The 'late' Mr. Wanigatunga

The ‘late’ Mr. Wanigatunga

That’s how my mother and his sister, Emmie, would refer to him as far as my memory goes.

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, life in Sri Lanka was mundane with no TV, Radio or all the present day distractions. Birthdays were the big events when everyone of the extended family would gather. At birthday celebrations at our home, while everyone else came at ‘normal’ hours and left by 9 pm it was lights out thereafter and time for bed. Past 10 pm, we would hear banging and noise at our gate. It would be Uncle Roland and Aunty Perlyn, sometimes with the children tagging along, but never to miss the occasion. The ‘late’ Mr. Wanigatunga had arrived.

As I grew up to around 8 to 12 years of age, I would meet Uncle Roland at these family gatherings. He would find the time to quietly take me away to a corner, and inquire how I was faring at school. What was my position in class? Was I trying for the cricket team? I would reply that my last report gave me the position of 10th in the class. He would pass me ‘One Rupee!’ A most ‘princely’ sum at the time. On other occasions, I would have performed better and achieved 3rd position in class and also now be a member of the cricket team. My reward; a ‘kings ransom’ of ‘Two Rupees!! These rewards would then be shared with Rohan each morning at 7 am at the entrance to the College Gates with ‘Amba Achchaaru’ for 5 cents a serving. This would be a treat we shared for a whole week with plenty of funds in hand. Rohan, would then on be my staunchest supporter do well in my studies and sports, with our mutual rewards surely to come at the next family gathering.

Having left school and commencing employment around 1969, early on I had the opportunity to dabble in some business and the social circuit in Colombo. I was able to broker some business deals between some large companies and small, and also join the Jaycees where I progressed up the hierarchy very rapidly. Having followed Uncle Roland’s career as a Businessman, President of the Rotary Club and as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, I thought maybe I could model myself to follow in his ‘footsteps’. I would go to him for counsel and guidance.

Alas, around 1971 the Roland Wanigatunga family decided to emigrate to the USA. But meanwhile I had won his confidence. He left me in charge of some of the winding up affairs as a ‘point man and a follow up-per’. A task I gladly took on. For the next three years or so, he would write to me weekly to meet someone, collect samples and/or mail tender documents, check on his banking matters etc. This led to some business in the Import/Export area too that he commenced along with his friends Siri H, Darsin deS and Seela.K. Then there were Pat C, Sybil W, Jim Rutnam and Donald Wijeratne to be met up with and nudged to respond or make some connections. All this I did to the best of my ability and promptly. In turn, I was hoping that this influence would make me a better person, though Uncle Roland was so far away.



Unfortunately for me, all these dreams were never realised. The true nature in me always surfaced. I was combative, aggressive and totally undiplomatic. I did not last very long with Jaycees or the Chambers of Commerce. Uncle Roland could be tried to be followed but never emulated. I did not have the all consuming gentleman in me, nor diplomacy or charisma to be another Roland. He was a unique individual who I was privileged to know and came to love as all those who had crossed his path.

A most remarkable and charming man, all consummate in his bearing and conduct in the affairs of men and the world, A life, that most of us surely could not emulate.

Uncle Roland, may the turf lay gently over you.

With fond memories always,

Hiran

UNCLE ROLAND AND BLUES BROTHERS

Starring Uncle Roland from Heaven, Thilak Peiris (West Coast), Jehan Wanigatunga (Deep South)

Those of you who have seen the movie classic Blues Brothers, will remember the scene where John Belushi and Dan Akroyd are on this race to put the band back together. They wanted the band to play again to raise money for the convent that was threatened with eviction. Every time they ran into a problem or got busted, Dan would say, “ Sir, we are on a mission from God’

Something similar happened last Friday.......

Two middle aged, balding Sri Lankans were on the 880 Freeway heading from San Jose to San Francisco. The Pasha of printing had just finished the program which was beautifully designed and printed for distribution at the Memorial Service for Uncle Roland on Saturday. As usual they were running late for the appointment to deliver the printed program at a family gathering who were anxiously waiting to see the finished product.

The Pasha of printing was at the wheel and the Innkeeper was the navigator. Pasha stepped on the gas and at times the speedometer clocked speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour. The Innkeeper would get nervous at times and warn Pasha to keep the speed under control. Pasha would make fun of the Innkeeper saying that the Innkeeper is from the deep South and had no clue about driving in modern West Coast cities.

Within seconds of this conversation, sirens go off and red and blue lights appear on the rear view mirror of Pasha’s vehicle. The Innkeeper gives Pasha the ‘I told you so’ look.

A young blond haired and blue eyed Policeman walked up to Pasha’s side of the window and says, ‘you gentlemen seem to be in a great hurry’.’ Do you realize you were going over 80 miles an hour?’.

Pasha, who was quick to repent said remorsefully ‘Officer, I am at fault. I will not deny I was speeding. We have a family wake to attend and were running late ..’ The quick thinking Innkeeper, leans towards the back seat and grabs a printed copy of the program and gives it to Pasha, who in turn hands it to the Policeman.

The Police officer studied the program from cover to cover (while the speeding duo were waiting in suspense) gives an approving nod and a smile says, ‘OK, proceed, but be careful..’.

Some of us believe in miracles. Some of us don’t.

Some of us believe that our departed loved one’s still keep a watchful eye over us.

When was the last time, two middle aged balding Sri Lankans speeding in excess of 80 miles per hour were stopped by a blond, blue eyed cop, and cautioned to proceed carefully with no citation being issued?

Our dearly departed DO keep a watchful eye over us.

Thank You Uncle.

Uncle Roland was a cool kind and loving man. He always was warm and loving to me. Though in my older years I'm sorry to say I haven't been close to share those moments. As you know that never stop ed Auntie Pearlyn or Uncle Roland. Thay once came to see me and my than new wife Shalina in Kuala lumpur Malaysia.Then as always your love and kindness shined through. I think of those day from time to time. Its the small things that mean the most! I love you and will miss you. All my love Daniel.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS You were so much loved,

Darling Roland Uncle, It was so distressing to not be at your service, only my medical problems kept me away. You know I would have been there, for you have always been so very special to me...it was in your home in Colombo where Pearlyn Aunty cooked my very first chicken curry and where I was treated with such kindness and consideration, which never waivered throughout our many years together..it was in your home where I was so completely surprised with a birthday party - and me in a sari for the first time - and throughout all the years, a phone call would come from you and Pearlyn Aunty singing Happy Birthday to me. You were a loving, generous man, and created so many happy memories for all who knew you...every dance party included a dance with you..you set an exceptional example simply through your natural, easy way, to all of us in the family. I will miss you terribly Roland Uncle and remember you with much love always. Thank you for all the memories you have left for us. Judy

MORE THAN AN UNCLE !

Dearest Roland Uncle

The good old days, is what I remember. The day, you and Pearlyn Aunty got married, I was there! The days at Hunupitiya Road, when Baby Darling Aunty used to baby sit me. The good times at the picnics at Gampaha and at Hikkaduwa. Later on at Castle Street, when I needed your advice on business. The parties! Lots of fun!

I also remember you waking me up in the middle of the night, to let me know that my mother was dying. You are the one that gave me, Iswari, Dennis, Paddy and George, the strength to carry on!

I remember the good days at Oxford Road in Los Angeles. The only photo I have is, when you accompanied me in March 1973 to the Music Center, to be sworn in as a citizen. That is when you saluted me! All these memories flashed by me, when I heard that you had gone to heaven!

Yes, heaven is where you are, with Amma and Appa, Jimmy Uncle and Sirima Aunty! Say hello for me! I am sure you guys are having a ball up there!!

We will all miss you. You were Roland Uncle to all the Rutnam "kids", and you were a good loving friend to Amma and Appa!

You will never be forgotten! You will always be in our minds!

Jayam

An extraordinary human being

We will all miss Rowland Uncle. He was an extraordinary human being. I will always remember him for his gentle ways, his patience and the love which continued to emanate from his heart. In our childhood memories of our uncles and aunts and cousins Rowland Uncle had a special place for us all. During my childhood days he was a mentor to me and encouraged me I am glad that a website is done for his memory. He has always been blessed with such virtue that it is difficult to find others like him around. I hear that his entire family, children and grand children were all with him when he passed away on Easter Sunday with his entire family in prayer and in song.

Kumar Rupesinghe
17/04/2009

Dear Papa,

I will always remember you as young at heart.  You really did live life the way it's meant to be, to the fullest!  Though you are not here with us physically, your memory and spirit will forever remain.  I love you and miss you.

Love,

Sheana

Uncle Roland
You were a gem of a man very rare in mankind. I looked up to you like as a father figure and you always had time for a chat. One does not need to look at a dictionary to see the meaning of the word "Gentleman." You Roland Wanigatunga truly represent that word. Anoma, Anushka, Niroshika and I are truly blessed to have crossed your path in this lifetime.
I treasure many memories of the golf we enjoyed playing together. I still remember when we played in Colombo a few years back and you hit the ball into the pond. The pond boy got in and found it for you. You asked him to get back out so that you could play your next shot and he said "No I will wait in the water as you will hit it again into the pond." We all laughed and you turned around and told me "Cheeky Fellow" and gave him 50 rupees. I have many fond memories of those times.
Uncle you are safe in God's hands and we will treasure the memories for ever.
Good bye Sweet Prince until we meet again
Ranjan

Uncle Roland
Your charisma, kindness, patience, warm hospitality and great listening skills helped our family along life's way.
On inquiring on your health a day prior to you leaving us, amma summed it up in one sentence -
"a good fellow - Eka dawasakwath mage hitha riddawala naa". To say this at age 96 only means it came naturally to you. For all of the above and the memories of a dependable, loving uncle and good friend to my father, I am deeply grateful.
Sandhya

Remembering a special uncle

Roland Uncle....you were a rare gem of a man.
I'll always remember your kindness, patience
and good natue....... you were so much a part
of my life from the days in Sri Lanka....I looked
up to you and I will miss you dearly. Heaven
now has an additional angel :)
Varini