T. Sothrajah who died on August 27 was an aircraft engineer at Sri Lankan Airlines. His caring wife Reeda who rushed him to hospital sensing a hint of danger in the wee hours of August 26, when he suddenly fell ill, was by his side when he answered the call from his Creator after a forty-hour long fight with death. He fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith.
When we last met at a family gathering, all of us were enthusiastically asking him to throw a party for his 50th birthday, but his reply was that he was not sure whether he would be alive to celebrate it. I almost admonished him to get rid of his pessimism. Did he have a premonition of his impending death? Who is to know. “For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?” (ECCLESIATES 6:12).
No doubt that his loss will take quite a while for his wife Reeda and daughter Amanda to bear, yet we have to take solace that on earth we not only have trials and tribulations but also all compounded things of nature are subject to death and decay. He was a live-wire at every family gathering, we used to say there was no party without Sothi. He was a cheerful, humorous, vibrant and multi-dimensional personality. His methodical and systematic approach to any task was a delight to watch.
He motivated others with encouraging and appreciating words. His cherubic and endearing smile will linger with us forever. He was devoid of malice, pompous and envy yet humble, for surely God will exalt him in his abode above. “God loved him because he was a cheerful helper of the needy in their hour of need” (2 COR. 9:7). His act of generosity was known only to the recipient and God.
Gentleman to the fingertips, his sense of commitment and absolute integrity enabled him to win applause from many.
He was an exemplary family man, caring and devoted husband, affectionate and protective father, philosopher and guide to all his family circle. To me he was a cherished brother-in-law.
Your memories will linger in our hearts forever, until we meet you on that beautiful distant shore, the heavenly abode where there is no parting.
Eternal rest grant
unto him O Lord
May You Rest in Peace
Elmo Fernando |
E-mail