Many memories of a friendship that lasted many moons

It was with a heavy heart that I heard of the demise of “Pete Aiya” (as he was affectionately called by me) at the age of 91. He was the husband of my cousin Patricia and more than the relationship, we were old friends. It was a friendship that lasted many moons whilst we saw our children and grand children growing up. I was their bridesmaid and their eldest son Ranil, was our page boy! So life went full circle, as we grew old together!

Pete took great pride in his three handsome sons, the lovely daughters- in-law and five mischievous grandchildren. His was a life of contentment, as he was blessed most of all “by a pearl beyond all price” in his wife Patty. They did everything together, travelled all over the world and she was the epitome of a good and obedient wife! A former music teacher, a profession she gave up to bring up her kids, she continued to lend her talents to their church, where she played the organ for the weekly services.

The sons followed in their father’s footsteps, of being a Banker. Pete worked for 39 years as a senior executive of the Central Bank, always meticulous, always punctual and a fastidious dresser. Never have I seen him without his shoes, pants and shirt, perfectly matching. His eldest son Ranil is a senior manager of the Millennium branch of the Seyan Bank and the youngest Sahan, a senior manager of HSBC. His second son Nuwan resides overseas and sadly couldn’t make it on time for the funeral.

Many are the trips my husband and I went along with them. We all belonged to the service organisation FONCA, which focused on the enhancement of the lives of needy children. Annual trips were organised for the kids and we went along to help give them a good time. The good times we had are memories we will carry throughout our lives!

Pete and Patty looked after their aged parents under their roof until they were no more. Each and every relative who came from abroad stayed at their cosy home in Ratmalana and were made to feel warmly welcome. Pete was physically fit and mentally alert until the last. How many of us would be similarly blessed I wonder?

May the good you have done in your lifetime, reap a full and just reward in the afterlife! May you rest in peace!