Monday Nov 11, 2024
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Monday Nov 11, 2024
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Percy Pregasem
Percy Pregasem was a student at St. Benedict’s College during its vintage years from the mid-1930s to early 1940s.
It was the era of Bro. Luke Gregory the first Ceylonese Director who succeeded Bro. Claude Marie.
“To begin the begin” – “I was just then a rambling teenaged schoolboy “blowing bubbles” in the shade of the majestic banyan tree and the obscurity of the grey and sombre age-old three-faced tell-tale clock tower which to me was the hallmark of our alma mater”.
Percy, a student with a proven track record in his studies and sports proved his versatility at cricket, soccer, table tennis and athletics. For the record he captained the cricket team in 1942 and ‘44, soccer (‘43 and ‘44) and crowned Table Tennis champion in 1939/40 – an achievement to enthuse and reminisce of in the twilight of his life. He was coached by AC Amath (cricket) and VA Sugathadasa (soccer). In the backdrop of his excellent sporting credentials Percy was also a fine athlete competing alongside Aloy Canagasuriam who won the 440 yards event for St. Benedict’s at the Public schools meet in the early ’40s.
Summing up his role as Quarter Master Sergeant in the Cadet Corps under Capt. Joachim Mendis and Lt. Merril Perera and recounts that participating in the sports curriculum moulded his character and helped immensely to successfully negotiate the vicissitudes in later life.
Percy was the embodiment of the truism “mens sano mens corpore sano”.
On leaving the portals of this hallowed Lasallian educational institution Percy commenced the foray into the public domain as Secretary to JW Coles (CLI) thanks to Bro. Luke’s recommendation and his cadeting exposure. Consequent to this initial baptism in public life Percy pursued a successful career as a Tea and Rubber Planter.
In 1980 Percy, with his wife Shanti, and two daughters migrated to Canada while his other two daughters and family opted to remain in Sri Lanka. In the land of domicile Percy led an active life where amongst varied jobs he also officiated as a full-fledged umpire for the Scarborough Umpires Cricket Association for some years. Percy also indulged in bridge and snooker in the many Seniors’ centres proving that age was no impediment to relishing the good life. He was an active member of the Bens Alumni Association (Canada) and greatly enjoy the company of Benedictines of varying age groups at their social gatherings joining in the fun and merriment.
The nonagenarian is the beneficiary of a well-earned retirement and accompanied by his family took wing to their ‘home sweet home’ every two to three years visiting their loved ones and sharing precious moments.
Percy could have been acclaimed as the oldest living schools’ cricket and soccer Captain in Sri Lanka-congratulations to a ‘dyed in the wool’ Benedictine was certainly a legend whose journey in life will surely be a beacon light to many.
As he leaves this life after a long innings of 99 plus years just a few months short of a century will be missed by all who knew him to be a true officer, gentleman, parent, friend and beyond all a human being.
