He was never ashamed of his humble beginnings, even after achieving great success
'Gabo', the name synonymous with the travel trade, is no more. My association with this magnanimous human being goes far back to our childhood and school days when we happened to live down the same lane and attended rival schools. His parents and my mother too had a very cordial friendship as neighbours and the next generation of our children too seem to maintain the same relationship.
Gabo began his career in life as part of the cabin crew in Air Ceylon at the same time pursuing his love for music. He displayed his talent as an excellent drummer.
If I recall right, he played with the band 'Thunderbirds' and 'Sam the Man and The Gaylords' but blossomed out and became the most sought after when he formed his own group - 'Gabo and the Breakaways'. They played for almost all the big dances and beat shows. A hallmark of his repertoire was the Santana music which was very popular at the time where he took charge of the percussion, playing a variety of drums, including the conga drums. I remember how once the stage got burnt accidentally, with fire that was lit in containers to release smoke and incense to add effect to the Santana sounds, compelling the authorities thereafter to charge a massive refundable deposit whenever a hall was booked for a musical performance.
Gabo recalled how he sorted out my fan mail and postcards for request programmes I voiced at Radio Ceylon while I had the joy of recording and presenting him on radio as a member of the 'Thunderbirds' and later introducing Gabo and his musicians - 'The Breakaways' as the foremost and extremely popular band, at various musical events and dances. He gave up his successful musical career, literally overnight, at the pinnacle of his success when he and his band played at a dance on a Saturday night and disbanded by Monday.
Gabo was a down to earth, hum- ble human being who stood with his friends in good times and not so good times. I know of instances where he took great risks to help a friend. He never hesitated or thought it infradig to recall his simple beginnings. I remember him saying: "Machang our children go to 5-star hotels to enjoy dessert, whereas you and I considered it a treat to have a five cent toffee after meals. It made me realise that both of us had to work hard, often keeping up the whole night and burning the candle at both ends, to get to where we were”.
Gabo also related how another of our wonderful neighbours, Adam, who predeceased him in a motor accident, was his classmate and came from a more affluent home and was privileged to travel to Royal College on a motor bike. Adam would dash home for lunch, and return in time to lend his bike to Gabo to get home for lunch to travel the 5 cent distance by bus and get back, thus saving 10 cents with which he bought a cigarette and shared a few puffs with Adam.
That was Gabo- who was never ashamed of his simple beginnings and remained simple even after achieving great success.fortunately for him, his capable wife Savi is competent enough to carry on what he started and I have no doubt she will take the business to greater heights in the future. Gabo was blessed to see his three lovely children settled in life and also to enjoy his grandchildren.
When Gabo slowed down after sickness a few years back, I made it a point to walk down and see him whenever I found the time. I was moved to see that he was no longer the lively, flamboyant personality he had been, but was not lacking in hospitality.
I share the grief of Savi, his children and only sister Chaturani whom he has left behind and can say, together with my family, that we will truly miss a good friend and neighbour.
Vijaya Corea