Till we meet again and laugh once more

Death is inevitable. It comes to all but when it comes to one who is so close, it is indeed extremely sad.

Life seems so cruel for him to be taken away from us so early. He suffered a brief illness and breathed his last a few days ago. Kenneth was a unique friend. He was quiet and reserved with many but vivacious and hilarious with close friends. He was a handsome, high-spirited, pleasant and humble person.

Kenneth was my closest friend for more than 55 years and was my best- man. As schoolboys, we fished in the Lunawa lagoon, played cricket and enjoyed eating ten -cent buns and ice cream (popsicles) from the college canteen.

His death has created a vacuum and I have lost a dear friend who is irreplaceable. The emptiness in me I cannot seem to fill. He was a man who reached out to his friends, particularly in their times of distress. He was steadfast in his loyalty to them and this was evident from the large crowd at his funeral including many emi- nent personalities.

Kenneth gave generously to the underprivileged. Throughout his life, he epitomised love and compassion for the poor and marginalised.

He was the president of the Lions Club, Hendala.

Viewed from a Christian perspective, he was a true believer in Christ with an empathetic heart.

He was an amazing husband and father, to his wife Priyani and only son Milinda. Priyani was a loving wife and a great strength to him in his challenging duties and looked after him with enormous care and affection, especially when Kenneth was suffering from his brief illness. He was very close to his son Milinda and gave him the correct education and exposure, laying the foundation for his success.

I thank God for his life and giving me a such a wonderful friend. I will not say farewell because I know we will meet again and laugh once more. May your soul rest in peace.

Lalin. I. De Silva