Obituary of DON CYRIL PERERA

DON CYRIL PERERA With great sorrow we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Don Cyril Perera on August 5, 2013. Cyril was born February 10, 1934 in Kochchikade, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), second youngest son of Jeronimus and Margaret Perera. Cyril (known as Don to many friends in Canada) was predeceased by his brothers Justin and Telly. He will be missed and remembered by his wife of 48 years Julita, his siblings in Sri Lanka, Remy and Benita, by his sons Dexter and Guy, daughter-in-law Jeanine, grandchildren Ryan, Keenan, Megan, and many nieces and nephews. Cyril served in the Ceylon Defence Force for five years and retained fond memories of his time as a signals operator traversing the island by motorcycle. He helped build the Colombo International Airport as a heavy machinery operator, forging life-long friendships with some of the Canadians he worked with on the project. Cyril immigrated to Canada in 1968. He helped to build Pembina Highway and many other projects with Building Products. Cyril retired in 1994 after over twenty years as a Power Engineer at Manitoba Telephone System where he was a union steward for the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Cyril was a hard worker, always took pride in his work. He was a tireless and active member of the community. He was a founder of the Friends of the Assiniboine Conservatory, a dedicated volunteer at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Meals on Wheels and various other church and community groups. Cyril was a generous and gregarious teller of tall tales and bad jokes, who enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, whether praying together or playing cards or on numerous camping trips. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren, travelling to see them at every opportunity and speaking with them daily. He had a quick smile and a conversation for anybody that passed by. He was genuinely a child at heart. Prayers and viewing will be held on Thursday. August 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m. both at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd. Entombment to follow at Assumption Chapel Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The Youville Centre or the Western Canada Aviation Museum.