We have lost a wonderful friend
We are profoundly saddened by the passing away of our good friend Lloyd. He peacefully clasped the blessed hands of almighty God, at the age of 64 on Saturday, May 18, 2019. We had known that he had been very ill, but we thought he would make a good recovery. So, the news of his passing came as a tremendous shock. While we grieve for his passing away, we must also rejoice for the life of an extraordinary person who had an extraordinary life with a loving wife, daughter, and son-in-law.
I first met Lloyd in 1980 whilst he came as a new appointment to the Operational Division of the 1981 Census of Population and Housing at the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). We worked together for about two years and it was enough to witness his capabilities. He did his job conscientiously and in a responsible manner, working right through the day. He was not interested in making money and was only content in doing a good job. That was his reward.
After three years, in 1983 he left the government service and joined the private sector - the Ceylon Tobacco Company and thereafter Keells Food Products PLC. DCS is where he met Priyanthi and after leaving the department in 1984 they were happily married. Occasionally we met in our office and we continued our friendship. After we retired, we used to meet at our pensioners’ get-togethers and annual trips. The last trip was in last November at Tangalle.
Lloyd was lucky to have had Priyanthi as his wife, for behind the success of Lloyd there was Priyanthi. She was there for him all the way for nearly 35 years of married life, supporting him in all his endeavours. His only daughter always rallied around him. Lloyd not only had a successful professional life but also had a happy family life. Lloyd was always very jovial and his good moods were infectious. He was such good company.
With Lloyd’s death, one whole chapter of our life ended. Life will never be the same again. All of us have lost a wonderful friend. To Priyanthi, his devoted wife and daughter Sachi, the shock of losing Lloyd at the age of 64 is something they never expected. All his relatives and friends will no doubt miss him. Wherever you are I know it is a good place as you lived such a good life and expended your talents for the benefit of others. Thank you, Lloyd, for the memories you have left and for the good times we have shared.
Goodbye Lloyd, our lovely friend. May you be at peace.