Does anyone remember... a waiter called Papa?

[Thomas Hypher]

Hi everyone,

Not sure this is the correct area of the forum to post this.

Does anyone who was on QE2 in the last years remember a waiter who almost exclusively worked in the Lido called Papa. He was the exemplification (if that's even a valid word) of excellent service and friendliness. He often looked out for us (my parents and me) in the Lido, carrying our food to a table etc. We last met him on QM2 a few years ago but he didn't like QM2 because of her size. He had worked on QV since QE2 and before QM2 but always preferred QE2 (understandably).

if I remember correctly he is now retired according to crew on QM2 we've spoken to since. Would anyone have extra information or their own recollections of him? He was a favourite of crew and passengers alike.

Thomas

[Lynda Bradford]

The last time I saw him was on Queen Victoria.  Andy F remembers the same on this post:
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,4472.msg47026.html#msg47026

I think there may have been something about him either on the Cunard site or in the Cunarders magazine, when he retired. 

[Thomas Hypher]

Sorry for the delay in replying! Ah okay, I remember he wasn't far off retirement age when we last met on QM2. I hope he is having a pampered and enjoyable retirement, he certainly has earned it!

[Thomas Hypher]

I have found Papa's crew photo on Rob's Flickr (hope you don't mind Rob!) album of his 2011 QE2 visit.

[Andy Holloway]

I have found Papa's crew photo on Rob's Flickr (hope you don't mind Rob!) album of his 2011 QE2 visit.

I remember him well, an excellent crew member and a true credit to himself, his family, both QE2 and at home in the Philippines.
He knew his job/duties inside out, knew his passengers well and could converse happily with anyone, from passengers to fellow crew members, up to and including The Captain.
Does anyone know if he's still - age & health allowing - with Cunard? I sincerely hope so as he's the type of crew member that sets Cunard apart from the others.

[Thomas Hypher]

Some sad news regarding Papa

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bernardino-calmas-kidney-operation-in-philippines?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR36Fo_0wQvekG7Fhtxa6I5_mk7haztLkuPcgm_zDUVsV0voIV0eUWp0Eb8

[Thomas Hypher]

I am sad to report that Papa has recently passed away. The happy memories of an excellent crew member on QE2 and one of life's good people will live on though.