John da Silva passed away yesterday March 20, 2013 at the age of 76, with his family by his side, leaving many wondering: Who, now, will pick up where the renowned historian left and continue to tell the story?
Da Silva, who died of heart complications, some related to diabetes, had been ill for some time and leaves behind his devoted daughters Donna, Valerie and Cecilia, his adored nieces Bernadine, Presilda, Lucas, Lorna, Francesca, Lorraine, Ulrica, Roselee and Ramona, and three brothers Santana, Abel and Cajetan. His wife Carmen, who he had met and married in Zanzibar, died in 1993 and his late brother Rudolph had passed away recently.
Not least, he leaves an island, which is in mourning today for a man universally loved, admired and cherished for his gentle, generous and gregarious soul, his sharp wit, intellectual brilliance and tenacious dedication to the integrity of Zanzibar and its people. All it’s people. Those from every community he so lovingly sought to be preserved in their intertwined intricacies of their diverse histories.
Da Silva’s funeral mass will take place today Thursday 21st March at 3.30pm at St Joseph's Cathedral, Stone Town, Zanzibar followed by his interment at Mwanakwerekwe Cemetery.
The historian, artist and family
father was Zanzibar’s living memory.