He excelled as a good teacher, father and husband

Earle Fernando

It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I write these lines about Earle Fernando, a close relative of my wife who died on March 7 this year after a brief illness. He was 76 years old.

Earle was the son of late Hettiyakandage William Fernando of Moratuwa and Mrs. Elizabeth Fernando of Beruwela. Earle’s father and my wife’s father were brothers.

Earle’s brother, late Major Kingsley Fernando was my classmate and Dr. Oliver Fernando my wife’s affectionate cousin was a good friend of mine during the good old days when I was schooling. I came to know Iris, his cousin and she became my wife during the later years.

Earle was the master-in-charge of Sports at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and a strict disciplinarian. My son who was a pupil of Earle had the highest regard and respect for him and always used to address him as “Earle Sir” and not Earle uncle according to the relationship.

I remember Earle was a bit disturbed when he had to retire prematurely from St. Sebastian’s College and when he met me, emotionally informed me that he was in search of employment. I was attached to Lake House then, and during the course of our conversation I mentioned that there was a vacancy in the Reading section.

He applied and was successful, but he had to work for a short period as he got an appointment as an English Instructor. Earle was a regular church-goer and never missed the daily morning mass at St. Sebastian’s Church, Moratuwa, travelling all the way from Lunawa on his push cycle till his health started deteriorating.

He never failed to visit me at least once a week on his return from church to have a chit chat over a cup of tea prepared by my wife which he really enjoyed.

Earle will rest in peace in the heavenly abode having performed his duties as a dedicated teacher, good husband, loving father, sincere friend and a worthy citizen of Sri Lanka.

I share with his wife Anesta, their daughter Suharshini and their son Savio, their deep sorrow and feeling of bereavement.

May he attain eternal bliss

By Lancelot Fernando