Circular No 1026

 

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 1 of August 2021. No. 1026

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Dear Friends,

This is the first issue for August.

In memory of Salvador Coscarart, the Ambassador.

Here is to our Ambassador in the Americas. You might have read the different reports from the Roving Ambassador‏, Salvador Coscarart, as in this Circular.

By now he must have met over 50 Oldboys since we started to publish his travels.

So here is more on his latest trips.

If you would like to collaborate, at the end of this issue, you will find the instructions to where to send your writings and also, important to send funds, I know your limitations.

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Let the memory of Salvador be with us forever.

65 years old

Born on May 10, 1956 in Cumana, Sucre, Venezuela

Passed away on July 15, 2021 in Houston, Texas, United States

On Thursday, July 15, 2021, Salvador Coscarart, 65, passed away surrounded by his family and friends after a 6-year battle with cancer.

Salvador was the third child born to Pedro Maria Coscarart and Maria Teresa Coscarart on Mother’s Day May 10, 1956, in Cumana, Venezuela.  Salvador’s siblings are Maria Teresa (Maite), Pedro, and Maria Dolores (Loly).  Salvador and his siblings were raised in Cumana where their family owned a community hotel, Hotel Astoria.  After Sal’s father passed away in a tragic car accident Christmas day in 1966, Sal (10) and Pedro (11) attended Mount St. Benedict Abbey/Catholic boarding school in Trinidad.

Here, the brothers learned English, played several sports where Sal excelled in swimming, played guitar, and ventured amongst the outdoors of the mountain community.  When Sal turned 18, he moved to the United States for college, first arriving in Baton Rouge, LA.  He soon moved to Lafayette, LA where he attended and graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL).  Here, he met Gina who became his wife of 26 years and had three children, Jonathan, Lander, and Ansley.  Sal and Gina raised their children in Bristol, LA.

Sal worked most of his career in the oilfield with Eagle Oilfield inspections.

He loved his job and became very close to Mike Johnson and the Eagle family.  Sal particularly enjoyed going offshore where he loved to fish and eat!  More than anything, Sal loved his family.  Every year in the Spring, you were guaranteed to find Sal and his niece, Brooke, celebrating Mardi Gras with a neck full of beads!  He loved to sing and dance wherever he went making every occasion a party.  Sal had many hobbies and skills.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and playing music, especially the cuatro and ukulele.  Sal loved playing soccer and coached his three children at Our Mother of Peace Catholic School in Church Point, LA.

Sal was known for his big personality with his infectious smile and his silly and joyful demeanour.  He found joy in making others laugh.  He loved life, was confident in himself, and wanted to brighten the lives of others by making any situation fun.  Sal made everyone feel included and connected with others on a deep level immediately.  Sal loved fiercely and had a servant's heart.  Even in the last years of his life, he served those around him even though he was ill himself.

Sal loved his family deeply and instilled in his children that family always comes first.  Many of his friends became family, particularly those he called brothers from Mount St. Benedict Abbey.  He was able to reconnect with these friends later in his life and became an active member of Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church in the Spanish community, where he met Olga Ferrer.  The two married and moved to Katy, TX to be with Olga’s daughter Sandra and her family.

Sal spent his last 7 years in Katy, TX where he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma shortly after they had moved.  Olga, Sandra and her family lovingly cared for Sal during his treatments.  Sal received exceptional care at Memorial Herman Hospital & Houston Methodist Hospital where he became close friends with many of the staff members.

Sal leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and inspiration to live life to the fullest, love the Lord and your family with all you have, and always remember to have fun!

Salvador is preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Maria Coscarart and Maria Teresa Coscarart.

Salvador is survived by his wife Olga Ferrer, his children: Jonathan Coscarart (Baily), Lander Coscarart (Aimee), Ansley Coscarart Niland (Ben), and stepdaughter Sandra Ferrer (Jonathan).  He was the loving Aitite (Grandfather) to 12 grandchildren: Marlie, Roman, Natalie, Lillian, Lander, Joseph, expecting baby #5 by Lander and Aimee, Anna, Livi, Riley, Andrew, and Isabella.  He was a beloved brother to Maria Teresa (Maite) Coscarart, Pedro Coscarart, and Maria Dolores (Loly) Coscarart Larrondo (Julen); and cherished uncle to Pedro (Kepa) Coscarart (Jessica), Brooke (son Lucas), Nicholas, Alex, Aritz, Ibai and Oier.

A celebration of life will take place in both Lafayette, LA and Katy, TX. 

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Posted by Antonio Mezzana on July 27, 2021

I met Salvador when we were almost children in Trinidad and Tobago at Mount St. Benedict School.  Since he was little, he was a jovial, friendly person with a great spirit and energy.  Although we lost contact when we left school and only took it up a few years ago, I will always remember him as the good friend he was, his smile on the surface and his good humour.

Your departure saddens me, and I know that God will receive you with open arms.  Goodbye friend

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De: Salco56 [Salco56@cs.com]

Fecha: 26/06/2004 18:29:19

Hello, Ladislao,

How are you and the family?

Hope everything is going your way over there.

Well, I am happy to inform you that I spoke with Mr Stanley Ferguson in Lakeland Florida.

I also ask him about his brothers Duncan and Peter and his cousin Christopher.

They all are still alive and living in Florida and his brother Peter became a priest and is leaving by Galveston are but has retired and will be moving to Florida to live as well.

He had been in touch with Lionel Roberts, and I asked him to get in touch with him and let me know and to give him my phone #.

I have also told my brother to try and get in touch with Lionel in St Petersburg.

By the way Mr Stanley is 72 years old.

As soon as I get more information from them, I’ll pass it along.  Stanley don't have a computer; he says he lives the old fashion way still.

I asked him to give me some names of Oldboys that he could remember and this are some of them: Johnny Camacho, David Decastro, Arthur Knaggs, and the O’Connor brothers.  He will give me a list as he remembers later on.

Well, I hope this is good news.  He also told me he went to Mount from 1945 to 1951.  He was one of the first students.  He also remembered Father Cuthbert and Father Augustine, and of course Brother Vincent.

We had a very pleasant chat.

Well, I also want to thank you for the circulars.  I still enjoy them even though it is from the old school 40's 50's 60's.  There is not much on the 70's.  Any way, it is good to hear from all the old boys.

God bless.

Salvador Coscarart.

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From: coscarartsalvador@hotmail.com

Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:00:01 -0500

Hello guys,

Here are some photos of my trip to Florida and meeting with some of the Abbey old boys, Antonio Zanella, Sarkis Farchakh, Antonio Mezzana, Neil Charles, and David De Castro.

It was a very pleasant trip. Specially meeting an old Abbey boy from 1944, David De Castro.  Very outstanding and great guy and great cook (the calypso bandit).

Well, God bless you all and best wishes.

Salvador.

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From: Nigel P. Boos (nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca)

Sent: Tue 8/18/09 1:38 PM

Salvador,

You are truly amazing.

You seem to have made it your life's mission to meet every single one of the Old Boys of MSB, at whatever functions, whenever and wherever it takes place.

If there's no function upcoming, you arrange to meet the guys.

And by your solitary effort, you are doing wonders to keep us old fellas together, in spirit if not in person.

Thank you very much for the generous gift of your time and funds to do whatever you do.

Long may it continue. I hereby nominate you for the exclusive title of "Roving Ambassador".

Hey, would you mind identifying the guys in the photographs you took recently?

Thanks, my friend.

Nigel

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From: salvador coscarart (coscarartsalvador@hotmail.com)

Sent: Tue 6/30/09 2:53 AM

Hello guys.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting two Abbey Old boys from the 1940's.

Mr Dave De Castro, known as calypsobandit@live.com his phone number in Florida is 727-785-6824.  He is living now in Florida, and Mr. Joe Mekdessie living in New Orleans.

Mr Joe’s phone numbers are 504-234-9822 cell and home is 504-353-8470.

So, I will try to have a little reunion with these Oldboys, and as well with Rudy Polderman who lives in Slidell, Louisiana, and Donald Goddard in Baton Rouge.

As soon as I have a date, I will let you know.

Regards to all.

Salvador‏

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From: salvador coscarart (coscarartsalvador@hotmail.com)

Sent: Tue 6/30/09 2:20 AM

Hello Dave.

It sure was a very pleasant surprise to have received your call.

I appreciated very much.

It is great to hear from the Abbey old boys regardless of the age difference, because we all went through the same and lived the life of the Mount Saint Benedict Abbey School.

The next time I go visit my brother Pedro I will most definitely go visit you.

And I will call you in advance.

Well, have a great week and you can call me anytime.

God bless.

Salvador Coscarart

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Salvador Coscarart <salborbolla@hotmail.com>

Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:47:06 AM

Hello Paul.

It has been a very long time.

I know you probably don't remember me, but I do remember you, because on many occasions I rode with you and Bernard Lange in your little car (abTriumph, black in colour) to Mayaro and Manzanilla beach.

Also, from the sports field, I use to hitch rides and you stopped to pick me up.

You were the head prefect of the school.  I can't remember if it was before Nevil Tinea or after, but I do remember another prefect that was Cecil Camacho.  He was in charge of the dormitories, and he was always shouting from his room for us to go to sleep jejejejej.  We gave him hell.

Specs was another one of the prefects, Gabe Batiste another prefect.

Anyway, I never made it to be a prefect, but I accomplished to be in charge of the infirmary and took care of the sick after the nurse that was there left.

I also remember the maître that used to mend our clothes.

Oh yes Copeland was another prefect.

My brother Pedro became head prefect in 72&73, and he always used me as an example when it came to punishment.

I couldn't do anything because he always blamed me.  Jajajajaj I wonder why?

Bernard Lange (Rosita) as we used to call him, he was a prefect as well.

And he used to swim with the Aqualads also.

Anyway, I wish you a safe and very healthy future, thank you for being a good head prefect and friend.

God bless.

Salvador Coscarart.

Abbey boy 67-74.

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Aubrey George and Chris Hachity

... 090818

From: Nigel P. Boos <nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca>

Great stuff.

Thank you, Peter, for your persistence, as a result of which we've "caught" another Old Boy.

I shall be in direct touch with Chris from here on, but once again, thank you very much for your help.

Nigel

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On 18-Aug-09, at 8:14 AM, Peter Boos wrote:

Good news.

Chris Hadchity has contacted me-262-6880.

He was indeed at MSB from 60-63.

His e-mail is chrishadchity@gmail.com.

He says Freddie George did not go to Mount.

Regards,

Peter

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On Jul 31, 2009, at 8:54 AM, Nigel P. Boos wrote:

Pete,

Would you mind asking these guys if they ever went to school at the Mount?

If so, and if they have email addresses, would they mind sharing them with me?

Thanks.

Nigel

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On 31-Jul-09, at 8:55 AM, Peter Boos wrote:

Hi Nigel,

I do not recognise those names.

You may mean Chris Hadchity -432-0222 (whom I know) and Aubrey Choy -425-9507 or Freddie George -418-4150 (both of whom I also know)

Peter

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From: "Salvador Coscarart" <salborbolla@hotmail.com>

Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 22:07:55 -0600

Hello, how are you doing?

Well, here I am still working in the Gulf.

I have a surprise for you.

Today I spoke with ENRIQUE ZANELLI.

Do you remember him, well here I give you his phone numbers so you can call him, he lives in Houston.

Home in Houston phone # 281-492-3480 and his cell phone # 281-748-0084, and his office # 281-646-8080, and his email is = enriquez@choicequip.com.

Well, how you see how things are, the other day I had asked you if you knew anything about Zanelli and look at the coincidence, incredible.

Well, I sent this email to you two since I had talked to both of you about me coming to work.

Saludos

Savior.

I decided to send it to all the Abbey boys I have contact with,

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From: "Trinity College" <trincoll@tstt.net.tt>

Subject: RE: MSBWalkin Champ

Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2003 17:28:23 -0400

Hi Salvador,

Really good to hear from you!

Of course, I remember you.  You were the classic case of the student who emulates his teacher.

Did you ever Walk after leaving MSB?

I too have been reading a lot through the work being done by Ladislao.

I did see the photograph you talked about!  I saw Colm recently.

Do you know that he entered politics?

He is now the Minister responsible for Health in Trinidad & Tobago!

Rene Villafana I see sometimes, he now manages his father’s business in St James.

I did meet Glen Mc Coy about a year ago at the Airport.  He, too, lives abroad.

Really good hearing from you.

For all this I must thank John Giannetti, it was he who included my name on the MSB web news!

Hasta, luego

Mac Intosh.

-----Original Message--------------------------------------------

From: Salvador Coscarart [mailto:salborbolla@hotmail.com]

Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2003 5:17 PM

Subject: MSB Walking Champ

Dear Mr Mac Intosh,

It has been a very long time since I left Mount St. Benedict.

My name is Salvador Coscarart.  I don't know if you will remember me, but I was your walking partner when we went to compete in San Fernando.

I wanted to walk as fast as you did.

The competition was one of those international events that they had at the time.

I am from Venezuela, but I have been living in the United States since I left MSB.

I attended MSB from 1967 to 1974.

I have a picture of you with Father Morris next to you and Colm behind you and Glen Mccoy on your right, Ms Kitty Marcus, Bernard Lange and Michael Pegus and a group of students I can't remember their names.

If you visit the Abbey school web you will see me and my family.

I want to thank you with all my heart for everything you did for us.

My brother Pedro was the Head Prefect the last two year he attended.

He also lives in Florida USA.

Well, I hope that you are doing well, and it is very nice to hear from you again thru the circulars from Ladislao,

Do you know the whereabouts of Pascal Baralt, or Reny Villafana, or Michael Pegus, or Franco Marconi?  Well, let’s keep in touch

God bless and till next time

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EDITED by Ladislao Kertesz,  kertesz11@yahoo.com,  if you would like to subscribe for a whole year and be in the circular’s mailing list or if you would like to mention any old boy that you would like to include, write to me.

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Photo:

65RR0001CLASS1968, Need names, it is empty

10LK7329FBCBO, Conrad Boney

08LK0001ASA, Anthony Sabga

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