Happy Birthday Papa Geoffrey Abisheganaden.

Geoffrey (London circa 1979) 

Today, 23rd November happens to be my late father, Geoffrey Abisheganaden, birthday. He passed on 15 years ago on 20th Sept 2010, through old age. He lived 91 years, many of these years were very fruitful serving both God and his ministry as well as many organizations in Singapore's nascent years of independence since 1965.

Geoffrey was a devout Anglican and he regularly sang at the St Andrew's Cathedral church choir every Sunday. He was blessed with a deep baritone voice and during his early years, I was told and shown certificates of his oral singing excellence from the UK. He won many a singing competition in the early to mid 50s, where he started studying as a lawyer at the Grays Inn in London.

I believe he was called to the Bar around 1950 or 51, and he had many English friends. An Anglophile, he fondly remembered the UK as his adopted 'motherland' and I always wondered why that country had such a hold on him.

The UK I know now, is a sad reflection of what it was even just 60 to 70 years ago, a pale shadow of its former imperialist ambitions and empire.  

                                                         With an unamed friend. 

During his salad days, I have pictures of him as a young man, (maybe the late 1930s) dressed to the nines (I will post pictures of his 'salad days' soon). My father had many friends, who were very successful, but he also remained loyal to those who did not make it in life, as he treasured friendship without judgement.

As I recall and have data from current and past records, my Papa sat on the board or was President of numerous clubs and societies in Malaya and Singapore, most notably :

1. National University of Singapore Society (1967 - 1970) - President

2. Singapore Bible Society

3. YMCA

4. St Andrew's School and St Andrew's Junior College 

5. St Andrew's Cathedral

6. Singapore Swimming Club (legal advisor)

7. Singapore Cricket Club

His selfless nature, while apparent, did not let him lose sight that the focus of his work was to serve God and give of his talents. This is one trait which I wish to follow soon, as time is of the essence.

                                                A much treasured  1969 family picture 

Happy Birthday to my Papa Geoffrey Abisheganaden !  Forever remembered by your children and grandchildren Noel, Andrew and Hannah. 

May you be blessed in heaven.

You would have been 106 years old today. 

Love, your beloved son.