This is my father, Geoffrey Abisheganaden. He will be 89 years old this November. During his heyday he was one of the top barristers in Singapore,having studied at the famous Gray's Inn in London England after the 2nd World War.
After being called to th bar, he practised in Singapore and was the assistant to Mr. David Marshall for several years before starting his own law firm in Collyer Quay called G. Abisheganaden and Partners. He was a very generous person and defended
many people 'pro bono' (free of charge) as his principles were to help those in need. We lived in a huge bungalow at 6 Adis Road (now its a condo called Mt Sophia Apartments) off Sophia Road.
My brother and I saw him come home from work elated when he won his cases and there was hardly a day when he appeared down. He loved being in court and even at night, he would have nightmares of his cases played out in his sleep and we would hear him yelling at the top of his voice while sound asleep ! Over the years, he has
presided in the Board of Governors at St Andrews School, St Andrew's Junior College, the National University of Singapore Guild House President (Club for NUS Alumni), Singapore Swimming Club, St Andrew's Cathedral,Bible House amongst other. His talents were singing - he has an excellent baritone voice worthy of public performance, something which I am ashamed to say that I have no talent in and of course debating, he was instrumental in helping our NTI Debate teams in the years 1984 and 1986 when we took on the giants, NUS and won.
Ever the gracious gentleman, he and my mother were partygoers attending many high society functions practically every weekend and even some weekday nights. I had the one opportunity to meet the then President of Singapore,Mr. Benjamin Sheares during the St Andrew's Old Boys Dinner in the early 70's.He was and still is a very
down to earth and till today,reads a book a day (!)
Indeed, my father is truly an Uncommon Man with the grace of God.
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