Our lives were enriched by his friendship

~ Allan Eustace Gunawardena

To all those who knew Allan Eustace Gunawardena, his untimely demise on January 27, 1997 has left an immense void, and a sorrow filled emptiness. An illustrious product of Wesley College, Colombo, Eustace — as he was affectionately known — played a leading role in the affairs of the Wesley College Old Boys Union, and was elected its vice president. Today, an English literature prize is awarded in his name for the best Year 11 student at Wesley.

After some years of in the Treasury, Eustace served as the principal of a private school in Colombo. He took a keen interest in developing the school and worked tirelessly to help mould the students.

During his spare time Eustace engaged himself in writing poetry and other literary works such as Poems of Sri Lanka, Reconciliation and Reconsideration, and Sara Makes a Bid.

He also edited his own journal Liberty and Progress from 1964 to 1970. Eustace was also involved in the World Liberal Movement and attended the World Liberal Convention in Tel-Aviv and the School for Freedom in New Delhi.

Eustace never forgot to fulfill his duty towards his family. He was a devoted and faithful husband to his wife Florence, loving father to Sitha, and doting grandfather to Viranga.

The world he belonged to no longer exists. A true gentleman, Eustace was unassuming. He went through life hardly revealing his many achievements.

Leonardo Buscaglia who authored a number of New York Times best-selling inspirational books on love and human reticence, eloquently sums up the indelible imprint Eustace made on all whose lives touched by him:

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.

By a family friend