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Choir of Christ Church Deer Park Toronto donated to COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
To the family of Mr. Babu Joseph,
Bob was a faithful and beloved member of our community and choir at Christ Church Deer Park for many years. He was a special person and will be deeply missed. Our prayers, love, and condolences are with your family.
With deepest sympathies,
Christ Church Deer Park Choir
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Bevie Thomas donated to THE YONGE STREET MISSION
Thursday, April 22, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there. Hope to see you all soon. Much love.
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Melissa Walter donated to THE YONGE STREET MISSION
Sunday, April 11, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. Bob will be much missed in our choir.
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The Reverend Canon Dr. Joe Thomas lit a candle
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
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Babu Joseph and I met at the Anglican Church in Toronto. I was serving as the head of the Asia-Pacific department at that time.
Babu was on the choir at the St. Paul's. We would make it a point to grab a few minutes to greet each other. He was very friendly.
Our mutual goodwill and relationship grew after I moved to the United States to teach at the University of Findlay. I have invited Babu and family to my home in Ohio several times, but that had never worked out. Whenever we visited Toronto, we will make sure to see each other.
Babu and Susan have been our good friends. We found them very hospitable. Our conversation was always Christ-centered and enjoyable.
Now that Babu has passed into the presence of the Lord, we send our condolences to Susan and the kids. May God bless you and comfort you is our prayer. May the Lord grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
We love the memory of Babu and the good sense of humor he had. May God help the family.
The Reverend Canon Dr. Joe Thomas
USA
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Elizabeth Nyburg donated to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
As a choir member I appreciated his steady presence. He liked singing better than speaking. I am so sorry for your loss and wish I had known him better.
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Mariamma Thomas uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
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Gisha Oommen posted a condolence
Monday, March 29, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to Susan Aunty, Sheila, Shawn, Sneha, Pascal, and all other loved ones who are grieving at this time. Since our families grew up in the same neighborhood, we shared many experiences; church, elementary school, swimming classes, and so forth. As many have shared, Babu Uncle was a man who was a great listener, a person who was private, but once in a while, he would crack a smile that would brighten up the room. Growing up, I shared more experiences with Susan Aunty, Sheila, and Shawn than I did with Babu Uncle. That changed when Babu uncle drove Sheila, Shawn, Jeena, and I to York University during my first year of university. During those drives, we would listen to classical music or 680 news. My appreciation for classical music was because of our morning rides to York and I still listen to 96.3 on my way to work. You will be greatly missed Babu Uncle, may his soul rest in peace. - Gisha, Riju and Liya Samuel
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Rev. George Jacob posted a condolence
Monday, March 29, 2021
Dear Susan Aunty, Sheila, Shawn, Sneha and Pascal,
It is with deep shock that we learned about the passing away of dear Babuchayan. May the Lord Almighty give you peace and strength at this challenging time in your life.
Babuchayan was a silent and thoughtful presence at every venue. He was deeply committed to the Church and music. His passion for music was unquestionable. The peace and solace that he experienced during the storms of his life was a gift from his dedication to music.
Now that we are in the Holy Week, I am well reminded of Babuchayan's presence at the pipe organ at the CSI Church, Toronto for the services that started from the Ash Wednesday. It was a great help for me personally. From critical, thoughtful and constructive suggestions at the General Body to spring cleaning and gardening, he participated in the life of the Congregation with full sincerity.
He had a view about life and he thoroughly enjoyed living unto it. The jokes that he shared at times would alleviate the anxiety of the listeners. The best part of it is that he would not be laughing along with his wit.
Understanding my inclination towards the western classical music, he promptly yet very silently gave us the opportunity to enjoy Handel's Messiah during December 2017. That is indeed a splendid memory in our ministry in Canada. We are ever indebted to Babuchayan for the kind gesture that would quench my desire to enjoy western classical music a little closer.
The amount of love and care that we received from Joseph family is tremendous during our tenure in Canada.
Babuchayan will be deeply missed.
But as the faithful, we have the assurance that "if we live, we live for Christ and if we die, we die for Christ" (Rom. 14). So we proclaim our faith and celebrate the life of those departed.
"May the peace that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". The Lord bless you and keep you.
Our heartfelt Condolences and sincere prayers.
Rev. George Jacob,
Susan, Maria & Rachel.
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Jimmy Varghese on behalf of Toronto Male Voices posted a condolence
Monday, March 29, 2021
BABU CHAYAN – A TRIBUTE MARCH 28, 2021
MUSIC
A simple yet private gentleman he was, passionate about his family, faith and church, music and society. The great artist he was , and his leadership skills ensured that music remained an integral part of himself and beyond that to his many followers, students and musicians.
Babuchayan –we used to address him with love and respect at the Toronto Male Voices.
A great quality was his consistency – an important attribute of a good musician. Humble and gently leading in whatever way he could -whether it be composing a four parts harmony, or playing the piano or teaching us the 2nd tenor parts music. Babuchayan was incredible in changing simple songs like nandiyode njaan stuthi paadidum, and others with even better harmony that one could imagine.
Music or any form of art as a hobby as a continuing education in life hones your skills to do better – It serves more as a brain tonic to develop your analytical skills and develop one’s own confidence. To continue music well into adulthood showed his child-like passion to learn more.
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
A private person as he was, a silent worker . Babuchayan perhaps may not like the idea of eulogizing him. But it is worth reflecting on this great man’s life and service to the community.
Babuchayan and his wife Susan were the pillars of the CSI church always helpful in anything to do with the church, whether it be choir, or mathrusangam or bible classes etc.
One of our choir members saw some tools in a bag which he brought just before one of our TMVs Tuesday practices. When asked he in his usual fashion dismissed it saying that he had to fix some kneelers in the pews. That was him. Simple , always serving his society without letting anyone know.
CHARITY
On charity:
Babuchayan was a generous man, always willing to support charitable acts and help fellow humans.
He always used to support our church (the St Alphonsa Syro Malabar Cathedral Mississauga) for our various fundraising programs including Sargasandhya or any of my music concerts which I would approach him for. That was Babuchayan – always encouraging and ready.
Babuchaya – you will surely be missed by each one of us at Toronto Male Voices.
Parting hymn
God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
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Sanju Cherian posted a condolence
Monday, March 29, 2021
I had the privilege to sing with Babuchayan as a fellow Tenor in the CSI Church Toronto Choir as well as Toronto Male Voices. His passion for music and his ability to harmonize them was tremendous. His birthday Dec 3rd falls a day after mine Dec 2nd and the Choir used to sing Happy Birthday to both of us together sometimes during the weekend practice session. We will all miss him and we truly believe that he is with the Lord. On behalf of the CSI Church Toronto Choir I express my heartfelt condolences to the Modayil Family. May Babuchayan's soul rest in eternal peace.
Regards,
Sanju Cherian on behalf of
CSI Church Toronto Choir
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Rajan lit a candle
Monday, March 29, 2021
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Our family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are sending our deepest condolences and may he rest in paradise.
Rajan, Annie and family
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Danichen & Kochumol posted a condolence
Monday, March 29, 2021
Babuchayn was the first organist and one of the founding members of CSI Church, Toronto.
In the eighties since we did not have a church building of our own, we remember, going to his house in Scarborough every week for choir rehearsals, especially during Christmas time. His house was the regular rehearsal spot for the CSI church choir during those days.
In the nineties, on every Friday around 6 of us, all men, used to gather at Babuchayan’s house for male voice singing. He wrote special male voice arrangements for our singing. I am happy and privileged that I got the opportunity to sing with Babuchayan on many occasions with the CSI Church choir and the Toronto Male Voices
Babuchayan was a simple, quiet, gentleman with firm principles in life. Babuchayan always had a special smile. As we all know, Babuchayan was a man of few words but actively joined in conversations and discussions regarding politics and music.
As families we have known each other for several years. My first cousin got married to Babuchayan’s cousin when I was studying in fifth standard or so. Then Babuchayan’s younger brother Rajanchayan and my brother Kochayan in Florida were very close college friends.
After coming to Canada in 1980 we were able to renew our relationship. We, Kochumol and I, remember the many visits to Babuchayan and Susammam’s house and their visits to our house. We remember the many gatherings that we enjoyed, when Babuchyan or Susamma’s or our siblings came to visit Canada.
Then in 2008 our relationship became very intimate when Sneha got married to Shawn. Sneha was a daughter to him and vice versa. Also, we, both families had a trip to India in 2009 when we celebrated Shawn and Sneha’s first wedding anniversary in Kerala. Now both families are blessed with our grandson, Pascal.
Babuchayan and Susamma’s hospitality was also commendable, when ever we went there to pickup or drop-off something, Babuchacyan was very particular that we spend some time with them. One of those visits was at the end of February 2021 while he was undergoing chemotherapy. Babuchayan was sitting in the living room, he asked us to come inside and sit for 5 minutes, but we know he was weak and his immunity was not very good, so we said Babuchaya we will come another time, but that another time was on March 22, 2021, during the last few hours of his life. A simple, quiet man very quietly slipped into God’s hands around 11:00 pm that night.
Babuchayan, even though you are not with us, there are so many good memories and examples to remember and follow. Babuchayan, we know that you are in a better place singing with the heavenly angels. We surely going to miss you. Our hope is that we will meet you there one day.
Susamamma, Sheila, Shawn, Sneha and Pascal, our prayers are with you.
Danichen & Kochumol
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Stephen Ellison posted a condolence
Sunday, March 28, 2021
I had the pleasure of singing with Bob at Christ Church Deer Park and with The Hedgerow Singers. He was always so kind and friendly and a very dedicated member of our ensembles. I enjoyed our chats about music, travel and work. It was an honour knowing Bob and sharing the gift of music together. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. Bob will be missed dearly!
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Mridula & Joe donated to THE YONGE STREET MISSION
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Dear Susan aunty, Sheela, Shawn, Sneha and Pascal, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Babuchayan was such an wonderful role model of firm faith, quiet strength and sincere affection. We pray that the loving and caring arms of the Heavenly Father that surrounds each of you at this time would fill you with His comfort and His peace. With love, Mridula, Joe and children.
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Mridula, Joe and family lit a candle
Sunday, March 28, 2021
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Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with you all, dear Susan aunty, Sheela, Shawn, Sneha and Pascal. Babuchayan, with his strong faith, his quiet strength, his gentle demeanour, will be deeply missed. We pray that the loving and caring arms of the Heavenly Father would be strongly felt by you each day even as Babuchayan is in the loving presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. With love, Mridula, Joe, Liza and Susan
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Karottu George posted a condolence
Sunday, March 28, 2021
I first met Babu in June 1960. I last saw him around Xmas 2019. I went to India in January 2020 to spend the winter there. I came back late March 2020 in the middle of a lockdown due to Covid 10. We were not able to meet together again. In June 2021, we would have completed 61 long years of friendship. We wanted to celebrate the 60th, but Covid stole it. As we celebrate his life, it is my pleasure and blessing to celebrate this unique friendship.
In 1960, I joined St. Berchmans College (S. B. College) Changanassery for my BSc. Babu was my classmate, sometimes sharing the same bench for different classes. When we finished BSc. unknowing to each other, we both departed for Madras for our Chartered Engineering studies. We ended up on the same bench again. I was overjoyed seeing my friend in an unfamiliar place. But his first reaction was a stern question: “You think this is child’s play?” The courses are tough and pass rate is very low. That is the message behind the question. Any way, we persevered and passed it. He joined Avady Tank Factory (military tanks) on one end of Madras where as I ended up in Binny Engineering on the other end. Yet contacts continued. Later I married Marykutty and landed in Canada in 1974 and he married Susan and landed some months later. You see, this is a continuous friendship. We became successful and raised wonderful families.
In him I had a continuous source of help. Babu was not only a friend to me but also a guide in need. When we had difference of opinion on any subject, we would vigorously defend each one’s point, but that doesn’t touch on personal. That is how we continued the friendship solidly. Without him, I feel like a bird with the right wing clipped. But we are celebrating his life. Disappointment has no place here. I thank God for giving him to me as friend for 61 long years.
During treatment, we communicated over the phone on a daily basis. Whenever he came across informative video or news, he would immediately forward it. I feel sorry that I deleted many. I never anticipated the sudden end of these tweets. During treatment, he never really complained about weakness except for the last few days. I didn’t know how to keep his spirits up. But we talked sometimes long talks. But one particular conversation struck me. When I asked him how the treatment was going, he curtly said the treatment is going to take me out. It is the first time I hear him losing hope or predicting the worst. To keep his mind engaged, I sent him a quiz from Brainable. The quiz was 9-8 = 15. The figures were made of matchsticks. The quiz asks you to fix the equation by moving only ONE matchstick. Within the next few minutes, the answer came with piercing accuracy. Then I thought his brain is working excellent and his mental balance is superb.
When he was taken to hospital for the last time, Covid kept him broadly isolated from family and friends. I tried to keep his mind engaged and keep hope in him. On March 15, I asked him about an English professor we had at SB College. He was happy to oblige and sent a long tweet about the professor beginning with “Nice to remember our old days….”. We were texting back and forth on that day. Later he called me and again we talked about this adoring professor and our days at SB. . Then suddenly he asked me, “What prompted you to bring back old memories?” I know Babu liked his classes and the subject would divert his attention from the daily struggles. I gave some excuse. We talked heartily that day. It was a memorable day
On March 16, I tried to turn his attention to a Hindi professor. He just texted “Thanks.” Afterwards everything was sudden. Phone calls remained unanswered. On March 17, he tweeted: “Jesus said take your bed and walk. I am home with my hospital bed.”
On Thursday March 18, I texted: “How are you doing after following His command?” Answer came on Saturday, March 20:“Cant type.” It was the first time that I really got concerned. He was so mentally alert that he was quoting from Bible. He was writing full sentences. He radiated his typical sense of humor. But, now, what?
Life is an illusion. Everything is illusory. What we see today may disappear tomorrow. I remember reading the Malayalam poem “Innu Njan Naale nee” (Today my turn, tomorrow yours). Roles are reversed here.
My dear friend, Jesus did cure you. He commanded you this: “Take your bed and come to me. I will give you eternal peace and solace. You will never feel pain again.”
I remember that a few days after my wife left this world, she appeared to me on a dream and announced:” Georgekutty, I have no pain now.”
My dearest friend, your sufferings are over...
I cherish your friendship.
Until we meet again, Rest In Peace.
Omar Khayyam says: “Thy return is as another Sun to Heaven; a new Rose blooming in the Garden of the Soul”
Our hearty condolences to Susan, Sheela, Shawn and his wonderful family, Mohan and Rajan families and to all near and dear to him.
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David Thomas lit a candle
Sunday, March 28, 2021
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Our condolences to you Susan, Sheela,Shawn, Sneha and little Pascal. May you all be filled with the peace of God that passes all human understanding at this time. We rejoice with you that Babu will experience no more pain as he is in the presence of our Heavenly Father and we thank Jesus for the Living Hope that we share. Jajichan and Jessy
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David Thomas posted a condolence
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Our condolences to you Susan, Sheela,Shawn, Sneha and little Pascal. May you all be filled with the peace of God that passes all human understanding at this time. We rejoice with you that Babu will experience no more pain as he is in the presence of our Heavenly Father and we thank Jesus for the Living Hope that we share. Jajichan and Jessy
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Eric Robertson posted a condolence
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Dear Sheila and family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Bob’s passing.
Bob sang for me in both the St. Paul’s and Christ Church Deer Park choirs and also in my choir, the Hedgerow Singers, since its inception.
He will be greatly missed.
Take care,
Eric and Colleen Robertson
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Skariah family donated to THE SCOTT MISSION
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers, May God give you all peace and comfort this difficult time.
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James Mathews donated to THE SCOTT MISSION
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Will continue with his legacy of giving back to the community.
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Karottu T. George uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 28, 2021
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Christina posted a condolence
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Prayers and deepest sympathies on the loss of Bob, on behalf of the choir at Christ Church Deer Park.
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Emily Chatten posted a condolence
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Bob, a tenor, has been a fellow member of the Christ Church Deer Park choir for many years. I'm sorry I didn't know he was unwell. I'll Bob's quiet kindness whenever the choir is able to resume. I wish you all peace.
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Karottu T George donated to COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Following on Babu's commitment to helping the needy and poor
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Karottu T George donated to THE YONGE STREET MISSION
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Following Babu's commitment to helping the poor and needy.
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Sanjho Srikandarajah donated to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
Friday, March 26, 2021
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
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Alex George uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 26, 2021
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Karottu T. George lit a candle
Thursday, March 25, 2021
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Joe Thomas lit a candle
Thursday, March 25, 2021
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Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (Jn. 11:25-26)
Our relationship to Babu and Susan goes back to our time together at St. Paul's Anglican Church on Bloor Street, where Babu was on the choir. Our mutual friendship grew over the years, even after we moved to Ohio. We communicated regularly. We have visited and stayed with them in both homes. The entire family was given to Christian hospitality. Babu took great pleasure in accompanying us wherever we had to go in Toronto or Scarborough. We worshiped together, walked together, engaged in productive and meaningful conversation together every time we met.
We do not believe our future Toronto visit will be complete without Babu. He was our best friend, in whose presence we found full of grace and joy. Babu had a very good sense of humor. We loved every minute spent together. He was helpful to all people. He has picked us up from the airport and we took shopping drives. We will miss all those precious times together, but we all will be comforted in the presence of God.
Our kids - Susan, Nathan, and Roshan - are sad. They called him "Babu Uncle." They have asked us to pass their condolences to the family.
May Babu rise with Christ in his resurrection, and may he be comforted in the glorious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our love for him and for Susan is permanent, centered on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. May Susan and Sheila and Shawn be comforted by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. May the life and witness of Babu be an inspiration for all of us!
Joe and Anitha Thomas, Susan, Nathan, and Roshan
USA
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The family of Mr. Babu Joseph uploaded a photo
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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