Wonderful memories of my favourite Loku Bappa

Ten years have passed since my Loku Bappa (my father Terence’s younger brother) passed away on June 7, 2009 at the age of 74. He always had a special love for me and I write this appreciation as a tribute on his 10th death anniversary

He lived a happy and contented life until his end and was a great strength and support to his family.

He married Sudu Nanda (Ninette) in 1961 and they lived an exemplary, happy wedded life for 48 years. They both enjoyed their life with the family with the blessings received from God. Sudu Nanda looked after him well until his end and was a loving and caring wife.

He was a loving father not only to his son Ninesh and daughter Nilendrini, but also to Eromi and Kumar whom he never considered as in-laws. He loved his four grandchildren, Trevine his eldest grandchild who also received his initials T. L , but it is sad that he could not see Trevine’s wife Sachini and Eroshan, the second was born on his 57th birthday (April 27). Nangi’s two children Kushan and Nashali kept both of them constantly occupied as they lived with him until his end.

Loku Bappa had great faith in God. After my father’s death he visited me and my mother very often and used to narrate old stories how God saved his life on many occasions. He played an active role in church activities. When he was young he offered his services to the Koralawella Methodist Church and later to the Rawathawatte Methodist Church where he served as a Circuit steward for some time. He was a local preacher too. It was a great day for him when the church celebrated its 150th anniversary on the same day as his 74th birthday. We never thought this would be his last birthday with the family. Along with Sudu Nanda, he was also a member of the church choir.

He encouraged me to write sermons and was very happy to hear me delivering the word of God.

As a youth he joined the Department of Motor Traffic in 1956 and at the time of his retirement he was holding the high post of Assistant Commissioner (Technical).

He had a love for vintage cars and took an active part in organising many old crock rallies and also took part along with Sudu Nanda in these rallies and won many prizes. I remember both of them taking part in a rally dressed as a Hindu Bride and Groom just after their wedding.

It’s ten years since you left this world to be with Jesus in his divine home in heaven. You loved me so much and you considered me as your Loku Duwa. You are still in my Heart and I miss you dear Loku Bappa.

May you rest in peace until we meet again on that beautiful shore. Trishanthi Peiris Fernando