Santhosam- first death anniversary

First death anniversary reflections – Mr Santhosam Retnam

A little man with a giant heart

 Mr.Santhosam (23.5.1924 - 15.7.2018)

It has been a year since he left us and time has lessened the pain of his loss. Nevertheless, we continue to miss him. He might have been bedridden and physically indisposed for nearly a decade, but his mere physical presence gave life to the home and was a source of inspiration, hope and strength for all in his family. Today his absence is strongly felt by all as though the home has lost its soul.

Looking at his life, there are many things we still cannot understand of this great man. He was a loving husband, wonderful father to his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal and sincere friend, compassionate and kind to everyone in need. Above all he was a great human who touched the hearts of many who crossed his path.

Mr.Santhosam hailed from a poor village in India. At a tender age of 17, he left for Malaysia after the untimely death of his father. He had no formal education, no wealth or power but ended up as the King of a highly respected family in Ipoh. With hard work, his determination and his resolute he achieved what many failed.  

As we continue with our arduous journey in life, we now understand and appreciate all the hardship, troubles and agony he would have endured to bring up his family. For this we salute him.  He may be gone but he has left a legacy of hard work, kindness, humility and great hospitality. These are values very hard to emulate.

Mr.Santhosam will be remembered by all for all his virtuous principles in life.

To his children, he will be remembered as a loving, caring and above all a self-sacrificing father who never failed in his duties and responsibilities. What come may he was there when they needed him most.

To his friends he will be remembered as a God-fearing and loyal friend who always went the 

extra-mile to care for them.

To the poor he will be remembered as a person who understood their plight especially, feeding those deprived of food, providing shelter for the homeless and funding educational and health expenses for those who could not afford them.

We will miss him for many years to come. As his close associates, his life was a lesson for us.Let us try to adopt his good values into our lives and cherish  the moments we had with him.

May his soul rest in peace

by

Mala, Chris and children

Revisiting a video presented at the memorial service one year ago

 "A Tribute to Mr.Santhosam"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBrc0Fn8L4I