Hans Van Culenburg: An All-Time Boxing hero – By Lawrence Machado
Hans Van Cuylenburg, one of Sri Lanka’s finest boxers, has passed away after a prolonged illness. He suffered a stroke more than 12 years ago and had been bedridden since then, suffering more complications over the past few months. He was 74 when he passed away at his Dehiwela home. Hans is survived by wife Alane, and children TracyAnne (Melbourne) and Alec (Melbourne), and siblings Olive and Ronald.
Hans was a household name in Sri Lanka during his heyday, along with his late brothers, Winston, Geoff, and Bunty. Their dad worked with my father, Rosario, at their business A.X. Machado and Sons, for many years and he was a thorough gentleman who used to visit us at home.
I last spoke to Hans in February, and he reminisced about the days when he also worked for my Dad when he was running his own business from our home in Wellawatte. Hans had an amazing memory and recalled many incidents and stories of my Dad and his brothers, Joachim, Lazarus, and Gregory at their office in Bankshall Street, Pettah. Hans also spoke very fondly of my uncle Joachim Machado, who used to hold amazing Christmas parties. Hans even remembered what he used to get as Christmas gifts from my uncle.
The brilliant pugilist was one of the most illustrious boxers produced by St Mary’s College, Dehiwela. He and his brothers, the late Winston, Geoff, and Bunty were champions at school and national level. Winston, aka the “Little Cat’, competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, aged 19. Hans represented Sri Lanka at international boxing events, bringing honour and glory to Ceylon (as it was then known) and St Mary’s College. The Van Cuylenburgs were among the many boxers who put Ceylon\on the Asian and world boxing map with their silky skills and courage, often against more experienced opponents. Winston and Geoff then migrated to England where they turned professional boxers.
Hans and I used to meet at the social club at St Lawrence’s Church, Wellawatte, in the late seventies and eighties and chat about his amazing boxing career and our families. He remained humble about his boxing achievements right to the end.
Our sincere condolences to Alane, TracyAnne, Alec, Olive, Ronald, and their families. Alane, Alec and TracyAnne made sure Hans had the best of love, care, and medical attention he needed after his stroke. Alane was a tower of strength at the toughest times with her amazing faith shining through and inspiring all of us.
May the turf lie gently on Hans and God grant comfort to his family.
Hans Van Cuylenburg. Dearly beloved husband of Alane, and loving father of TracyAnne and Alec. Father-in-law of Dane and Shyanika. Much-loved Grandfather of Aria. Brother of Winston, Geoffrey, Sylvia, Ernest, Bunty (all deceased), Olive (Canada) and Ronald (USA). Brother-in-law of Cheryl Jayasekera.
Venue: Mahinda Funeral Parlour, Mount Lavinia
Viewing: Tuesday, March 19, from 9am.
Funeral: Wednesday, March 20. Service at 3.30pm, followed by burial at Borella at the Anglican section at 5pm.
