It is with both affection and sadness that I write this appreciation of my beloved uncle, Loku Baappa, who passed away at the age of 74 on June 7, 2009.
Loku Baappa was born on April 27, 1935 to the late Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Peiris of Moratuwa. He was my father Terence’s younger brother, 11years his junior. My father predeceased him by five years in December 2003. I have no doubt they are enjoying a family reunion in the Kingdom of Heaven with Podi Bappa (Dudley) and Anta (Ivy), together with Seeya-Daddy and Aachchi-Mamma, singing to their hearts’ content, as they all possessed golden voices. The three brothers were ardent fans of Sunil Shantha and C. T. Fernando and never missed an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Loku Baappa was educated at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and Wesley College, Colombo. After completing his education, he joined Tuckers’ Autodrome as a young motor engineering apprentice, back in 1953. His aptitude with things mechanical was demonstrated when his father bought him an old car. Loku Baappa completely dismantled and reassembled the vehicle with the skill and finesse of an experienced motor mechanic.
He joined the Department of Motor Traffic on December 1, 1956, the day the “Sri” series was introduced and “1 Sri” was registered. His first station was Kurunegala, in 1958, and there he procured an MLG sportscar No. U- 1654, which he entered in the 1959 Old Crocks’ Rally, together with Podi Baappa.
At the time of his retirement he was Assistant Commissioner (Technical) at the Department of Motor Traffic.
He married Sudhu Nanda (Ninette) in 1961. They lived an exemplary and happy wedded life for 48 years. He was fortunate to have a loving and devoted wife who was always by his side, and who looked after him until his final hour. Their 45th wedding anniversary fell on December 23, 2006, which happened to be our son’s homecoming. It was indeed a surprise to them when my brother Trilanth, who happened to be the pageboy at their wedding, brought them both onto the stage and I, who happened to be their flower girl, presented them with a bouquet of flowers, while the band played “Congratulations”.
They were so happy that day. We never expected him to leave us so soon, just two years before his golden wedding anniversary, which he was looking forward to with great eagerness.
I remember Loku Baappa and Sudhu Nanda taking part in an Old Crocks’ Rally dressed as a Hindu bride and groom, just after their wedding. They went on to win the prize for best couple in fancy dress. He organized many such rallies, and also took part in most of them with Sudu Nanda.
Loku Baappa possessed great faith in God. He played an active role in church affairs, and as a youth offered his services to the Koralawella Methodist Church, and later to the Rawathawatte Methodist Church. He attended the Rawathawatte Church’s 150th anniversary celebrations, which fell on April 27 this year, the day of his 74th birthday. I had the opportunity to give the sermon at the prayer meeting on his 73rd birthday.
He encouraged me to write sermons. He always wanted me to say a prayer before breakfast on his birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
He was a loving father to Podi Malli (Ninesh) and Nangi (Nilendrini), and also Eromi and Kumar, whom he never considered as “in-laws”. They looked after Loku Bappa well until his end.
He was very fond of his four grandchildren; Trevine, Eroshan, Kushan and Nashali. His eldest grandson, Podi Malli’s son Trevine was given his grandfather’s initials, T. L. Peiris. He was happy that Podi Malli’s younger son Eroshan was born on his birthday. Eroshan spent much of his time with Seeya and Aachchi and accompanied them to church every Sunday. Nangi’s son Kushan and daughter Nashali were very fond of their Seeya and Aachchi and kept the grandparents constantly occupied.
Dear Loku Baappa, your passing away has left a great emptiness and sadness in our hearts, but we rejoice, knowing that you are now in the presence of Jesus. You may not be physically present with us here, but you will remain in our hearts forever.
May you rest in peace until we meet on that beautiful distant shore.
Your loving niece, Trishanthi Fernando |
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