Panaji: Popular fashion designer Wendell Rodricks has passed away. He was 59.Condolence messages have begun pouring in through social media channels. Among those who have tweeted are Goan health minister Vishwajit Rane and Union minister of textiles, Smriti Irani.Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work & skills are irreplaceable & shall always be cherished.We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. pic.twitter.com/CzRnQJjbxf— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 12, 2020Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace 🙏— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 12, 2020Rodricks was known for creating designs that brought together the traditional with the relaxed Goan vibe.He was a Padma Shri awardee and a published writer with books such as Moda Goa – History and Style, his memoir The Green Room and Poskem: Goans in the Shadows to his name.He was also passionate about setting up the Moda Goa Museum, which will be dedicated to the history of Goan clothing. Rodricks had been overseeing the ongoing work. View this post on Instagram @modagoamuseum final plastering at workA post shared by Wendell Rodricks (@wendellrodricks) on Feb 9, 2020 at 5:01am PSTA well-known gay rights activist, Rodricks was married to Jerome Marrel.