Condolences On The Passing Of Louis DeSilva

[Updated] The Corporation of St. George has expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the late Louis “Red” DeSilva.

Mr. DeSilva was first elected as a Councillor on the Corporation in 1991 and became an Alderman in 1997. Mr. DeSilva served as the Town Manager for the Corporation from 2005 until 2008.

Mayor Quinell Francis said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. DeSilva. On behalf of the Councilors and staff of the Corporation, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.”

Update Aug 30, 9.42am: Premier Michael Dunkley said, “Red DeSilva was truly a larger than life fixture of the East End community. Whenever you encountered him, he always greeted you with a welcoming word.

“Through his service at the Corporation of St. George’s and his leadership and participation at the St. George’s Cricket Club, ‘Red’ demonstrated his commitment and love for the people of the East End. On behalf of the Government, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Louis DeSilva.

“He made such an impact in so many lives and he will truly be missed.”

Update Aug 30, 11.25am: PLP Leader Marc Bean said, “On behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Louis ‘Red’ DeSilva. Mr. DeSilva was a staunch PLP supporter and member, and throughout his life was very active in the St. George’s branch.

“Mr. DeSilva was a community organizer, trailblazer, and a proud St. Georgian, and this only begins to describe a man that made a profound impact on the people he came in contact with.

“Mr. DeSilva has always been one to be forthright, and of high moral character, which is something many of us came to value and appreciate alongside his many contributions to the community.

“From Mr. DeSilva we could each learn lessons in character, fortitude and wisdom, and our thoughts and prayers remain with his friends and family as they reflect upon the meaningful life he led.”

MP Lovitta Foggo said, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Louis Red DeSilva, who was not only a fellow St. Georgian, but someone my family and I considered a friend. A knowledgable and educated man with strong principles, he will be missed by many within the community.

“Red enjoyed sports and for a time was athletic, playing both football and cricket. He was a former President of the St. George’s Cricket Club and a very active member of the community. He served the Corporation of St. George’s as both Town Manager and an Elderman.

“His work contributions ensured that the traditions held dear were passed along to the next generation.

“Red DeSilva was well liked and respected, and his departure from us will be a miss. It is not often in this life that one gets to share time with someone as sincere and direct as Red. He has left an indelible imprint in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to know him. His memories will be cherished.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with his wife, Sandra, his children, Chelito, Chaka, Romari, Suri and Mila, and his family.”

Senator Renee Ming said, “Learning of the death of a life-long Anderson family friend, Mr. Louis “Red” DeSilva struck home. Uncle Red has been in my life, as a child growing up on Suffering Lane, as a member of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, as a former member of the Corporation of St George, as a former President of the St. George’s Cricket Club, and as the father of Chelito Ruddock and Chaka DeSilva.

“Louis ‘Red’ DeSilva was a proud Bermudian a man who was not afraid to tell you what he was thinking. Forthright, kind, generous and fair are attributes I would use to describe Uncle Red.

“St. George’s mourns yet again as another soldier has fallen. Uncle Red, you have fought a good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.

“Aunt Sandra, Chelito, Chaka and the entire Desilva family please accept my heartfelt condolence and sympathy on behalf myself, my family and the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party. Remember that to be absent from the body is to be present with the the Lord Be encouraged.”

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