I am sure you continue to guide us from your heavenly abode

A unique human being …. With a heart of gold filled with love and compassion …

Who left lasting memories on numerous hearts…

Anton Obeysekera known as ‘Anton’ to some, ‘Obey’ to his office colleagues, -‘Punchi Mahathmaya’ to some in Mount Lavinia where he spent almost his whole life, was for us - his children, our affectionate, loving and devoted “Thaththa” whose 100th birth anniversary falls on October 14.

He was named Don Callistus Ferdinandez Obeysekera, the youngest son born to Don Thobius Ferdinandez Obeysekera and Emiliya Gurusinghe in Galle. He had his education at St Aloysius College, Galle and at the age of 17 he moved to Colombo with his parents and lived with his eldest sister and brother- in- law, ( Vincent & Caroline Jayasuriya) in Mount Lavinia. He lost his father when he was 18. He joined the Army in April 1939 and was enrolled in the Ceylon Life Infantry. He was awarded “Efficiency Medals” in recognition of his services in World War II. He ended his service with the Ceylon Defence Force in September 1949 and in the same year began his career with a mercantile tea firm.

In 1952, he married HettiArachchige Pricilla Perera from Kotte. They lived in Kotte till 1959, and shifted to Mount Lavinia in 1960. He was an affectionate and caring husband, a loving father of a daughter and two sons and the most popular relative among his and his wife’s relations.

He was a great cricket lover and played club cricket. His heart was also anchored in social and humanitarian work, and he was involved in many social and humanitarian activities through the Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Christian Workers’ Movement. After his retirement he served as the Administrative Secretary of the Christian Workers’ Movement at its Headquarters. He joined the Social and Economic Development Centre ( Caritas Sri Lanka) as a Finance Officer and served for over 15 years under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Vianney Fernando ( presently Bishop of Kandy), Rev. Fathers Vincent Dep, Peter Charles Fernando, Camillus Fernando andOswald Firth. He retired from SEDEC in 1993.

As a parishioner of St. Anthony’s, Mount Lavinia, his contribution towards the parish he belonged to since 1960 up to his passing away in 2000 is noteworthy. He was a great “counsellor” who had the ability to guide almost anyone, purely based on the gift of God’s wisdom. Being a very understanding person, he was able to provide guidance to a large number of people especially the youth to journey on a right path. He served as the advisor to the St. Anthony’s Youth Association. He would get the assistance of his contacts to help people to find employment, schools for their children and other financial and material needs. He was also instrumental in helping a great number of underprivileged families in the parish by channelling funds to St. Anthony’s Parish from various humanitarian and charitable institutions.

You were a greatly blessed person Thaththa, and we your three children feel we are even more blessed to have had you as our Thaththa. Although it is over 20 years since you left us in May 2020, you continue to be in our hearts with much love and appreciation and I am sure you continue to guide us from your heavenly abode.

In appreciation of your life, a Holy Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, Mount Lavinia on October 14 at 6.30 a.m.

With deep love to you Thaththa from all of us - till we meet across the bridge.