LOVED & REMEMBERED – By Charles Schokman
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I am still in shock and deeply saddened at the tragic deaths of Marlene and Doyne Caspersz that occurred on Sunday the 10th March.
Investigations have unfolded that the cause of their deaths has been deemed as accidental. To their son Adrian and daughter Jennifer and their families I extend my deepest condolences and pray that God will give you comfort and peace during this sad time in your grief.
I came to know Doyne about 75 years ago, that was when he became a member of the Dematagoda Christian Guild Recreation Club and to date we have maintained that glorious friendship. He was an active member and contributed towards the welfare of the Guild. It was at a family gathering that he met Marlene which triggered a romance that led to marriage.
On migrating to Australia he did not hesitate to join the Australia Sri Lanka Welfare Guild (continuation of the Dematagoda Christian Guild)
founded by my late Dad, Shelton Schokman Snr. He was a helpful committee member and served as a Vice President for many years.
Doyne was always outspoken and stood for what he thought was right even though it was sometimes met with criticism. He was a community man and well known by many Sri Lankans. He was a member of the Australia Ceylon Fellowship and The Burgher Association where he served diligently towards the advancement of these associations with Marlene often helping behind the scenes.
Doyne never failed to recognise the good times and memories created during the Guild days. In an email to me in May 2022 this is what he had to say:
“Thank you for bringing forth these wonderful memories of the DCGRC.
It is indeed very pleasant for Marlene and I, especially who very coincidentally on the 1st May 2022 celebrated 60 years of happily wedded life bearing in mind that we met and fell in love at a get together at Dawn Walker’s birthday. In retrospect I can remember very vividly that I had just participated in the Mercantile Athletic Meet and despite being physically sore was canvassed by Rasa (Weerasingham) and Hanoon (Salay) to come along by changing my intention not to attend, and I met the love of my life.
Those were the days of genuine comradery and normality to see yourself in the other person and treat that other person as if it was you.
Whilst thanking the Almighty for giving us the encouragement to see ourselves in the other human being and reacting humanly – that behaviour has sadly diminished. This has been overtaken by alleged technical advancement which I and many others will attribute this to the power and machinations of Lucifer who has been convinced that if you cannot beat them join them and that camouflage seems to be dominating our lives.
The Almighty is great and with more of us becoming more aware of these machinations it will change but we cannot sit on our hands whilst acknowledging that we as humans are vulnerable to these machinations”
God Bless! You and Yours
Doyne
At the death of my brother Ivor on 7th April 2020 I received the following email:
“Our Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathies to you and his dearly beloved wife Charleen and children.
The floodgates of wonderful memories with the background of the DCGRC created the bonds of never ending beautiful irreplaceable memories”
May his soul Rest In Peace”
Doyne & Marlene
Well, Doyne & Marlene we pray that God is carrying you to that beautiful place above. May the peace of our Lord dwell with you both in eternal rest.
Charles Schokman
