A Farewell to a Remarkable Gentleman by Nimsy Simon There are very few who can be regarded by one and all as a “true gentleman”. Along with his abundant common sense, intellect, an infectious sense of humour and not to mention his good looks, Mr. Joseph Selvathuari Bastiampillai was a man to be remembered and admired. The Rayappu family, fondly called him Thurai Annan, he was my late sister Rajes’ brother-in-law. Over the years, he was more than just a mere in-law. We have known him for over 50 years and in the last 20 years he has graced many of our family functions in Toronto as the elder statesman. One can always pick him out quickly in a crowd, tall, smartly dressed, still a head full of silvery hair to admire and an eternal grin like smile of his face.. He conversed with young and old in a similar manner, he was someone people sought out for advice and guidance, both in Sri-Lanka and here in Canada. At the same time, he never missed a chance to be jovial and amiable to all around him. I will always remember his warm bear hugs by way of greeting and welcome. Even when he was gravely ill in bed recently I had to bend down so that he can give his trademark hug when we visited him. Continue... Posted Jun 04, 2025 at 02:18pm