in the aerospace industry with Douglas
Aircraft, North American Aviation, Hughes Aircraft, and retired from Rockwell International in Downey. He
enjoyed over 18 years in retirement. Joe made many friends during his aerospace career. Two of them have been
his best "buddies" for about 50 years. Joe was proud to have worked on the "Apollo" and Space Shuttle
Programs. When the first astronauts returned from space, North American Rockwell had a big celebration for
them in Downey. Our family was at the celebration and it was an exciting and proud day for all of us.
Besides his engineering work, Joe enjoyed the camaraderie among the "guys". They would play cards at lunch or
help each other with ideas on "fix-it" projects. Joe was a true Mr. Fix-it. There wasn't a broken toy or household
gadget that he couldn't repair for his family or friends. Of course, Joe would organize the occasional "Pot Luck"
lunch at work and remind the guys to bring something "homemade".
Joe often said he made the best decision of his life when he became a member of the "Dolphins" in Downey in
1955. This was a Catholic Youth Organization Club for adults between the ages of 18 and 35. We had many fun
activities and trips, and many good friendships were formed. In fact, I met Joe in l956 after I joined the Dolphins.
Many of these "Dolphins" have been our good friends for over 50 years.
Joe and I loved to travel. It was fun and exciting to "see the world". We attended the Ascot Races in England
and, in true British tradition, Joe wore a top hat and a morning coat. We even rode a camel near the Pyramids in
Egypt. Some of our trips were enjoyed with family, relatives and friends. We were truly blessed to have so many
wonderful travel memories. We were always glad to come home and were thankful we live in the best country in
the world..
Joe loved good food and his favorite was Italian. He really had a refined palate, with multi-cultural tastes. He
enjoyed food only if it was tasty and if it was well plated. My family has the tradition of baking Portuguese pies
(Impada) at Christmas. Joe would wear his chef's coat and enjoyed every aspect of the baking process,
especially eating the warm pies.
At home, Joe was a master at dicing and chopping. He was my sous-chef for every big occasion and whenever I
needed his help for everyday meals. Cooking breakfast was his favorite meal.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
From Page 18 to 36
Joe Carchidi
For 52 years he cooked my breakfast almost every morning. His grandchildren love his French pancakes. Only
he can make them so special. If there were several people at breakfast, he would be willing to cook each person
whatever he or she wanted instead of cooking the same breakfast for everyone.
Gardening was one of Joe's hobbies. Friends would often give him cuttings and he would patiently plant them and
watch them grow into big plants. The plumeria flower was one of his favorites. He had quite a collection of
staghorn fern which he mounted on boards for our patio. Joe tried to encourage other guys to join the Garden
Cub. He would tell them: "I'm usually the only man among 50 women!! Why don't you come with me?" At an
Installation Brunch for the Fullerton Garden Club, Joe made a zucchini quiche which everyone enjoyed and
wanted the recipe.
When I served as President of the So. Calif. Chapter of UMA, Joe was my right hand and supported me 100% at
every event. At a cooking demonstration featuring Portuguese food from Macau, Joe made a Portuguese Kale
Soup (Caldo Verde) that was the hit of the day. Kudos to this Italian!! Joe always encouraged the younger
generation to learn more about their cultural heritage and their traditions. He believed that UMA members have a
special and unique bond of friendship.
From Monday to Friday, we would do stretching and Tai Chi type exercises at Coyote Hills Park with
60-70 people. This group was started by Korean Colonel Park. We exercise in a beautiful setting - a lake,
trees and many birds. Joe loved exercising outdoors and we made many good friends - really an international
group. Friends and food seem to weave a common thread throughout our marriage.
Joe had a very close bond with his mother and his brother John. Although John lived in Florida, they talked
daily on the computer when they were both retired. We often visited Joe's relatives in Conn. in Sep/Oct. and, of
course, we would visit all the places of his childhood and eat great Italian food!
Joe came from a small family and he really enjoyed being a part of my large family. He loved all his
in-laws, their children and grandchildren, and they returned his love. He made each person feel special
and would go out of his way to do things for them. He always encouraged them to keep in touch with
each other and to continue family traditions.
Parents are proud of their children. Joe and I are blessed with three loving and caring daughters who have
supported us 100% during his illness. Our five grandchildren have been joys in our lives. Each one had a special
relationship with Joe and they supported us 100% during Joe's illness. He enjoyed teaching them about life and
he had the chance to see them grow into fine young people. On Father's Day this year, one grandson wrote on
Joe's card: "I have never seen a man who is so loved and respected by so many people. I am proud to call you My
Pepe". Another grandson wrote: "Because of you I will know how to be the best grandfather for my grandkids. I
love you so much." What better testaments can a man ask for?
I thank God for our marriage of 52 years. I had the best husband - loving, kind and unselfish who always put his
family before his own needs. We have walked side by side as each other's best friend. He has been a true partner
and a companion who has supported me 100% through good times and bad times. We did most things together exercise, Garden Club, computer classes and cooking classes too. We just enjoyed each other's company.
Throughout his illness for the past 19 months, Joe was an example of courage who handled his adversity with
grace and without complaining. He told me his only regret was that he would have to leave his family. He had
that warm smile for every visitor who came to see him. Thank you all for your visits, prayers, cards, phone calls
and flowers. Each expression of love lifted Joe's spirits. It was my honor and privilege to take care of him the
best I could. He would have done the same for me.
For the past 5 months, Joe was under Hospice Care at our home because the cancer had spread to his lungs. He
was comfortable and at peace. He enjoyed the beauty of his garden with the plumerias in bloom. On good days
he wanted to cook breakfast for us, and several times we went out to dinner. On Joe's last day, he was surrounded
by his entire family and our Hospice Chaplain. On October 7, Joe peacefully went to God 's Heavenly Kingdom
to join his parents and brother in eternal rest. Now we have our own angel in Heaven. Joe left his family a
legacy of his love, his kindness, and his courage. Life will go on but a piece of my heart will always be missing.
I love you Joseph Marion Carchidi.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
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Marie Teresa Baptista Pereira
By Denise Pereira Webster
“If you let me love you
It’s for sure I’m gonna love you
All the way”
Marie Teresa Baptista Pereira passed away on November 21st, 2011. She was
our mother and grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. On behalf of the
Pereira and Baptista families, sincerest thanks and appreciation for the kind,
caring condolences we have received.
She was a vibrant, beautiful and complex woman whose energy and
intelligence impacted all whom she met. In her honor, as her daughter, I would
like to share some of my remembrances…
My heart is full of respect for a woman who grew up facing the challenges of
war and loss, yet forged friendships and hopeful goals as she strove to survive
in a tumultuous world. She felt great dignity in being Portuguese. She loved
Hong Kong and cherished a deep connection with those from her childhood
community. It was a life of parties at Club Recreiro, studies with the
Maryknoll nuns and softball or soccer games. Simply riding the Kowloon
ferry was always filled with excitement and gazing out from the beautiful Peak evoked indescribable pleasure. In
her final months, even with the ravages of dementia challenging her entire being, she would still speak joyfully of
her Hong Kong days and friends. And she took special pride in being one of the beautiful Eca Da Silva/ Baptista
sisters –each so fascinating.
Every Christmas I gave Mom a crossword puzzle book because she loved the language of words –in English,
Portuguese and Chinese. She strongly encouraged her children to read, discuss and learn. Recently, I found her
childhood Portuguese grammar manuals and she proudly explained how important it was to conjugate correctly.
During my last visits with Mom she often spoke to me in Portuguese. Amazingly, I understood --though I could
only reply in English. But I knew it was part of our connection. It was her language yet also our understanding,
our special communication.
My mother relished the romance of films. I have sweet memories of girlish discussions on the good looks of
William Holden, Van Johnson and Tyrone Power. She loved music. I was the only 8 year old who could identify
the Big Bands because the rhythms of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey were the constant background of our
lives. And then, of course, there was Frank Sinatra. She was the quintessential, devoted fan and she made sure I
listened to and learned all of his songs. I laugh now (and, yes , admittedly cringe abit) at how crazy I must have
looked as, at age 10, I dutifully donned a “Frankie” hat and danced a jazz routine to “They Can’t Take That Away
From Me”. But we had fun! Friends have shared how she gave them a Joan Baez or a Beau Brummell record
because she knew they were fans. Since music brought joy to her life, she in turn found it natural to share with
those around her-even her daughter’s friends.
I cannot tell you how many of my contemporaries/cousins have shared that my Mom taught them to gamble and
play cards-her way. Perhaps it was not a normal adult/child exchange but that was Mom. She was NOT
“normal”.
And, of course, everyone spoke of her beauty. She had radiance, a dazzling smile, and a presence that awed.
Whether it was her “Keely Smith” short hair look, her flowing gowns, or her later in life propensity for jogging
suits, she always stood out.
Mom’s life was not always easy, but I will choose to warmly remember the laughter. Though she could not
overcome many of her obstacles, she always possessed an almost childlike spirit and a great sense of humor. That
was the true Marie that she could never abandon. Even in those last months when she struggled, she still came up
with one liners or observations that made me smile: “Denise, it’s September and you are still carrying a white
purse” or to the emergency room doctor, who was seriously trying to diagnose: “Is this a trick question?”
I hope your specific memories of Mom will also hold true Marie-ism’s. And that, the next time you hear a
romantic song, dance to a compelling rhythm, or hear the Portuguese language perfectly spoken, you find it in
your heart to recall my Mom who, in the soulful words of Mr. Sinatra, loved life: “ALL THE WAY”.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
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HYNDMAN, Robert a longtime resident of Laguna Beach who cherished his
family and friends and maintained a lifelong passion for the written word, died on
November 5, 2011, following a cycling accident in the Santa Monica Mountains
near Malibu, California. He was 51. He was a valuable member of the UMA
Website Committee.
Robert is survived by his mother, five brothers, sister, numerous nieces and
nephews, extended family, and countless friends. Robert Eugene Hyndman was
born in San Francisco on December 7, 1959, to parents Fred Edward Hyndman and
Maria Teresa da Roza Hyndman, who had immigrated from Hong Kong to
California in 1958. Fred passed away on September 10, 2011 in Santa Cruz.
As a teenager in Orange County, Robert developed an early interest in journalism, writing for the
Cypress High School newspaper CC Rider and announcing the daily news on the school’s radio show. In
1981 he earned a BA in Mass Communications from Cal-State Fullerton, and began his career as a
reporter and feature writer for local newspapers.
After working several years as a prize-winning journalist, Robert’s career path ultimately led to his role
as an independent marketing consultant and copywriter. He frequently collaborated with a network of
graphic designers, video producers, and advertising agencies to create brochures, websites, videos, and
live events for clients in financial services, technology, healthcare, real estate development, food and
wine, and non-profits.
When asked about what profession other than his he would like to attempt, Robert once wrote, “Winetasting bike-riding ukulele-strumming tennis-playing globe-trotting Buddhist monk.” He cultivated a
critical palate for wines and amassed an impressive collection of big reds, which he generously shared
with family and friends at frequent dinner parties. In recent years, Robert joined his brothers Carl and
Philip to embrace cycling with genuine passion, uncompromising on the quality of his equipment and
apparel, and exhilarated by his increasingly robust health and the companionship of his friends that
introduced him to the sport. He recently completed a 100-mile “Marin Century” ride in Northern
California.
Robert taught himself to play guitar and often joined his brother Steve, nephew Diego, and brother-inlaw Yuji in late-night jams. Yuji also inspired him to take up the ukulele, ironically adhering to his rule
of “No Hawaiian Songs.”
Robert was an avid tennis player and frequent competitor at the local club. He also loved to travel and
explore foreign cultures and foods, recently commenting that his favorite vacation was Beijing and
Shanghai, with Paris not far behind.
Although Robert did not have children of his own, his numerous nieces and nephews were always a
source of pride and joy. Known by them as “Uncle Joe,” he was a beloved godfather and mentor to
many. Robert is the fourth of seven children. His eldest brother Michael and his wife Natasha have two
children – Alexandra, 19, and Nicholas, 16 – and live in Morgan Hill. Dennis and his wife Shelly live
with their two children – Christopher, 16, and Sarah, 14 – in Encinitas. Stephen and his wife Elise have
two children – Emma, 16, and Diego, 15 – and live in San Francisco. His younger brother Philip lives
with Chrissy Piotrowski in Sausalito. His only sister Barbara married Yuji Yasue, who passed away in
2009. Barbara and their son Tetsu, 10, live in Berkeley. His youngest brother Carl lives with Michelle
Arena in Laguna Niguel and has two children – Benjamin, 10, and Elizabeth, 9.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
From Page 18 to 36
UMA, Inc Officers & Directors
Title
President
Name
Maria Gomes
VicePresident
Treasurer
Flavia Grubel
Francis Carion
Secretary
Luiz Ozorio
Director
Ed de Assis
Director
Ed Guterres
Director
Ed Machado
Director
Mercia Poirer
Director
Raquel
Remedios
Home Address
4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct,
Concord, Ca 94521
1232 Skycrest Drive, #2
Walnut Creek, Ca 94594
1112 Rockledge Ln, #7
Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
710 Kino Court, Unit #3
Hayward, Ca 94544
1124 Singing Wood Ct,#8,
Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
1200 Canyonwood Court #8
Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
2420 Tara Lane,
So. San Francisco, Ca 94080
22617 Napa Street,
West Hills, Ca 91304
845 Tournament Dr,
Hillsborough, Ca 94010
Phone (Fax)
925-798-2005
Email
gomesmd@astound.net
925-930-8672
FGreubel@aol.com
925-979-0679
fjcarion@aol.com
650-245-3374
lmozorio@live.com
925-943-2003
pdeassis@hotmail.com
925-945-8024
EdmundoGG@aol.com
650-872-1750
818-702-9260
sonnymachado@yahoo.c
om
artmercia@gmail.com
650-349-2707
quellie88@yahoo.com
2011-2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVENTS
2011-2012
CHAIRPEOPLE
2/11, Sat.
Recruitment Committee
MARCH
Rock ‘N Roll
Dinner Dance
All-Day Social
3/24, Sat.
APRIL
Golf Social
4/28, Sat.
MAY
Lawn Bowling
Tournament
Directors’
Meeting
Thanksgiving
Mass
Golf
Tournament
Family Picnic
TBA
Virginia Xavier
Flavia Greubel
Victor Oliveira, Joanne
Ribeiro, & Flavia Greubel
Sandra Souza
Flavia Greubel
Maria Gomes
Flavia Greubel
Marie Guterres
Flavia Greubel
Victor Oliveira, Joanne
Ribeiro, & Flavia Greubel
Recruitment Committee
FEBRUARY
JUNE
JULY
JULY
AUGUST
AUGUST
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
TBA
TBA
7/14, Sat.
7/21, Sat.
8/4, Sat.
Noite
Dinner Dance
Bowling Social
8/18 or 25
Annual General
Meeting
Dinner Dance
11/10, Sat.
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
Oct. 2012
TBA
Virginia Xavier, Maddie
Pereira, & Flavia Greubel
Larry Collaco, Sandy
Souza, & Flavia Greubel
Maria Gomes
Flavia Greubel
Flavia Greubel
From Page 18 to 36
REMINDER
Membership Dues for Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2012
Young Adults (Ages 18-25) $10.00
Senior (65 & Over)
$15.00
Regular
$20.00
Non US Resident $25.00
A CURRENT MEMBER OF UMA WILL HAVE A $5 REDUCTION OF 2012 MEMBERSHIP DUES
FOR BRINGING IN EACH NEW UMA MEMBER UNDER AGE 60,
UP TO A TOTAL REDUCTION OF $15.
Dues are payable January 1, 2012 and delinquent April 1, 2012. You will be dropped from the
mailing list if dues are not paid by Apri1 30, 2012.
Please make check payable to: UMA, Inc. and send to:
Francis Carion, 1112 Rockledge Lane, No.7, Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
For ease of communication, please include your email address & telephone no. w/your check.
.
A Quarterly Publication of the Macanese Diaspora sponsored by Fundação Oriente
Associate Editor for Distribution: Francis Carion, 1112 Rockledge Lane, No.7, Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
UMA News Bulletin – Winter Issue Part 2
From Page 18 to 36