Contributions to the tribute of Mr. Kingston Ferdinands

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sachini lit a candle

Friday, July 15, 2022

I don't know where to start. this is such a tragic passing and a shock to all of us. you were a bubbly person and a happy. You made me laugh and danced until our feet hurt together. My heart bleeds and eyes cry for you. I invited you and everyone to our place and you said yes, and i will be waiting...

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Ranendra Ponrajah posted a condolence

Friday, July 15, 2022

Our heartfelt condolences to the Ferdinands family. May all of you be comforted through fond memories. You will be missed, Jude. Ranendra & Sakunthala

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Tommy posted a condolence

Friday, July 15, 2022

You're not here Jude, but your presence lingers in the shadows. You don't see what we see, but we hear you laughing with us when we laugh. You don’t know what we feel, but we feel you, feeling for us! “Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must. Not where we want them to.” These words have kept me going thus far. At least I know each moment has unfolded like it should have, that there is nothing I could have done to be your saviour, as much as I wish I could have, and no matter what tomorrow brings, I will embrace tenacity, compassion and selflessness, just the way you would have Jude. Still reeling from the tragic death of Jude, we are shocked, scared and angered at the unfairness and senselessness that took him from us. We seek to make sense of this, to understand the reason why this happened. What plan could this have been a part of, what possible meaning or lesson can be gleaned from this? Well-meaning people will tell us that it is all part of God’s plan, or that this was just Jude’s time to go, that he is in a better place. But we cry out that while God certainly knows his plan, we do not. Jude may indeed be in a better place now, but we want him to be here with us. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, and as difficult and painful as it is, we must accept that our Friend Jude is no longer with us. As a family, as friends, as a community, we express our sadness, we acknowledge our loss, acknowledge the great importance of Jude’s life, and the loss to us all that his passing brings. No, there are no easy answers, but there are other questions, very important questions that can be answered by looking at Jude’s life. And though we must face bravely the fact of Jude’s death, we owe it to him and to ourselves to look at the bigger picture of his life. What is it that takes a man from humble origins to build a wonderful family, to achieve a successful life, and to make and maintain many friendships? This is a question whose answer is the spirit of Kingston Jude Ferdinands, and this is his legacy for us. His opinions were always well thought out, carefully considered, but he loved to argue and hear the opinions of others. You might not change his opinion, but he was always interested in hearing yours. He was a great sportsman who loved to play soccer and loved other games as well. He was fondly known as “Iron" Jude for two reasons. The first one is that when he plays any game especially soccer, the opponents can’t get through him because he stands like an iron wall protecting the defense line. The other reason was, his Pappa owned an iron work shop in Batticaloa where Jude helped him during his spare time. He did represent the championship soccer, basketball and track & field teams of his Alma Mater St. Michael’s college, Batticaloa for many years. He joined Eastern Technical College (E.T.I.) which was administrated by his Mentor Late Rev. Fr. Herbert and learned variety of skills such as welding, electrical and mechanical. During his time at E.T.I., they had a great basketball team which defeated the strong Michaelmen Sports club to win the L.R. Anthony trophy few times. He also represented one of the oldest clubs in Batticaloa, Singing Fish Sports Club and played soccer in their first eleven team for many years. He did represent the Batticaloa Youth Soccer team which won the National championship in the late 80’s. The U-15 team he represented for St. Michael’s college reached the finals of National championship and became 1st runner-up in 1980 which was considered as one of the great achievements for both him and the college. The entire college team played bare footed in Colombo which surprised all the leading schools participated in the tournament as we were the only team to play without proper soccer cleats and uniforms. Jude was a wonderful husband, easy going, easy to live with, easy to love. He is married to his beautiful wife Jelo for more than 25 years and blessed with two beautiful children, Dulin and Dewarn. He worked so hard to provide everything for his family and loved them unconditionally. That’s something very special. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to talk about Jude without mentioning his extended family, and his friends. Jude kept in close contact with his mother, sisters and with his many friends. He knew the value of love, and maintained close relationships with childhood friends and colleagues who played with him. A wise and wonderful man who knew the value of his cherished friends, his family and his home. To Jelo, Dulin and Dewarn, your Dad was a blessing to you and all of us and we love you all the same way your Dad loved us. To Mummy, you are a proud mother as you groomed a legendary Gentleman and we as his friends are your children too and we love you like your loving son Jude. To Sylvia Acca and Shiromie, stay strong like our dear Friend and your Brother IRON Jude. He is leaving behind many brothers for you both. It is true that there is much sadness among us now, but all of these journeys that took Jude away from this earthly life and back home with his Creator, will live on in all of us, enriching, guiding and blessing our day to day lives. This is what we will remember until we meet him again. So Long Machan Jude and rest in Heaven with your Pappa and our Father!

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The family of Mr. Kingston Ferdinands uploaded a photo

Thursday, July 14, 2022

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Priya lit a candle

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Our prayers and thoughts are with Mrs. Ferdinand’s, Children and loved ones. May God comfort you all with his eternal peace !