My late grandfather was Rev. Sampathawaduge Sonny Walter Silva. He was born on May 8, 1939 and was the sixth child in a family of seven children. From childhood, he loved his religion. He decided to be a priest. One day, he started his religious training at St. Peter’s Church, Korawella.
In 1971, he entered the Pilimatalawa Theological College. He passed out as a Deacon. He was ordained as a Priest in 1975 and served at Tangalle, Rajagiriya, Dandugama, Koralawella, Egodauyana and Moratuwa. During his long service as a priest he was loved by the parishners.
He married my grandmother in 1976. They had their first daughter, my mother. Then they had a son, my uncle in 1981. I was born on September 17, 2011 as the first grandchild of my grandfather. He loved me very much. He played games and read books. My uncle also has a daughter and a son. My grandfather was very happy with the grand-children. But he loved me the most.
He became sick and had to undergo a heart bypass in 2016. He also had 10 operations after that and his movements were restricted. He like a quiet life and read books including the Holy Bible. Some people visited him.
He became feeble during the past year and my grandmother though old provided the care for him.
But she also became sick. Finally, we had to employ a caregiver to look after him.
On the morning of February 18 he entered Eternal Rest.
I thank God that he did not feel lonely or face suffering in the last moment of his life.
Sheneshi Silva
Grade 7
Ladies’ College
Colombo