Goodbye Desmond Brohier, A True Family Man And Friend For Life – By Lawrence Machado
Some friendships last for lifetime and so it was with Desmond Brohier, a one-in-a-million friend. My heart is breaking as I pen these lines to farewell him from this world. I know he is not in pain anymore and he died in his sleep in his own bed, which is a blessing. Yet, the ache is there. It will be much more for his grieving son Shannon, Mum, siblings Jerome and Elorine, and their families. But I am consoled we never lost touch despite being oceans apart and you are at peace now.
All your cousins, uncles, aunties, relations, in-laws and many friends around the world are united in our grief at losing an amazing companion who was there for us at all times.
Desmond, my wife Roshan and I have been very close and that’s why hearing of his death on Monday, January 15 – coincidentally the third death anniversary of another close friend Sampath Ratnatunga (https://bit.ly/3SiUVEp) – really shook us.
You always kept in touch and went out of the way to help when you could despite your medical issues over the years.
Desmond, you are right up there with the best and fought the good battle without complaining. You had more illnesses and health issues than any of the gang and laughed it off saying: “If any illness or disease was there, I will get it first! But I will fight on.” You also attended funerals of loved ones whenever you could, keen to support their families at their most vulnerable.
You were one of our best men at Roshan’s and my wedding and have always been there for us. Till the last, you were always helping us and others and doing your hardest to make sure Shannon did not miss anything after your darling Ramya passed away a few years ago.
You loved your music (Kenny Roger’s The Gambler was one of your favourites) and movies, specially The Godfather and we lovingly called you the local Don. You taught Tony Gomes and me to swim in the Wellawatte sea in our late teens, even bringing a tube to help me float but said if I sink, you cannot save me as I was too heavy for you to carry!
You had our great times and sad times. But throughout it all, you stood tall and did it Your Way.
Your love for family was amazing and your loyalty to friends, cousins and colleagues was outstanding.
I could not have asked for a better or more understanding friend who gave all you had without asking anything in return.
I will really miss our chats, daily messages and most of all not seeing you again. But I am consoled that we were always in touch and there for each other in good times and sad. I remember Roshan and I being there for your wedding and move to your first home with Ramya. Your home was always a welcoming place for us with great food and company, and I am glad we had many outstation trips and get togethers in Sri Lanka.
I am grateful to God for making you a big part of our lives and bringing so much joy, love, laughter, kindness and strength to us over the years. From our days at St. Lawrence’s Church Youth League till the last, we shared an unbreakable trust and friendship. You were also there when Roshan and I left Dubai for good in 2003, meeting our many friends and enjoying the farewells. You also visited us in Sydney not long ago, with Shannon when your cousin Rodney Patternott and son Ryan drove you both from Melbourne. Yes, those are precious memories.
I raise my glass to you, Dearest Desmond. You are now reunited with your darling Ramya – whom you cared for so well during her cancer journey – and I know you will watch over Shannon, your grieving Mum, Jerome and Elorine with that wonderful smile.
Your faith was unwavering in the midst of the worst calamities and now Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has brought you back to His Heavenly Home where you are no longer in pain or suffering. Till we meet again my wonderful, amazing friend.
Obituary
BROHIER – DESMOND PERCIVAL. Beloved husband of Late Ramya Brohier, Darling father of Shannon Brohier, brother of Jerome & Elorine, Brother-in-law of Mayura, Chandrika, Chandralal, Kapila, Asitha, Irshani, Thilalaratne, Shiromi, Kumudini, Nilanthi, Tilak Wickremasinghe. Son of Doris Brohier and Late Ernie Brohier, son-in-law of Late George and Late Hemamala Gunawardena. Passed away peacefully. Remains will lie at Jayaratne Funeral Parlour from 9.30 am on Tuesday, January 16th. Burial at 3.30 pm on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Anglican Section, General Cemetery, Borella.
