RIP CLARENCE CORERA

Note from Shawnn & Suzan Corera ……..

Please join us as we say good bye to Dad.

Visitation will be held from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Friday, October 6th at
Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home
26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD
301-253-2138

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church
Saturday, October 7th at 10.30am
9240 Damascus Road
Damascus, MD 20872

For Circulation Among Petes …PEN

Clarence Corera was a well known Peterite Musician based In Maryland. He is also the dad of Shawn Corera. ( also a  former Peterite and popular DJ in the East Coast, USA) )..
 

May He Rest in Peace…

Clarence Corera

CLARENCE CORERA…THE DRUMS WILL NOT STOP BEATING

BY DIRK TISSERA

Joseph Clarence Bernard Corera walked to the beat of his own drum. On October 3, 2017 Clarence (61) one of Sri Lanka’s finest drummers, passed away at his Maryland, Washington DC home in the United States. He would have turned 62 on November 18, 2017.

His death has left an indelible mark and a huge void on the music fraternity both in Sri Lanka and around the globe. Sri Lankan musos from all walks of life were deeply saddened at the news of his untimely passing. As hundreds of condolences poured in on social media and from around the world, Clarence, albeit must be banging on all the pots and pans in the heavenly skies above.

His high-school sweetheart and wife for 38 years, Darlene was overcome with grief. “We brought Clarence home from hospital on Saturday, September 30. Just last evening, on Sunday, October 1 we went to the mall and did some grocery shopping and he was in good spirits.”

“We had dinner and Clarence retired to bed. In the morning around 6.45 a.m. I made him a cup of tea and when I entered his room, he had fallen off his bed and was lying motionless on the floor,” Darlene said choking with emotion.

Clarence was diagnosed with a serious congested heart condition by doctors in the U.S. four years ago. He never smoked in his life, but two years ago more complications had set in,“ said Darlene.

“Doctors told us that he was just not fit enough to undergo surgery. Later his kidneys failed and fluid had to be pumped out through his stomach. He was also on dialysis both in hospital and at home.”

“Clarence knew that his condition was not good but was always a fighter in life. He worked in the hospitality industry at a Bethesda Retirement Centre in Maryland as a chef right until August 14, 2017 and got along like a house on fire with elderly residents there.”

Clarence doted on his loving family and is survived by his wife Darlene, son Shawn, daughter-in-law Susan and grandson of five months, Cheynan. He also loved his music and food with a great passion.

He leaves behind his sister, Marina in Sri Lanka and brother, Clement in Australia.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 6 and the cremation will take place on Monday, October 9

We, at The Sri Lankan Anchorman remember Clarence with very fond memories. He was part of a glamorous line-up of musicians that performed at our Tsunami fundraiser dinner dance in Toronto on May 7, 2005. Other members of that star-studded line-up included, Alston Koch, Tony Samaranayake, Raj Jalaldeen, Sherwin Jayah and Shanaka Viswakula.

A few years later my wife Michelle and I met Clarence and Dalrene in Maryland when on a visit. Clarence welcomed us with a sumptuous platter of mixed fried rice, shrimp and an assortment of other mouth-watering delights and we washed it down with a few stiff Scotch whiskeys. Clarence enjoyed a good drink and so did I. The company was perfect.

Clarence was a genuine soul. He did not have any hang-ups. He simply lived life his way.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his loving wife Darlene, Shawn, daughter-in-law Susan, grandson Cheynan, sister Marina and brother Clement.

“I hear the sound of distant drums
Far away, far away
And if they call for me to come
Then I must go, and you must stay”

Goodbye our dear friend…May you entertain the angels with your conga rhythms.

September 21, 2010.

 

My friend, Melville Joseph Assauw, passed away on the 23rd of June this year, just short of the Biblical three score years and ten. I had known for some time that Mel had been seriously ill and the news of his demise should not have been a surprise. But it was. The sad news cast a shadow of gloom and carved a deep niche of sorrow in the hearts of those, such as myself, who loved and respected him.

I often met Mel at Jonathan Studio where in the company of Mervyn Wijeratne, my wife's cousin, we had many a pleasant and jovial chat. Mervyn had given Mel a small area to do his art work and from such small beginnings he progressed to be a true icon in the field of advertising in an era which saw the likes of radio and media personalities, Tim Horshington, Greg Roskowski, and others.

Mel was educated at my alma mater, St. Peter's College, Colombo. He took to advertising firstly as Director of International Advertising Services (IAS) and later as its Creative Director, in addition to being the Creative Director of Prachards, a subsidiary of IAS. The natural outcome of all these early endeavours was for Melville to form his own Company – Mel Ads Ltd – a family business which now counts 35 years in the field of advertising. Mel's initiative and drive and, most importantly, the goodwill that he made him expand into other fields. He initiated what I believe was the first ever Teledrama in Sri Lanka: Dimuthu Muthu, in addition to producing many other publications for the local and public sector. Melville became President of the Four ‘A’s in Sri Lanka during the years 1986 –1988, and headed the International Advertising Association (IAA – Sri Lanka Chapter) in 1999-2001.

Being the man that he was, ever willing to help those less fortunate, he became a Rotarian and was President of his Club in 1987 – 1988, and subsequently became District Governor of Sri Lanka in 1994 – 1995. All the above commitments took up much of his time, but of course he also had to direct his energies to his own firm. There is something of a paradox here in that Mel Ads was a great success and at times also a failure. There were those who joined him as raw neophytes, worked hard and later on left to do their own thing. He had no problem with these people. Sadly, however, there were also some unscrupulous opportunists who sought his help, joined his firm, virtually sucked his brains and with nary a thank you left him surreptitiously and in an underhand manner taking with them some Mel Ads accounts which, to say the least, undermined and threatened the viability of his Company. Mel certainly had business acumen, but he lacked shrewdness. His kindly disposition also had with it a degree of naivete which prevented him from quickly identifying those who would use him solely to further their own agendas. These events caused him untold anguish and further exacerbated his failing health. Mercifully, with the help of his devoted wife Bernie and daughter Maryse, and also a lifelong friend who stepped in, there was a turnaround and Mel lived to see his beloved Mel Ads on a firm footing once more.

If one took his accomplishments in the pioneering field of advertising to be the high watermark in his life and his only achievement, this would be a mistake.

Mellville was a man of many talents. He was an oil painter of considerable repute, a landscape artist, a man interested in the culinary arts and immune to the overwhelming influence of TV, much preferring to read a good book. When I was at his home in Maharagama to photograph his daughter Maryse's engagement, the late President J. R. Jayewardene (a personal friend of Mel and the family) was present and expressed his admiration of the numerous oil paintings created by Mel which tastefully adorned the walls of his lovely home. If anything, Mel's abiding interest was painting. He admired and was influenced by the works of David Paynter, Ivor Baptist, Donald Ramanayake, among others, but would not imitate them. He often lamented that his other commitments left him with little time to indulge in his passion for painting, but nonetheless managed to have four solo Exhibitions of his work. He generously donated several of his paintings for relief work in Indonesia.

Above everything else, Melville Assauw was a deeply religious man. By this I don't mean mere strict observance of the formalities of a church- going Catholic. He didn't carry his religion on his shoulders or in his pocket. His abiding faith was an ingrained quality which influenced everything he did. Mel was greatly blessed in having a beautiful family; his son Angelo and daughter Maryse, and of course a wonderful soulmate in his wife, Bernie. A Company Director, a refined and accomplished person if ever there was one, Bernie above all was his great love and tower of strength in good times and in bad. As his energies ebbed and the end of his journey through life inexorably drew to a close, Mel's spirituality blossomed further, even to the extent of his seeing beautiful visions of the after life. In the wee hours of the morning he would ask Bernie to sing his favourite hymns, a beautiful and fitting scenario which continued till the end. Bernie can surely take comfort in the Christian and perhaps universal concept among believers) that death is but a star-lit strip between the companionship of yesterday and the reunion of tomorrow.

We all grieve his passing, but more importantly rejoice in having had the opportunity of knowing such a good, decent and accomplished man. A Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the life and works of Melville Assauw will be held at St. Theresa's Church, Thimbirigasyaya, on Thursday 23rd September 2010, at 6.30 pm.

Jerome Crusz

(Courtesy: The Island)

Trevor bats no more!

Trevor Croner, that versatile sportsman from St. Joseph's College, Maradana passed away in Brisbane, Australia after bravely fighting a terminal illness.(24 Dec 2004) Trevor excelled in cricket but did not confine his talents to cricket alone. He represented the college in soccer, swimming and athletics as well. In football he scored the only goal for Sri Lankan schools when they toured Thailand. He first donned the school cap when he played under 12 cricket for his alma mater and played right throughout his school career in all the age groups finally culminating in his skippering the first XI team in 1977.

He completed his school career when in 1977 he was selected as the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in his final year-1977. He first excelled at St. Joseph's as a wicket-keeper batsman but later on he turned out to be a fantastic leg spin bowler who could bowl the wrong 'un as well. Finally in his last two years he bowled medium pace-which shows what a superb all-round cricketer he was.

During his tenure as player for 3 successive years from 1974-76, St. Joseph's won the schools limited over tournament. In the year that Trevor captained, the school finished runner-up losing to Ashok Jayawickrema's Royalists in the final. Incidentally the Under 16 team from Joes led by Rohan Wijesinghe (Snr) lost to Royal led again by Ashok Jayawickrama.

Trevor's colleagues at St.Joseph's notably Susilough de S. Wijeyeratne, Carlton Bernadus, Wayne Jansz were all helpful in providing information about his outstanding school career.

Susilough recalls that in the limited over semi final in 1976 against S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia led by Sasi Ganesan, played at the Bloomfield grounds the Joes won by 13 runs. Openers Trevor Croner and Rohitha Wickremaratne blasted the Thomian bowling for 166 runs for the first wicket, which could well be a record even today. This stand paved the way for a Josephian victory and the openers scored their runs against no mean Thomian attack led by Saliya Ahangama, Ishak Sahabdeen, Ajit Ganesan and the late Lalith Ratnayake.

The Joes beat Ananda led by Ruwan Perera in the final also by the same margin.

Trevor was also involved in a massive 200 run partnership with his skipper Dushan Soza for the 3rd wicket against Ananda College in 1976, which is a ground record at Darley Road. Incidentally he also became the first to score a century on the new scoreboard at the time.

In 1977, playing against Trinity College at Darley Road (an attack which included Ravi Ratnayake) the Joes were given a target of scoring 194 runs in 80 minutes. St. Joseph's won the match with two overs to spare.

Rohan Wijesinghe(Snr) notched up a century and the hard hitting Trevor Croner and Lakshman Aloysius finished the game for them.

Trevor also played soccer for the Joes and was in the winning team that won the Brazil Cup for the first time in 1976 under Rupert Ranaweera.

He also represented Sri Lanka schools under 19 in 1976 when they toured Thailand and scored the only goal for Sri Lanka.

He was an efficient centre-forward who could kick with both legs.

He also represented his alma mater in athletics and swimming.

He played for Freudenburg and Co: in 1978 alongside Roy Dias, Ranjan de Silva, Yohan Gunasekera and Jeyaraj Solomons.

He then migrated to Melbourne, Australia where he played club and grade cricket. Thereafter he crossed over to Brisbane, Queensland. There he qualified as a level 2 Australian coach and was involved with coaching in Queensland. He was appointed as a Development Officer/Coach.

During his visits to Sri Lanka he spent a lot of his time visiting districts and coaching and imparting his knowledge to the kids.

While on holidays his played for the Old Joes.

His team- mates created a fund for him and his teammate Sharmilal de S.Wijeyeratne provided accommodation for him when he went to the States.

One aspect of Trevor that may not be known by many is the fact that he had hidden talents away from the sports field.

He was a musician par excellence and even had his own band "Twintronix" in Queensland and used to play at all Sri Lankan functions.

Trevor married Daveena Kellar and had two sons and two daughters. A memorial service was held for his soul at S. Joseph's School Chapel on Friday January 7.

I'm sure that when the "One Great Scorer comes to write against his name he will write not whether he won or lost but how he played the game", and when the Saints meet on high and "go marching in" Trevor as the former Josephian skipper will be there to wield the willow. ********************************************************************

Trevor Croner gravely ill; friends seek help (Sri Lanka Island newspaper 29.4.2001)

Trevor Croner the former Josephian sportsman who excelled in cricket and soccer in the seventies is seriously ill. Trevor who is now domiciled in Australia has been diagnosed with Secondary renal cell cancer in his lungs, bones and right adrenal gland. The doctors attending on him in Australia have said that he has only 8-10 months to live. He has visited a top specialist in Minnesota (US) who has said that there is a 1 in 10 chance treatment that could work for him. This treatment which is called interlukan 2 (IL 2) is very expensive and would require Trevor to go to the USA shortly to undergo it.

Two types of help would be important and appreciated. Moral and spiritual support and funds.

Shamilal De S. Wijeratne his former cricket team-mate at college together with a few other schoolmates and friends have launched a fund raiser for Trevor in the US and UK. A few friends of his in Sri Lanka are compiling a special get well card listing out all names of friends and well wishers here, and have opened a bank account in his name to raise funds.

All financial contributions can be sent to Trevor Croner Benefit Fund A/c No 001-437417-001 at HSBC City Office, Colombo 1.

Trevor can be contacted in Australia on Tel. 7-3880-1815 or email croner@bigpond.com. Anyone of his following friends could be contacted for more information. They are Lalith De S. Wijeratne (074-304027) Susilough de S. Wijeratne- (875934) or Wayne Jansz (077-388831 Adrian De J. Seneviratne (071-274029). *******************************************************************

Bens-Joes play out an exciting draw

The inaugural cricket encounter between traditional rivals St. Benedict's College, Kotahena and St. Joseph's College, Darley Road played at Kotahena on Friday and Saturday ended in a thrilling draw.

There was much excitement before the game began, because this was the first time that the two colleges were going to take the field fronting up for a trophy the – Mack-Croner trophy.

Before going on to describe what took place out in the middle, it is but right to say a few words about Malcolm Mack and Trevor Croner who were two wonderful cricketers who lit up the game during their time with their elegant and exciting batting.

Both were batsmen in the manner born and they were exciting to watch with the willow in their hand. Mack was a right hander and Croner a left hander. To them pat ball cricket was not in their get up. They were coached on the lines that the ball was there to be hit and hit it they did and the ball stayed hit, either for four or six.

Clever thinker

As captains too, they were clever thinkers and tossed the coin aiming for a decision because drawn games were anathema to them. And they instilled on their teams that it was not the winning or losing that mattered, but how one played the game.

Mack and Croner set an example which rubbed of on all their team mates and the particular game they captained, saw thrilling cricket which finally ended in a victory for Croner's Joes. Mack's Bens were gallant in defeat.

That Mack and Croner had to answer the call from god when in their prime was sad. That is why it is said that the good die young. May the turf that they walked with great dedication, devotion, determination and example rest softly on them.

To go down memory lane and now that Mack/Croner Trophy has been offered and which game would be contested for this Trophy, it must be recalled that in the not too distant past, the Bens and Joes played a 50-over game for the Rev. Bro. Alban Trophy. *********************************************************************

Lakshman Serasinghe

Lakshman Serasinghe was a household name in Sri Lanka's sport circles in the mid-fifties. He was an all-round sports star who had his baptism to Cricket and Rugby at his Alma Mater in 1955. Blessed with a superb physique, burly forward Lakshman Serasinghe captained the Peterite Rugby XV in 1956 and played alongside legends like Desmond Ephraims, Maurice de Silva, Brian de Silva, JayanthaFernando and a host of other well known ruggerites produced by SPC.

It was cricket that Lakshman excelled as an all-rounder. He opened bowling with Maurice Salgado (1955), Anton Paul Pillai (1956) and first change in 1957 as St. Peter's had Anton Perera and Paul Pillai doing the honours that year. He was a fiery pace bowler who played his part in the team.

As a batsman, Lakshman went in at No.3 in 1955 at a time when Brian de Silva and Jayantha Fernando opened batting. Legendary batsman Clive Inman followed him at No.4. He was a member of the victorious 1955 Peterite team captained by Clive Inman who led from the front to beat the Josephians by 8-wickets. Serasinghe scored 35 in the 1st innings and scored the winning run batting with Inman to record a superb win for his alma mater. In 1956 and 1957, he dropped down in the batting order and was known to be a lusty hitter of the ball.

Lakshman Serasinghe's cricketing buddies in 1955, 1956 and 1957 were Clive Inman, Brian de Silva, Jayantha Fernando, Roy Jayasinghe, Kenneth & Russel Duckworth, Maurice Salgadoe, Maurice de Silva (better known as a rugger player), R. Saravanabhavan, Darrel D'Silva, David Muthumani, Anton Paul Pillai, Premasiri Athukorale, Brian Seneviratne, Anton Perera, Christie Marthalingam and others.

Lakshman lived in Bambalapitiya on the land side. I believe it was Visakha Road and diagonally opposite Holy Family Convent just before Sarawathie Lodge and had a sister Ransiri who was a track star at HFC. He went into planting upon leaving school and then emigrated to Australia in the 60s or 70s and lived in Melbourne.

The funeral service will be on Saturday 8th July at 2:30pm at Le Pine funerals, 388 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley followed by a wake. A private cremation will be held at a later date.

The image is that of 1957 St. Peter’s College 1st XI Cricket team. In this team photo Lakshman Serasinghe is next to Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando (Rector, SPC) and Vice Captain of the team.

From L to R (Seated) Russel Duckworth, Coach, Jayantha Fernando (Capt.), Fr. Arthur Fernando (Rector), Lakshman Serasinghe (Vice Capt.), Anton Paul Pillai, David Muthumani.

(Standing): Darrel D'Silva, Mitchell Rabot, Christie Marthalingam, Brian Seneviratne, Anton Perera, Nihal Ranasinghe, Nihal Wijesena and Saifu Davoodbhoy.

Seated: Premasiri Athukorale and Roy Dissanayaka.

1957 "Big Match" was drawn but there were many noteworthy performances both by the Joes and Peterites. Batting first, St. Joseph's amassed a huge total of 298 runs with skipper Kirthi Caldera leading from the front. Caldera was 99 when he was brilliantly caught by Lakshman Serasinghe off the bowling of Russel Duckworth. Carlyle Perera, 77, Emilton Fernando, 53, Tissa de Soysa, 24, were among the runs for the Joes. Serasinghe bowled 10 overs for 26 runs with no wickets. Duckworth 3/41 and Anton Perera 3/69 bowled best for the Peterites.

In reply, the Peterites scored 192 runs with Premasiri Athukorale knocking up 85 runs in a beautifull crafted innings. Opener Nihal Wijesena, 24, was the only other batsman who scored over 20 runs. The Peterites did way better in the 2nd innings averting defeat at the hands of the commanding total of 298 by the Joes. Peterite skipper Jayantha Fernando scored a fluent 81 runs and helped the team to a score of 246 runs at close of play. Darrel D'Silva, 59, and Athukorale, 52, helped build the score. The game ended in a tame draw but remembered for a few highlights shown below.

• Kirthi Caldera's 99 runs,
• Jayantha Fernando's 81,
• brilliant double by Premasiri Athukorale who scored 85 and 52,
• Josephian opening bowler Ranjith Malawana bagged 8 wickets for 57 runs in the Peterite 1st innings.

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By: Upali Obeyesekere – An Old Peterite from Toronto, Canada

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Tribute to a legendary Peterite sportsman – Anton Perera

March 7, 2014, 9:18 pm 

This 2004 photo shows three celebrated Peterite cricketers of yesteryear –
David Heyn, Travice Fernando and Anton Perera.

The 80th Josephian-Peterite encounter started at the Colombo Oval on Friday. A time for the Joes and Peterites to revel and enjoy the sport and the camaraderie that is associated with this great sporting event. The ‘Battle of the Saints’ was inaugurated in 1933, and has produced many a legend that went on to play nationally. Names that come to mind are Clive Inman, H.I.K. Fernando, David Heyn, Roy Dias, Vinodhan John, Tony Opatha, Russell Arnold, Rumesh Ratnayaka, Amal Silva, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, and Angelo Perera for the Peterites and Chaminda Vaas, Ashley de Silva, Ajith Weerakkody, Michael Van Dort, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera and our current Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews for the Josephians. These stars have gone that extra bit and crowned themselves with glory to represent our great nation in cricket. Congratulations to all.

There are hordes of other talented cricketers who represented their Alma Mater over the years, but never made it to the national team due to numerous reasons. Talent was never in question for these players, but it was a question of timing – after all, only eleven can play in a team. Space does not permit me to name these players as this article is dedicated to a superstar who sadly passed away last month. Anton Perera played for St. Peter’s College from 1957-1960, both years included.

Anton Perera was a household name in the late fifties and early sixties. An intensely talented all-round sportsman, Anton broke into the limelight in 1957, as an athlete and cricketer. He was only 15 years old at the time. Anton was a legend at St. Peter’s College. He was one of the most celebrated sports icons who left an indelible mark on the Peterite landscape as a talented athlete, exceptional cricketer who also played rugby until his coach Jackie van Twest advised him not to play as it would hurt his athletics. Anton was also a good Tennis player and I am not quite sure if he represented college, at the Public Schools Championships. His father was a Tennis player of national repute.

Blessed with a strong physique – Anton captained the Under-16 athletics team of his Alma Mater to win the Junior Tarbat Trophy at the All-Island Schools Athletic Championships. He was a Public School champion in the Discus, Javelin and Putt Shot. He also performed well in the 100 metres and did the sprint relays. This was a time the Peterites had a crack athletic team. He captained the Junior Athletics Team in 1957 which went on to win the Junior Tarbat at the Public Schools Championships. Desmond Moraes, Rontjen Perera and Linus Jayawardane (since departed) were the other members of the team. Some names of Peterite athletes during his time that come to mind are Ranjit Wijeyesekere, Ranjit Weerasena, David Van Dort, Errol de Silva, brothers Andrew & Godfrey Goonetilleke, Rontjen Perera, Neville Salvador, E.L. Fernando, N.B. Wilson, Didacus de Almeida, Roger Wright, Kevin Ruberu, Vinitha Rakajaruna, Elmo Perera, Carlyle Rudolph, Ranjith Alwis, brothers Winston & Stafford Tambimuttu, and a host of others of repute who later joined Ace Athletic Club or CT & FC.

But it was Cricket that Anton was best known for. His baptism into the First XI was in 1957, at the age of 15 – under the captaincy of Jayantha Fernando. In the big match, Anton clean bowled opener Claude Perera and then took out two prolific Josephian batsmen Priya Perera and Tissa de Soysa. He had match figures of 3 for 69 in his first big match that was drawn. St. Peter`s were captained by Russel Duckworth in 1958, Brian Seneviratne in 1959, and Premasiri Athukorale in 1960. I cannot remember which year, but Anton caused a sensation at the SPC Vs. Ananda game. He took 8 wickets for 21 and at least six Ananda players were injured. Following year, the Peterites had a rough time at Campbell Place when they met Ananda. I believe Police were at hand to ensure no brawls took place. During this time, he was rated the fastest Schoolboy bowler in Ceylon with Ananda`s Sonny Yatawara coming a close second. Anton’s opening partners were Maurice Deckker (1960), Desmond Dharmaraja (1958 & 1959) and Anton Paulpillai (1957). Anton best partnered with Maurice Deckker when the Peterites had the most fiery opening bowling attack at the time in school cricket.

Cricket at St. Peter`s enjoyed a great period in the 50s and 60s – there was a galaxy of stars who represented the school by the canal. Anton`s team mates who played alongside him are David Muthumani, Nihal Wijesena, Darrel De Silva, Jayantha Fernando, Brian Seneviratne, Russel Duckworth, Lakshman Serasinghe, Premasiri Athukorale, Christy Marthalingam, Anton Paulpillai, Randy Layman, Adiel Anghie, Desmond Dharmaraja, Elmo Gunasekara, Richard Alles, Mark de Silva, Richard Heyn, Tyrone Le Mercier, Maurice Deckker, and Didacus de Almeida.

Anton played Club Cricket briefly for SSC whilst in school and would have certainly played for All-Ceylon had he not left for California in 1962 at the age of 20. He lived in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California with his wife Marlene and their three children. He was involved in developing and promoting cricket in Southern California in the sixties and played locally with Dr. Tony Don Michael (another Peterite), Thomian Dr. M.L. Idroos (STC), Dr. C. Balakrishnan (Jaffna Hindu), and a host of other players who made California their home in the post-sixties.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years – Marlene, son Yohan (Joey) and two daughters Sharlene and Sheryl and eight grandchildren. A memorial service for the repose of his soul was held on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at St. Bernadine’s Church in Woodland Hills, California. The service, from all accounts was a celebration of the life and times of a great sportsman – Anton Perera!

A quote from Abraham Lincoln: "And in the end it is not the years in your life that count, It’s the life in your years." Anton enjoyed a lot of life in his years. He was a good family man, an exceptional human being, loyal to his multitude of friends and a very good Catholic to his dying days.

 

May his Soul Rest in Peace!

By Upali Obeyesekere

– Old Peterite living in Toronto, Canada

This was sent to Susilough de S. Wijeyeratne by Vernon Davidson to share his tribute to Late Arthur Hakel, who was one of his opening bowling partners in 1968

A TRIBUTE TO "HAT-TRICK-HAKEL"

In 1968 under Lalit de S W captaincy I was privileged to open the bowling with Arthur,who was just out of the under 16's & showed a lot of desire to succeed with hard work,application, & willingness to learn, he was very coachable. Arthur paid a lot of attention to our coaches late Mr. Farlie Dalpathado & Mr. Malcolm de Costa, Mr. Rayer Mr. AV Fernando & Mr. Laddie Outschoorn, & sought their input for his development. With his participation in athletics & also soccer he had a very high 'stamina' level which helped him bowl long spells into the wind, never complaining.
Trevor R you are right he was very 'graceful' in his approach to the wicket & a very fast arm action in delivery(a Malcolm Marshall look alike maybe Malcolm copied our Arthur) He was very quick.

Thanks Richard K for reminding about the "Hat trick" he took at Galle Esplanade in a third term game against Richmond College. It was a very windy second day & Arthur had them all 'at sea' with his pace & swing, I remember taking the catch to complete the hat trick & from day on when ever we meet, I call him "HAT TRICK HAKEL" We won the match by an innings thanks to the 'Great man'
Arthur displayed a lot of fighting spirit in his batting, he did not surrender his wicket without a fight, Us tailenders we stuck together & fought till the end. I remember Richard Kelaart Hector Perera Travis de Silva, Joe Selvaratnam Ananda Silva Arthur Hakel with our backs to the wall fighting our way out of trouble. Arthur was a good fielder as well & had a running battle with Brian Obeyesekere for the longest & fastest throws from the boundary line. Poor Lalith (wicket-keeper) copped a few nasty returns from the two boys…
I have never seen Arthur dispirited on & off the field, he always had a smile on his face, a very radiant outlook,very infectious attitude to life. Some days we would get a belting from the opposition batsmen (Royal College ) Arthur still carried a smile running in bowling his heart out. Funny thing was his hair was never out of place nor his shirt always tucked in place…even after bowling 10 -15 overs.
Arthur's contribution to College & the OBU is legendary. He will be missed by one & all. He fought a good fight with life & the Greater man" upstairs wants Arthur besides him….. Hat trick Hakel keep the shine on one side of the 'cherry'. Till we meet & swing again.

Rest in peace partner…..

Vernie

Death Announcement shared by Susilough de S. Wijeyeratne – Old Josephian cricketer

Arthur Hakel the Josephian Sportsman of the late 60's Passed away this morning and his remains will lie at 59 Medawelikada Rd, Rajagiriya late in the evening today, the funeral will be on Sunday 1st May at 4.00 PM at the Borella Cemetry. Arthur played Cricket under Lalit de S Wijeyeratne and Brian Obeysekere in 1968 and 1969 as the opening Bowler he played Soccer and Captained the Athletics team of 1968, In Athletics he held the National Schools record for Javelin which was his pet event, in Soccer he played in the last line of defence. He was true sportsman of St Joseph's College and gave his all for Josephian Sports, He was once the Chairman of the Athletic Committee and also a member of the Cricket Committee. He was also the President of the Past Cricketers Association. He was a silent worker and went about his task to see his work bore fruit. A very humble and loveable person, surely will be missed by lots of Josephians.

God Bless you Arthur will be missed, and May you Rest in Peace

Arthur's son Adrian played Rugby and did Athletics for College

Adrian Hakel (Arthur's son) email address : ah_185@hotmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary Notice courtesy of Daily News, Sri Lanka

HAKEL – ARTHUR. 

Dearly beloved husband of Angela (nee Hingert), devoted father of Natalie, Vanessa, Andrea and Adrian, fond father-in-law of Devapriya Perera, Sheyantha Abeykoon and Alwyn Martinesz, precious grandfather of Melissa, Dirane, Lyara and Jaiden, loving brother, brother-in-law and uncle, passed away peacefully and is now at rest with Jesus. His mortal remains lie at No. 59, Medawelikada Road, Rajagiriya. Cortege leaves residence on Sunday, 1st May 2016 at 3.30 p.m. Burial at 4.00 p.m. at General Cemetery, Borella (R.C. Section).  058752

Dr. Sivakumar Vedavanam

He was great company and a wonderful friend

I write this with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of a close friend. After his early education at Jaffna Hindu College, Veda joined the Faculty of Medicine from St Peter’s College Bambalapitiya.

We met during the ‘carnage’ called the rag in 1967. He wasn’t pleased with the indignities but complied. Throughout the arduous course he worked diligently and enjoyed the camaraderie and the friendships like the rest of us.

All through those years of hard study and fun his effervescent character remained his hallmark. Veda was widely and genuinely loved for it. Although he was swept along by the humour and the buffoonery at Medical College there was the serious side to him where he drew the line.

As we left the Faculty and went our separate ways in 1967 I thought I would not see him again. But the forces of destiny worked in our favour. We started work at the Central Blood Bank in Colombo in 1970, almost on the same day.

In the Blood Bank we became closer. I recall the many evenings we drifted towards the Health Department Sports Club to put the world to right and enjoy the amber nectar that flowed so freely.

That was a time when the Medical Officer in the Blood Bank had to go to all parts of our island to collect blood. On many occasions when he went on these journeys he asked me to join in for company.

We did have a jolly good time. During those trips he showed tremendous kindness to the PHI’s, attendants and labourers who were part of the team. They loved him for his classless friendship and lavish hospitality.

Those were indeed memorable years. He will be fondly remembered for the work he did for the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka 1970-75.

He was the proud owner of a VW Beetle, a car which was in great demand in those days. Veda was a bachelor then and was ever ready for a dinner and a drink on an evening.

During my years of personal hardships he was there to comfort me and keep me focused on life and the future. I will always remain grateful to Veda for his friendship during those turbulent times.

All I could do then was to help him to pass the Sinhala examination to get to his next grade in the Health Service. I can still hear him speak Sinhala with that strong northern accent which amused us no end.

I left Sri Lanka for the bright lights of London in 1974 but Veda remained for a further year in the Blood Bank. He soon became disillusioned with the lack of progress for doctors in that institution and made plans to emigrate.

He came to the UK and qualified in Psychiatry and worked for many years as a Forensic Psychiatrist in Durham before moving to Bedford. Neither he nor I remained in haematology.

Hence our career paths diverged and sadly I never met him again. When I phoned him ten years ago he gave me the impression he was now a recluse and was not keen to keep in touch with anyone. I agreed to respect his wish with a heavy heart.

Veda married a Solicitor and had two children, a girl and a boy, both of whom are doctors in England. He had his share of ill health and had a stroke in 2001 and surgery for prostate cancer in 2007.

From both these events he recovered fully.He passed away in June 2015 of a sudden heart attack.

Veda was one of the youngest in our batch and was 71 this year. His cheeky grin and casual manner are memories for us all. He accepted life with good grace and was great company and a wonderful friend. I will always remember him as an honest and dignified person. May he find Eternal Peace.

– Dr Nihal D Amerasekera

    DR. ADIEL ANGHIE (1941 – 2015).

Dr. Adiel C. Anghie, MD, 73, of Wheeling, WV, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015.

Loving husband and father, he was born on July 20, 1941, the son of the late Gerard and Jeannie (Marr) Anghie. Dr. Anghie was a physician at the Bellaire Medical Clinic and Bellaire Hospital for over 25 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, Wheeling.

Surviving is his loving wife, Christine Anghie; one son, Niall Anghie and his wife, Tracy of Cary, NC; three grandchildren, Braden Anghie, Keegan Anghie and Aven Anghie.

Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 154 Kruger St., Wheeling, where Vigil services will be held at 3:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wheeling, with Rev. Dennis Schuelkens as celebrant.

Entombment in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling.

Memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Neighborhood Center, 125 18th St., Wheeling, WV, 26003; or St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, 127 Key Ave., Wheeling, WV, 26003. Offer condolences online at www.altmeyer.com.

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Adiel Anghie, the Peterite superstar

By: Upali Obeyesekere – President, JPAA Canada

Adiel Anghie was a phenomenal product of St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya. He was a brilliant all-round student who excelled in studies and sports. He entered the medical faculty of the University of Ceylon from his alma mater after a colourful sports career that saw him lead the St. Peter’s College Rugby Team in addition to the Cricket Team. This is a rare combination for any sportsman at school level. To top it all, Adiel scored a brilliant century (101) in the 1961 Josephian-Peterite Encounter that was drawn.

In Rugby, Adiel played in the stand-off position with Didacus de Almeida playing inside three-quarter and was picked to Captain St. Peter’s College Rugby XV in 1959. He is a 1^st cousin of the three famous Anghie brothers of Royal College – Tony, Trevor and Maurice Anghie. In 1959, when Adiel captained his school, his cousin Maurice Anghie captained Royal College. When the two teams (Royal V. St. Peter’s) met that year it ended in a thrilling six all draw at Bambalapitiya.

Adiel Anghie played Cricket for St. Peter’s College from 1958 – 1961, captaining the last year. In the four years, he played alongside Brian Seneviratne (1959 Captain), , Russel Duckworth (1958 Captain), Premasiri Athukorale (1960 Captain), Darrel D’Silva, Christie Marthalingam, Anton Perera, Desmond Dharmarajah, Elmo Gunasekara, Christie Marthalingam, Richard Alles, Mark de Silva, Richard Heyn, Tyrone Le Mercier, Randy Layman, Maurice Deckker, David Heyn, Didacus de Almeida, Sam Rajah, Tissa Jayaweera, Travice Fernando and Rohan Abeysundera.

Adiel had two significant contributions in the Josephian-Peterite encounter. In 1960, Adiel scored 64 runs in the 1^st innings of a drawn “Big Match”. In 1961, as Captain of the Peterite side he scored a magnificent century (101) in another drawn game.

Adiel successfully entered the Medical Faculty of the University of Ceylon and was a valued member of the 1962/63 University team that won the Saravanamuttu Trophy that year. The achievement of that team led by Carlyle Perera has not been equalled or surpassed since. That team had the cream of schoolboy cricketers of that era who in addition to their excellence in cricket also excelled in studies. Carlyle Perera who led this champion university team played for St. Joseph’s College, captaining the team in 1958. Others in the winning team were – Mano Ponniah, Nihal Gurusinghe, Lareef Idroos, U.R.P. Goonetilleke, Buddy Reid (STCML), N.J.S.de Mel, Nanda Senenayake, Harsha Samarajeewa (Royal), Kingsley Fernando, (St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa), Adiel Anghie, Merril Gunaratne (St. Peter’s), Cyril Ernest (SBC).

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Dr. Adiel Anghie lived in the U.S.A. for over 30 years with his wife and family. His classmate and close friend Daya Chandraratne invited Adiel to Toronto in2009, for the 25^th Anniversary of the Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada. Adiel accepted the invitation and came for the event with Cecil Perera who worked at the World Bank in Washington DC. Sadly, Cecil passed away about three years back.

Just last year, JPAA President Upali Obeyesekere invited Dr. Adiel Anghie and David Heyn to attend the 30^th Encounter of the Canadian version of the “Josephian-Peterite” Cricket match. Both Adiel and David accepted and were honoured at a fellowship reception held in June of last year. The two sports stars were Guests of Honour at the Cricket Encounter played in Toronto. Less than 1-year from this great event we learn of the passing of Adiel on Sunday, June 14, 2015, 36-days shy of his 74^th birthday. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Christine and family.

Adiel Anghie was a model student who excelled with distinction in sports and studies at St. Peter’s College under the watchful eye of the Rector, Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando. In a rare feat, he captained his alma mater in both Cricket and Rugby and had the honour of scoring a century at the “Big Match”. His achievements speak for itself and will live on in our memories.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

Dr. Adiel Anghie and David Heyn were Guests of Honour at the  2014 “Battle of the Saints” Josephian-Peterite 30^th encounter played in Toronto, Canada, on July 1, 2014. A few days earlier they were recognised by JPAA Canada at a Fellowship Nite reception.

The gallery of photographs below were captured at these two events. Dr. Adiel Anghie, as we saw him one year ago with David Heyn in the background!