A man of wisdom and lovable personality

I was grieved to learn the unexpected sad death of Mr. Theophilus Kirupakaran Augustine on December

16, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. He was born on July 23 1938 at Pandiyanthalvu, Jaffna to orthodox Catholic parents, father Augustine and mother Mariama with three brothers and three sisters who predeceased him.

During the time his father Augustine was a teacher at St Patrick’s College Jaffna, Theophilus Kirupakaran joined St Patrick’s College and excelled in studies and co-curricular activities. During Lent, Rev Fr. T.M.F. Long, OMI, Rector, St Patrick’s College organised an open-air Passion Play and he was chosen to play the main role as Jesus Christ.

Completing the secondary education he moved to Colombo for employment and joined the Govt. Service in the Auditor General’s Department. He passed the competitive exam and was selected as an Accountant and was posted to the Govt. Railway Department.

He married Indra Saverimuttu on June 1, 1966 and they were blessed with one son Emil Rohan. He was a devoted husband, an affectionate father and loving grandfather, always concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of his family. He carried out all his paternal responsibilities with much love and commitment. He brought up his son Rohan in the fear of God and instilled noble qualities in him giving priority to education.

Having served with honesty and sincerity he was rewarded with the promotion as Deputy Chief Accountant in the Railways Department. Having proved his professional excellence in serving as Chief Accountant he was appointed as Director, Internal Audit in the Treasury. While working in the Treasury, he represented the Government as a Director in the Trans Asia Hotel.He actively participated in the Govt. Service Accountants Association in various projects holding responsible positions and shared his extensive knowledge of accountancy with many, helping them to qualify and achieve their ambitions in life. He also never lost touch with Tamil culture.

After retirement, he migrated to Adelaide with his wife Indra to join their beloved son Rohan. They lived close to St Francis of Assisi Church and Augustine was much involved in church activities and social work.

Augustine’s prayers and faith in God sustained him in all his triumphs and trials. A gentleman par excellence, lovable personality with simplicity, a faithful friend at times of need, many were privileged to have moved with him closely and enjoyed his love and wisdom. He was a man of discipline and sound character, full of charisma and virtue.

May he rest in peace. S.B.David