1st Year Memory of Nadarajah Balasubramaniam was born in Vadamarachchi, Thunnalai, Jaffna and lived in London. He passed away on 25th of April 2020.

Our Appa sadly passed away on 25th April 2020, two days after his 50th wedding anniversary. He would have been 79 a few months later that year and 80 in July of this year. 2020 will be remembered forever for the global pandemic. It will also sadly be the year that shook us as a family to the core.

Appa was unwell for a few months and spent a lot of time at home with Amma and sons during his last years. It was only a few weeks prior to his death that he had a big family occasion where he was able to meet all his family and brothers. He spent his last years living happily with his second son, Amma and brother in law in our home in London.

Appa grew up in Thunnalai as one of 10 children. He was the third child and did feel a sense of responsibility for his siblings.

His father was a school headmaster who taught English and his mother worked very hard bringing up the children. Appa loved his sisters and brothers and never hesitated to help out. He also remained indebted to his elder brother for paying for his education.

Appa married Amma from the same village and built a successful career in Telecommunication working abroad in United Arab Emirates, Germany and Japan, before settling in the UK. He inspired us to pursue careers in Medicine and Engineering that are about helping and making a difference to society, and do what we enjoyed.

He always worked very hard to provide for the family and establish a foundation for his sons for which we are so indebted. He instilled timeless and real human values like generosity and helping the needy.

As a husband, father and grandfather he will be remembered as a caring and joyful person who was always positive and smiling. He adored his grandchildren who loved him and miss him dearly. His optimistic attitude and simple way of living will inspire us always.

By his brothers, nephews, nieces and close family he will be remembered fondly as Kungu Thamby, Sinna Anna, Periamama and Periappa.

Amongst friends, he will be remembered as an optimistic, hard working and generous person.

In the community, he will be remembered as an activist who was selfless and passionate about his people and was on a mission to help out the poor and suffering. After his retirement, he dedicated his life to helping the Tamil community back home and worked incredibly hard.

Appa was not a material person, recognising people for their personalities and values rather than possessions, wealth or achievements. He refused new cars and clothing no matter how hard we tried, and was happy with what he had. He also insisted in a very simple funeral which is what he had.

He was unique and remarkable in that he does not hold any grudges even if his directness sometimes could lead to himbeing misunderstood.

As we get older and wiser, we understand more and more the quiet positive influence Appa had on us. We will continue his legacy and strive to be more like him every day. We miss you dearly every day Appa / Appappa.

His speeches at our weddings and the deeply meaningful messages he wrote in our birthday cards will be some of our most prized possessions.

We pray that you rest in ever lasting peace.