ADRIAN SERPANCHY – YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON – By Lawrence Machado
IT’s always emotional to say goodbye to a friend you have known since kindergarten, specially when his death comes so unexpectedly. When I heard that Adrian Serpanchy had passed away in a Melbourne hospital on the morning of Tuesday (November 22,2023), I was stunned.
When I found the courage to call his devoted wife of more than 40 years, Lorraine, later that day, words were hard to come by. I can only imagine what Lorraine, her children Delon and Joanne, and his siblings Russell, Jerome, Randy, Loxley and Yolande are going through.
Yes, it’s not easy to think that our wonderful, cheeky classmate Adrian is no more.
This is such a shock as you are such a vibrant and positive chap, Adrian, with that memorable laugh. But God wanted you closer to Him and we are grateful for your time on earth which enriched all our lives.
SECOND LEASE OF LIFE
Ever since you had that massive heart attack in Liverpool, NSW a few years ago and fought back courageously, you, Lorraine, Delon and Joanne, made the most of second lease of life, while thanking God for getting you the best medical help possible. The support of your close knit family and friends saw you through and when we last chatted a few months ago, you were back to your usual, happy self with that wicked sense of humour which you are known for.
I am comforted that you and Lorraine were always close to Our Lord and in fact, you did your usual ministering at your local church the Sunday before you left us for good. We know you never spoke about your generous heart which helped so many people over the years here and back home in Sri Lanka. Like the Lord said, Whatsoever you do to the least of my Brethren, you do unto Me. (Matthew 25.40).
I can’t forget our many sports events at St Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, playing for Maurice House at cricket (you were a better cricketer than me!) and the regular sports meets, and our get togethers in Sri Lanka and Australia.
With you, there was no agreeing on anything! We used to always discuss or argue about so many things and then you would let out your special laugh and end the conversation! Yes, you had that crazy laugh of yours which we will remember for a long time.
FAMILY WAS MOST PRECIOUS
I was very proud of what you had achieved and your family was your most precious possessions. You spoke so proudly of your children and grandchildren and had that special unbreakable bond with Lorraine, your partner for more than four decades.
You served our Lord fervently and never lost your faith. In fact, your faith got stronger after your heart attack if that was possible.
May you rest safely in the arms of Jesus and enjoy your reunions with your beloved parents, relations and classmates. I will miss you and our chats, Dear Adrian. Till we meet again, in the sweet by and by where there will be no sadness or tears.
I love the words penned by your grieving son Delon on behalf of the family: “Our Dad was a very happy, joyful person; we encourage all to be colourful, cheerful & full of spark. My father was a good man with a generous heart. Therefore, to honour Dad, we will sow seeds at St John’s Church.”
Adrian is survived by Lorraine, Delon, Joanne, son-in-law Kirill Brodski, daughter-in-law Rachel, three grandchildren, siblings Russell, Jerome, Randy, Loxley and Yolande and sister-in-laws Aloma, Sharon, Dilky, Damayanthi, And brother-in-law Hentley Berenger.
FUNERAL DETAILS FOR ADRIAN GRANVILLE SERPANCHY
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
WHERE: St John’s Anglican Church, 27 Childers St, Cranbourne, Victoria
TIME: 2pm.
VIEWING: There will be a viewing at the church from 1.30pm-2pm
BURIAL: Bunurong Memorial Park, 790, Frankston Dandenong Road at 3.45pm.
(Location of grave is Le Page Lawn row76 grave no 129).
Those unable to attend will be able to follow the service via the livestream.
No flowers by request.
SRI LANKAN SERVICE
A Requiem Mass will be held for the soul of Adrian Serpanchy at St. Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 4pm.
