Capt.   Leonard Titus Gomes
Born: 04 January 1946 Expired: 09 November 2005
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Capt. Leonard T. Gomes (3rd) and his family                  Capt. Gomes during his daughter's marriage

Life sketch

Born on January 4, 1946 at Padrishibpur, Barisal, he was the eldest son of parents Vincent and Philomena Gomes, who lovingly called him Sanu. His early childhood was spent in Barisal and then in Chittagong. He studied in St. Placid’s School, Patharghata, Chittagong up to class 7. In September 1958 he joined PAF Public School, Sargodha, Pakistan, where he completed his Senior Cambridge in 1961. He passed his I.Sc. from Notre Dame College, Dhaka in 1964 and later that year joined the Marine Academy, Juldia, Chittagong.

He passed out from the Marine Academy in June 1966 and joined the National Shipping Corporation. In 1969 he got his Second Mate’s certificate. After Independence, he joined Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, where he served on various ships. He obtained his First Mate’s certificate from South Shields Technical College, UK in 1978, and his Class 1 Master Mariner certificate from Nautical College Warsash, Southampton, UK in February 1982. Since then he served as a Captain on BSC ships till his voluntary retirement in November 1999. He had completed 33 years of sea service. The last ship under his command was MV. Banglar Moni. After his retirement he joined a private maritime institute, MIST as an Instructor and Principal.

Leonard Gomes married Mary Monica Gomes on April 15, 1972 with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of his life for over 33 years. He was the proud father of son Richard (Ricky) and daughter Jennifer (Jenny). The joy of his life was his grandson Russell (Rusho), now 5 years old, living in USA. Leonard was part of a loving extended family of brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.

Leonard died on November 9, 2005 at 11:50 p.m. at Labaid Cardiac Hospital, Dhaka. He was laid to final rest on November 10, 2005 at the Chittagong Cathedral Church following his funeral service led by Rt. Rev. Patrick D'Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong.

Prayer

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. Life is eternal, Lord, and love is immortal. Death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing but the limits of our sight.

O Lord, in your infinite mercy have compassion on the soul of your servant Leonard and grant him pardon for his sins and also eternal life in Your Kingdom of Bliss.

Fondly remembered by

Loving wife Monica, son & daughter-in-law Richard & Yvette, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer & Peter, grandson Russell and loving family, friends, and relatives.

[By Mrs. Monica Gomes, 26 Nov 2005]

On Saturday, 21 January, 2006 a special prayer and memorial service was held in honor of Capt. Leonard Titus Gomes in Corpus Christi Church, Queens, New York.

" ...............Please convey to the Bangladesh Mariners, friends, colleagues, and admirers of my late husband, Capt. Leonard Titus Gomes my deep gratitude and appreciation for the sympathy, love, respect, and admiration they have expressed for him through your website and also personally to me and our family. I have no words to express my deep loss and emptiness in my life and heart, but all of you have given me the strength and courage to bear this loss and carry forward his ideals, dreams, and love for all. I am sharing with you a very brief overview of his life and a portrait which you may kindly post on the website, with necessary adjustments. Thank you all for your prayers, sympathy, and support.
Mrs. Monica Gomes  E-mail: lmgomes@citechco.net
26 Nov 2005

" ...It was with a deep sense of shock that I learnt today of Gomes untimely demise. I knew him at Notre Dame College and of course at Marine Academy, Juldia. I will always remember his smile which was like a ray of sunshine in the first months at the Academy. My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace..."
Capt. Saif Ul Islam (3rd), Karachi                       E-mail: sisl.saif@gmail.com
28 May 2009

" ..............I came across this beautiful website and learned the death of Capt. Leonard T. Gomes. As a Bangladeshi and an Old Placidian please convey my condolences to Gomes family...."
Nurul K Khan, USA
15 Jan 2006

" .......I read the news of the death of Sir Capt. Leonard T. Gomes through ..website. Please convey my condolences to his wife, son and daughter. We pray for the departed soul. The news shocked us, we feel deepest sympathy for his family......."
M. S. Z. Mirza, Merchant Mariner, Karachi, Pakistan
20 Dec 2005

" ..............I served in B.S.C. ship under his command. He was a man whom everyone has to like. He was so simple, intelligent and sharing our sorrows and happiness. We all liked him so much. I feel so sad that he is no more with us. I will miss his heavenly smiles... may God bless his soul...."
Capt. M.Farid Hossain (12th)
14 Dec 2005

" ..........it is so sad, I have lost my first Master. I am recalling my shivering moment stepping up on accommodation ladder of mv. Banglar Upohar for the first time while joining merchant navy as Deck cadet. He was the first person I met on gangway deck along with one of my immediate senior. My all fear obscured with his nice reception. He used to teach me like a beloving friend but used to be afraid of him like a tiger. I'll miss this great man my rest of life........"
Capt. S. M. Shah Alam   
12 Dec 2005

" ..............I was shocked to hear that we have lost Gomes sir. I met him when he was principal of MIST in 2000 and had the privilege to work with him for about two years. Certainly our maritime community lost a very good teacher, great maritime professional and fine gentleman. His contributions to Bangladesh maritime industry will be well reckoned with. My thoughts are with and heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family. May Almighty bless his departed soul and give his family strength to bear with the loss of their most loved one...."
Capt. A.Z.M. Kamrul Islam (25th)
01 Dec 2005

" ............We have lost a pioneer......I served with this nice fellow. He was such a nice mariner ever I meet. I pray to God to take him to haven with golden throne.
Md. Mahbubur Rahman (25th) E-mail : hreasr@gmail.com
27 Nov 2005

" .......I am so shocked & grieved to learn from your email, the news of the sad demise of Capt. L. T. Gomes whom I had the pleasure of knowing for a very long time . He was an excellent person & a very committed professional. May God let his soul to rest with peace in heaven & grant members of his bereaved family the strength to bear this great loss.  Will you be kind to convey my heart felt condolence to his wife & the children , I pray to God seeking, His blessings for all of them.............."
Zahedur Rahman, E-mail: zahedr@bijoy.net
10 Dec 2005

" ..............It was a great shock to know that Capt. Gomes suddenly left this world. In 1984 he was my first captain on board 'Banglar Gourab'. Hope and pray that God will give him a special place in heaven. Hope his family will recover from this untimely event......"
Dewan M. Shahjahan, E-mail: dmshah64@gmail.com
21 Nov 2005

" .............sailed long time together. Yet to see a thorough gentleman like Gomes, either at sea or on land. Wish his soul rest with peace. .................."
Syed Moazzem Hossain, Dhaka, E-mail: halzaf@bdcom.com
20 Nov 2005

" ............. As his only three months behaviour at Banglar Asha at Chittagong dry dock around 1992/1993, impressed me so much, till today I'm looking for him. I tried to find him out just for my satisfaction and roam around his house at Pathargatha to see his living around 1995 and came back ship. It's really sad he is no more. My mind still looking for him. May God keep him in peace............."
Md. Mahbubur Rahman (25th), New York, USA Phone: +1 ( 917)  975 2279  E-mail: mdmahbubur@aol.com 
18 Nov 2005

" ............It is hard to accept that Capt LT Gomes has left us suddenly. I sincerely convey my condolence to his family............"
Hasan Farazi (22nd), 17 Nov 2005

" ............Capt. Gomes has gone to a place where everyone has to go sooner or later. Good thing is that now he is into the safe custody of Almighty Allah. No one can take better care than the Almighty. Any loss of life is irrevocable. All we can do is pray for the departed soul. May Allah award him the heaven............"
S. M. Ashraful Kabir (14th), Abu Dhabi, UAE, E-mail: smakabir@gmail.com  17 Nov 2005

" ............We are deeply aggrieved for sudden and untimely demise of Capt L. T. Gomes. He was a cherished, pleasant personality in Pakistan and Bangladesh Merchant Marine and would be sadly missed by all. He was well adorned by his juniors and seniors alike. His family photographs in www.bangladeshmariners.com rekindled my memories, emotions moved and I find it hard to accept this sad reality that Gomes bhai with whom we made so much of fun, pestered him so much is no more with us. During our apprenticeship period, whenever his vessel called Karachi, he used to visit us in our hostel (old Hajji camp) and took us out for dinner. He was like a good friend, a real brother whose feelings for fellow mariners knew no bounds. He has left behind a large number of well wishers in Australia and I had been advised to convey their condolence to bereaved family. Regards......"
Dilwar Ali (6th) , Melbourne, Australia E-mail: ali.dilwar@austin.org.au  16 Nov 2005

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" ............I am deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Capt. L T Gomes - we have lost a senior marine personnel from our community. Though I didn't get a privilege to sail under Capt. Gomes anytime, but I met him on various occasions and found him with very pleasant personality, having a smiling face all the time. There is no word to comfort his families/friends at this time, my (our) thoughts are with his family and sincere condolence to them..........."
Zillur M. Rahman (25th), E-mail: Zillur.Rahman@shell.com      mzr71@yahoo.com  16 Nov 2005

" .........It is a profound grief and sense of loss, hearing the sad news Of Capt. Gomes passing away. I have never sailed with him. Met him on many occasions during our service together in BSC. All such meetings were pleasurable memories as he was such gentle with the juniors as well as had the sense of respect...... Our sincere condolence for the family for this sudden loss. However we should also celebrate his life as a successful provider who is blessed with the gift to be humble and have such good children to carry his thoughts as they live a prosperous and honest life............"
Ashfaqul Haq (23th), Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, E-mail: ashfaqul.haq@gmail.com  15 Nov 2006

" ............I remember those beautiful days in Banglar Progoti back in 1983 where Captain L. T. Gomes and his family Mrs. Gomes and small cute Jennifer was sailing. He was a very lively and easygoing person. Our recreation room in Progoti was always packed with lots of fun. And was always refreshing after a hard shift in the Engine room. Suddenly everything is back in memory. My sincere and deepest sympathy goes to the family............"
Munir Rashid (15th), Hamilton, Canada 15 Nov 2005

" ............The death news I got from Capt. L. T. Gomes’s cousin who is working in my office. I was shocked and speechless when heard the news. I sailed with him for short period on board Banglar Asha as Chief Officer. He was a true teacher, guide, colleague, ever smiling thorough gentleman. Have attended his funeral at Chittagong Patherghata Catholic Church along with Capt. Nazmul Alam (Deputy conservator, Chittagong Port Authority), Capt. Zillur Rahman (Honourary Branch Secretary, Nautical Institute), Capt. Rafiqul Islam , Capt. Kamrul Islam Majumder, Capt. Zafor, Chief Engineer Mr. Azad and other mariners. Conveyed our condolence to Mrs. L. T. Gomes. ............. In the coffin Capt. Gomes was dressed with full merchant marine Master’s uniform with the merchant marine cap on his chest according to his last desire as informed by Mrs. Gomes. Even after death this mariner valued his profession on top of everything. My salute to Capt. L. T. Gomes……….”
Capt. Md. Abdur Razzak Bhuiyan (13th), General Secretary, Society of Master Mariners  15 Nov 2005

" ..........I am greatly saddened with the news of this departure - I was the sole fresh cadet on board 'Banglar Moni' on my first voyage to Europe with him as the Master exactly 20 years ago from now. His fond memories are still fresh in my memory after such a long time and will be there forever. The team on board " Banglar Moni" at the time will concur with me without any doubts. We have lost a great mariner- a true seaman from within us who will never be replaced. As always my heartfelt condolences to all his bereaved family members, colleagues and well wishers. Regards..................."
Manjur Khan (19th) 14 Nov 2005

" .....It is very sad to learn that Captain Gomes is no longer there. ..........May his soul rest in eternal peace. I hope you and your family are keeping fine. Kind regards....."
Abdul Hannan (10th)   14 Nov 2005

" ..........I am greatly saddened by the untimely demise of a beloved personality Capt. L.T.Gomes who passed away on November 9, 2005. I had the good fortune of sailing with him and he was a mentor to me. It is hard to come to terms knowing he is no more. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May he Rest in Peace............."
Capt. Shankar Lal Pandey (10th) 14 Nov 2005

" .........My beloved Chief Officer in Banglar Preety (1978). A gentlemen with extreme fine qualities from whom I have learned some best things of my life.
Capt. Saydur Rahman (14th)  14 Nov 2005

" ............it is quite regretfully and shocking to hear the demise news of Capt. L. T. Gomes, most remarkable and dedicated master mariner as well as merchant marine officer of peoples republic of Bangladesh. i convey my heart felt sorrows and beg excuses to his family member as he was not being respected or given any recognition for his sincere effort and due recognition after giving a lot to our nation. I pray to almighty for his departed soul and request the merchant marine community to establish justice in the years to come. 21 salute from my side and many more as long as i am alive.
Capt. Md. Shahinur Hasan (16th) E-mail : mssindbad@yahoo.com  14 Nov 2005

“………its a sad news to hear our dear friend is no more with us but he will always remain in our prayers and in our heart. He was a soft spoken person, always smiling and with a pleasing personality ready to help. May his soul rest in peace & solace and give his family courage to bear this untimely loss of their beloved one. Please convey my sincere personnel condolences to the family of Capt. Gomes.............."
Capt. Syed Khalid Humail (3rd), Dubai, UAE, E-mail: mashdxb@emirates.net.ae 13 Nov 2005

" ....My deepest sympathy to the family at the loss of Capt. Leonard Titus Gomes. I knew Monica Gomes and her family from Dhaka. I was a close friend of Virginia, Monica's youngest sister. I send them all my best wishes. May the good Lord give eternal peace to the soul of Capt. L. T. Gomes......"
Jharna Bernadette Purification, Melbourne, Australia, E-mail: jharnapurification@hotmail.com  12 Nov 2005

" ............Its a great shock to know that we lost a senior marine personnel from our community.Though I hadnt got a privilage to sail under Capt.Gomes anytime,but whenever we met,he was one of the best company to be with, in all respects.There is no word to comfort his families/friends at this time,only wish,god bless him with the heaven and his family with all strength/powers to overcome this disaster.
Capt. Md. Khademul Insan (20th)  , Asstt. Harbour Master, Teesport, UK, E-mail: khademul20@yahoo.com  12 Nov 2005

" .........My wife & I are deeply saddened at the news of Gomes bhai's untimely departure as he silently sailed away for the last time. He was a true Juldian who had great affection for all of us. When I was in my teens at college my uncle introduced me to his father/friend who used to work in the same office. They both asked me to follow Gomes Bhai's footsteps and I did not want to let him (them) down ever since. We pray for his departed & loving soul. May God bless his soul & may he rest in heaven. Amen....."
Capt.  Forkanul M Quader (6th),  MCA, Southampton, UK, E-mail : m_fq@hotmail.com  12 Nov 2005

" ..........It is sad to know about our friend Capt. Leonard Titus Gomes. As saw him as a junior cadet at the Academy. Very hard working, obedient and humble boy he was. I met his parents also. ............My heartiest condolences to his family.
Altaf A. Sheikh (2nd), Washington, DC,  USA, E-mail: altafshaikh2004@yahoo.co.uk      altafshaikh2005@gmail.com  12 Nov 2005

" .........we pray for the departed soul. The news shocked us, we feel deepest sympathy for his family......."
Provat Kumar Das [Father of a mariner], Dhaka, 11 Nov 2005

" .......I express profound grief at Capt Gomes' untimely death and offer my prayers for the salvation of his soul. I had the good fortune of sailing with him for a long period and hold very special memories. Always soft spoken and a thorough professional in all respcets, it has been a pleasure knowing him. May God give his family the courage and the patience to deal with his sad demise and we pray for the salvation of the departed soul...........In solemn grief and profound sorrow...."
Capt. Ghulam Hussain (11th)   11Nov 2005

" ...................Kindly convey my sincere condolences to the family of Capt. Gomes whom I have known for many years. He was a dedicated seaman and a thoroughly reliable shipmate. The world is the poorer for his loss..................."
Capt. E. W. S. Gill, Paignton Devon, UK. 11 Nov 2005

" ...............He was one of my best Masters. He was a very nice and soft spoken person. I am deeply shocked at his untimely demise. May the Almighty rest his soul in peace and give strength of mind to his family and relatives, who are definitely in a stage of deep shock................."
Md. Shahidul Alam (17th), E-mail: msalam7@gmail.com , 11 Nov 2005

Sad, 'the bell always tolls for thee'
------ John Dunne.

'Whether in Nyshapur or Babylon
whether the cup with sweet or bitter run the wine of life oozes drop by drop and the leaves of life fall one by one'
-------Rubayiat, Omar Khayam

A H Shafiuddin Ahmed, London, UK. E-mail: ahsahmed@aol.com , 11 Nov 2005

" .......I had the rare previlidge of being a Cadet for about two years with Capt. Gomes on m.v. Banglar Preeti. I also worked for sometime as a Second Officer with him on m.v.Banglar Moni. Capt. Gomes was a gentleman and a thorough professional. There was so much to learn from him. Whatever I am today- a big chunk belongs to him. May his sould find peace and solace and my sincere condolence to his family. Adious Capt. Gomes........"
Capt. Zaki Ahad (14th), E-mail: zaki@bmti.org, 11 Nov 2005

" ....I came across your website on the web. I heard about the death of Capt Leonard T Gomes. Please convey my condolences to his son and daughter. I had met the daughter once and they are a wonderful family........."
Priya   10 Nov 2005

" .....Capt. Gomes was not only a true blue Captain of Bangladesh but also that of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC). I do not think there is another such officer who gave his entire career dedicated to BSC. With his sad demise BSC and Bangladesh lost an invaluable asset. We lost a great friend. The shipping industry lost a gem. Not forgetting also a professional bugler who never fell sick and even when he was unwell, he would still turn up at every formal flag hoisting. I do not think anybody could ever fit in his shoes. He will always remain in our thoughts, in our minds and in our heart and also that of every Bangladeshi seafarer for ever. As his batch mate, I will ask them in Bangladesh to place a condolence message in leading news papers tomorrow 12th November and a special prayer in church on Sunday 13th November in Chittagong... If a precise UTC or Bangladesh time say 1100 hrs. on Sunday, we observe two minutes silence wherever you are in office, home or on the sea. We hope that his wife and children would be able to overcome this difficult period. Our prayers will also be with them.................
Md. Zahurul Alam (3rd), Singapore, 10 Nov 2005

" ............Though it's a sad news but all of us has to remember that one day we have to go back from where we came to this world and passed some time with family, friends n mates................"
Md. Zulfeqar Ali Bhuttu (29th), Guildford, UK, E-mail: zulfeqar29@yahoo.com , 10 Nov 2005

" .......I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of our Gomes Bhai. I sailed with him on a long voyage on Banglar Sampad in 1974 and I learnt my first practical navigation from him - I owe him a great deal. Just cannot believe that he is no more with us today. The maritime community of Bangladesh has lost a true friend, brother and professional mariner. I found Gomes Bhai as an excellent person, with very pleasant personality, having a smiling face all the time and never saw him getting angry. He always had a lot of patience! I always admired and respected him as an Academy senior and my elder brother. He was a gentleman in a true sense and genuine person indeed. Let us all pray for the departed soul and may God rest him in peace. My deepest condolence to Bhabi and the family, and I sincerely pray that the God will give them the strength to bear the shock of untimely losing their most beloved person and the best friend..........."
Capt. Khairul Anam (9th), 10 Nov 2005

" .........I remember Leonard very well. Please extend my condolence to his family........Regards........"
Anzar Ahsan (2nd), Director of Engineering Services, Ben Taub General Hospital
Quentin Mease Community Hospital, Houston, USA
Office Phone: +1 713 873 2459, 10 Nov 2005

Capt. Leonard Titus Gomes (3rd)
" ......Dear Mariners: Regret to inform you all that Capt. L.T. Gomes (3rd batch cadet, Marine Academy, Chittagong), has expired at 2350 hours on 09 November 2005 at Lab Aid Diagnostic Centre, Dhaka. He had been suffering from heart disease for last few years. He was admitted at Lad Aid Diagnostic Centre, Dhaka, on 17 September 2005 and his Open Heart Sugary took place there twice. His funeral will take place at Patharghata Catholic Church, Chittagong at 1700 hours. Best Regards......"
Capt. Zillur Rahman Bhuyian (11th) 10 Nov 2005, 1610 Hrs.

[............Capt. Leonard T. Gomes (3rd)                                                       
In Dhaka. Serving Maritime Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka, as Principal. Retired as Master from Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Chittagong, on 16th November 1999.  Capt. Gomes joined sea as a Deck Cadet in 16th July 1966, on board " MV. Aziz Bhatti" of National Shipping Corporation of Pakistan. After liberation war he worked for Bangladesh Inland Water Transportation Authority (BIWTA) for few months then joined Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC). He was given command in February 1982. His wife Mrs. Monica Gomes, presently studying for Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA. Son Richard Gomes, studying Forensic Science in prestigious John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, USA. His daughter-in-law Ms. Yvette Gomes is also studying Criminal Justice and Public Administration at John Jay. Capt. Gomes's only daughter Jennifer married Mr. Peter Penheiro in New York on 17 Jan 2004.
Home add: 38, East Tejturi Bazzar, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215
Home phone: 880 (02) 911-5491
E-mail: lmgomes@citechco.net
[ 30 Mar 99] 27 Feb 2004................................................]