He showed us the path to follow in meeting life’s challenges

My father L.G. Motha (attorney-at-law) was the eldest child born to Joseph Motha and Agatha Fernandez on March 11, 1898. His younger siblings were Mary, Albert, Cyril and Christobel.

He was educated at St. Joseph’s Colombo, Colombo 10 during the tenure of world famous botanist Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc as Rector.

Due to the untimely demise of my grandfather the expenses associated with Dad’s education were borne by his maternal uncle. I remember my father recalling his student days at St. Joseph’s with his focus on being among the best students each year. With a sense of innate pride my father referred to his proudest moment at school when he achieved the top slot trailed by two classmates who went on to carve a niche in the legal profession being appointed as Queen’s Counsel in the days of yore.

Dad passed out as a lawyer in the early 1920’s and opted to join the reputed legal firm Julius & Creasy. After a few years of apprenticeship, he began his own practice and moved to his office at 371, Dam Street, Colombo literally in the shadow of the Supreme Court of Ceylon. He had a lucrative practice over the years and had to enlist the services of a young lawyer as his assistant to cope with the increasing number of clients.

Dad being the eldest was affectionately addressed as “Lokka” by his siblings, an appellation, we his children, also picked up in deference to his role as the head of the family. My parents married in November 1932 and were blessed with their eldest child in my brother Anton the following year. My mother Maureen Gomez had her education at Holy Cross Anglo Indian High School, Tuticorin, where her granddaughter Rev. Sr. Fatima Motha, also a past student is currently the Mother Superior. Our parents decided to send their sons to St. Benedict’s College and daughters to Good Shepherd Convent, the leading schools in Colombo North.

It is to the credit of my father that he continued his practice for well over 50 years when it was time to retire and enjoy his grandchildren and great grandchildren. My siblings join me in thanking God for the blessing of parents who by precept and example showed us the paths to follow in meeting the challenges of life interspersed with inculcating in us firm discipline.

Dear Dad we wish you a Happy 125th Birthday in Heaven and send our greetings and love in prayer.