Remembering a selfless Daddy

You raised us up on your shoulders. Dad, though we miss you always, we missed you deeply on March 24 because it marked your 100th Birthday. You may not be here to celebrate that special day with us, but we are sure you are celebrating it with MOM and the demised members of our family and angels in Heaven. 

In his public career dad rose to managerial level with humble beginnings as an ordinary clerk joining ANCL/Lakehouse for Rs.45 in 1940 under Mr. D.R. Wijewardana. He served Lakehouse as Manager - Observer, Advertising Dept., Foreign Advertising Agency Dept. and also oversaw the Tamil Daily Thinakaran. 

He served this institution from 1940 – 1985 (45 Years) continuously; the last few years being on extended service under Mr. Ranjith Wijewardana and later under several governments. 

He was the treasurer of Lakehouse Sports club for nearly 25 years and was instrumental in organising “The Tour de Lanka” Cycle Race which was popular and drew massive crowds. 

He started his school career at St. Sebastian’s College, Hultsdorp and then moved to St. Benedict’s College Kotahena under the tutelage of De La Salle brothers. His records divulged that he had taken the subjects English language, English literature, Latin, World History and Botany. He passed his London matriculation, but couldn’t enter university because of forced commitments towards his family as the eldest. So he was adamant in making us, his children, professionals. Growing up with bare necessities in the world then devoid of social media, TV and other entertainments, we gravitated towards serious studies and sports. Two of us became doctors and the other two joined mercantile institutions. He believed that “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.

His deep spiritual commitment honed by his catholic background was the foundation for his disciplined life, both career wise and socially.

Dad was a loving father, but also a strict disciplinarian. Very much concerned about time management he always said “Time wasted, Failure tasted”. He didn’t spare the rod occasionally for our misdemeanors, through it all he instilled a sound value system of our sustenance and graceful living. 

He taught us responsibility, honesty, discipline, manners, decision making, punctuality and how to handle authority. He showed us how to earn respect for ourselves by showing respect to others irrespective of their social status. A man of great simplicity, he didn’t “dress to impress” but believed that “cleanliness’ is next to godliness”. He was very frank and out spoken and called a spade a spade. 

He was a teetotaler, a prolific reader and writer. His second bible was the works and tales of Shakespeare. His belief was to “work to earn your daily bread till you die”. An early riser he extoled the virtues of “early to rise and early to bed” and kickstart the day with humming some songs of Praise. These songs are a “fixture” in my brain even today. 

He helped the poor and marginalised, specially those who had lost their breadwinners, by finding them jobs in the public and private sector establishment through his contacts.  

The union with my mother, Mary Therese (Rani), produced four children (all boys). And he brought in two more girls to our family when their father passed away at an early stage, making it 6 children totally. He carried all this weight on his shoulders throughout his life.

Finally.

Dad,
Like a candle you melted yourself down to give us light in our lives.
Thank you Lord for the wonderful treasure you gave us in Daddy. Will meet again very soon Dad.
Your Loving Son,
Mano.
(Dr. Mano Fernando)