To me my grandfather, Tha, presents the embodiment of a whole, great person, someone worthy to be impressed about and admired! He was a great man and one whose footsteps I would love to follow. My regret is that I didn't spend the last moments of his life, with him! It has been said that life is valued not by the years one puts into one's work but by the work one puts into one's years and my grandfather, Mr. William Gnanasigamany Annappah, packed a great deal of work; works of charity, works of mercy and works of service into his seventy-two years in this world. Both during his teaching career and afterwards, he was a fine example of one who was willing to go the second mile and of one who refused to bury his talents but put them to full use in the service of his master and the community.
He was a very diligent and hard working man who expected perfection from others just as he was willing to give it! He is not only well liked despite his frankness and scathing tongue but very well respected in the place I come from in Sri-Lanka. Everybody who is really part of this community knows him! He last retired as a principal of the local high-school too.
He was like a father to his students. Infact my mother recalls that he had even ripped her new dress when she was young, to stop the blood flow of one of his students who had been hurt! My mother had been furious and angry as I hear (*smile*). He was a great actor and had put up many charity shows as well. He was superb in scouting too and he had made all his children good scouts.
He will best be remembered as a public, spirited (very!!! *smile*) gentleman who was willing to give of his time and energies generously for the numerous causes and organizations that were dear to him. His life is an inspiration and challenge to his grandchildren, children, family and all the people who had the privilege of knowing him!
This which a cousin of mine wrote, strikes me a lot...
Tha dear, where have you gone? To meet Jesu papa in heaven? Why didn't you say 'tata' to me before you went? One day I saw you in a long box covered with flowers, garlands and wreaths and when I came nearer to talk to you, you didn't even look at me, didn't even call me 'Kuddy Seela' as usual. Though you didn't say 'tata' to me, I'll say 'tata' to you....
His loss is irredeemable....
