A virtuous man whose life was an example to all

“As virtuous men pass mildly away, And whisper to their souls to go, Whilst some of their sad friends do say The breath goes now, and some say, No”

-John Donne

My father-in-law, Nawalage Gunathissa Cooray had many noble qualities. His demise three months ago made me pen down some sentiments about this amazing person who was a second father to me. I treasure his memory and value the true inspiration he imparted to us to live well. He was a pillar of strength and his presence in our lives gave us much courage and wisdom.

Born in 1920 to Selesthina and Davith Cooray of Nawala, my father-in-law lived his entire life in Nawala. He was very much locally rooted, studied at Carey College Colombo 8, and had a deep love for his motherland. He had a strong personality -a tall, wellbuilt man with a booming voice, he commanded attention easily. He was fearless, and any adversity was borne with a pleasant smile.

He was blessed with a happy marriage and was a proud father of two sons and a daughter. He outlived my mother-inlaw, Sumana Cooray, who was such a devoted and caring wife and whose loss he bore with his philosophical thinking. They were a wonderful pair with worthy qualities and instilled many a valuable lesson in us.

Although he was a landed proprietor with means, he lived a simple life and exercised frugality in every sense. Whatever he inherited he valued and was conscientious in looking after it. He had a strong sense of duty towards his three children, gave the best to them and raised them with love and care.

Another trait he possessed was a strong sense of discipline. As a rule, he woke up at 5 a.m., breakfasted at 7, lunched at noon and had dinner at 7 p.m. That was a strict routine he followed with simple meals, and whatever grand dinners afterwards, he never touched food. He was a teetotaller and non-smoker, and these qualities along with his positive mindset contributed to his enjoying a long, healthy life as a nonagenarian, a few years short of reaching century.

My father-in-law lived his life according to the Dhamma. The Nawalage Coorays are devoted dayakayas of Sri Diyawannarama Temple, Nawala. His contribution to the temple was very much appreciated by the resident monks with whom he maintained a cordial relationship. His continuous interest in sermons and Buddhist rituals allowed him much clarity of mind and this sustained him till the last moment of his life.

He led a blessed life without the curses of the complicated health issues many have to endure due to lifestyle choices. There was no malice he bore towards any person; he had the supreme virtue of mudita and found joy in the happiness and success of others. True to his exemplary life, he breathed his last breath surrounded with peace in his sleep after the priests chanted seth pirith.

He was one of the most virtuous men I knew, and his memory is a celebration forever.

Dearest Thattha, may you attain the bliss of Nirvana! Savithri Jayasinghe Cooray