Harold Gemunu Rupesinghe
April 11, 1928 to February 6, 2024
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Gemunu Rupesinghe at the ripe young age of 95.
My dad was born on the 11th of April 1928 in Colombo, Sri Lanka as the oldest boy of 5 siblings, all of whom predeceased him. He left Sri Lanka with a scholarship to study in Germany where he earned his teaching certificate and gained a German wife. They moved to Sri Lanka before returning to Germany, UK and Paris, France. While in France working as a translator for Trans World Airlines he spotted an advertisement in the paper looking for teachers in the wonderful country of Canada and he never looked back. After a year teaching French in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia he moved the family to Birchy Bay, Newfoundland where he, on Chapel Island, taught French and Social Studies. He also went on to teach in Wabush, Labrador and La Scie, NL where he finished his teaching career. Finding retirement a little dull, he went on to sell real estate before finally retiring to his crossword puzzles and books and stimulating discussions with friends.
My father was an avid reader and supremely knowledgeable in all things geographical and historical. In addition, he lost his heart to the Montreal Canadians to whom he remained true from his early days in Canada until his death. This from a man who could not stand up on ice, let alone skate. But he could quote you stats from before his arrival in Canada.
Newfoundland truly became his home. He refused to leave even when his only child, me, moved away. For him it was the kindness, compassion and caring not to mention, the sense of humour of the Newfoundland people that kept him here. Definitely NOT the weather. Indeed, my parents were able to remain in their home until a year ago because of the care of neighbours and friends.
Harold Rupesinghe leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Marta Rupesinghe (nee Schnatz), his daughter Dr. Lalitha Isolde Rupesinghe (Michael Lever) and step grand kids Emily and Charlie Lever. And many, many dear friends. A special thank you to those friends who really stepped up especially in his final years. And to Kenny’s Pond Retirement Residence Staff about whom I cannot say enough good things. The kindness and compassion and care shown to my parents has been truly touching.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 from 6-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Society.
Schedule
Visitations
6 - 8 p.m. on February 13, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Oh my…this makes me so sad to read. Monsieur Rupesinghe was absolutely one of my favorite teachers while I attended High School in La Scie. I will never forget when he found me in St. John’s and took me out for supper to talk about old times and my future. He was an amazing teacher and even a more amazing human being. My heart goes out to his family. He indeed lived a fulfilling life and will always bring a smile to my face. My condolences and prayers for your loss.
My sincere condolences to you all. I worked with Harold in Real Estate many years ago.. He was a real gentleman. May he Rest In Peace.
My sincere condolences to your family. I had him as a French teacher Wabush, Labrador and remember him well with lots of patience and kindness. Hugs
To Martha and family: I was saddened when I hthat Harold had passed away.. I met you and Harold a few years ago when we attended the Tuesday Friendship group. I cannot forget how good Harold was at playing trivia as he knew all of the answers. I often wondered how you folks were doing. On behalf of my husband Al we extend our deepest condolances to his family. Harold was a fine gentleman.. May he rest in peace.
Alice Keats
Mount Pearl
to
Dear Marta and family, I just happened to scroll through the obituaries on this site and was sad to read Harold’s passing. We thought of you often and wondered how you were doing. We really enjoyed your time with us during our Tuesday Friendship sessions. I always remembered how much Harold loved the trivia questions. You couldn’t stump him if you tried. He was a gentle soul with a smile that lit up the room and a great story teller. May all the beautiful memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Georgina and Board of Directors of the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group
So sad to hear of your father’s passing. He taught me French in Labrador. It was my favourite course as he was my favourite teacher. Rip Mr. Rupesinglhe. ❤️🥰
Isolde, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He taught me French in Wabush, such a sweet and caring man. He also taught my Mom French at night.
Sandy Hookey (Bonnell)
Mrs. Rupesinghe
So sorry to hear of Mr. Rupesinghe passing. Deepest condolences.
Ramona
Dear Marta, .So sorry to learn of your husband’s passing.. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lalitha Joty shared your father‘s beautiful obituary. I am so very sorry for your loss and thinking of you and your family at this time
Dear Martha and Lalitha
We are saddened by the news. Our good friend for over 35 years, Mr. Harold will be missed by our family and many other friends.
We have been communicating with him every year since we left St. John’s. Unfortunately last yea we tried but unable to find any contact information. May he RIP. Sincerely, Dr. Piyasena Hapuarachchi, Padmini and daughters – Michelle and Malinda
I have warm memories of Harold, a man of faith, compassion and humor. Prayers for the family at this lonely time.
Condolences to his family and friends. I met Harold only the once, in the 1980s, but it was a grand conversation and made an impression on me. I was a volunteer with Amnesty International human rights group. Some issue arose regarding Sri Lanka and a mailout to Amnesty members nationally from a Sri Lankan group. I ended up chatting a few times on the phone with Harold and then dropped off some materials at his house off Mount Cason Avenue. We had such a nice chat at the door, he was a real gentleman. All these years later, I still recall him. I’m sure you have many happy memories that will be a comfort to you now.
Please accept my my deepest condolences on the passing of Harold. I worked with Harold in real estate and he was such a nice person . RIP Harold
Sorry to hear of Mr. Rupesinghe’s passing. He was my high school teacher at Cape John Collegiate, in La Scie. I fondly remember him teaching French for several year, as well as another subject. He had patience, for sure, because I know there were people in class that tested his patience, but he never got mad.. (but he should have). He was such a kind soul.
My condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Rupesinghe
Dear Martha, Lalitha & Family,
Please accept our Deepest Sympathies.
We have many good memories of Harold. He represented us when we bought our house in St.John’s Newfoundland. He always had many interesting life stories to relate.
May he Rest in Peace
Ajith and Lakmali Hewa.
Dear Marta & Esolda
We are so very sorry to hear of Harold’s passing! Reading your beautiful tribute to him brought back many warm memories of his life’s stories he shared with us. He was a very knowledgeable, witty and gracious man!
Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time!
Lester & Phyllis Hancock
Lalitha, what a beautiful tribute to your dad.
My deepest condolences to you, your mom and your family.
What a marvellous life!
My he rest in peace
To the family ;
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing . He was a colleague of mine during his teaching time at Cape John Collegiate in La Scie . Such a sweet , quiet soul with the patience of Job . RIP
Marta, Lalitha, and family:
Deepest sympathies on Harold’s passing.
I will miss our Sunday afternoon “meetings” where we discussed hockey, current events, and Harold’s childhood stories over a cuppa. Some of my favourites were Harold meeting John Fergusson, the last Beothuk, and riding the elephant all afternoon.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Marta , Isolda and family
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Harold
He was a good friend to my mom and dad
We really enjoyed his stories and life anecdotes when he visited our home. He lived along life
Marta and family,
I am sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. I have wonderful memories of visting your home during my time at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Harold’s stories of his vast experiences and life as a child were always engaging. Conversation, prayer and tea were always a highlight of our time together. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers of thankgiving for a life of your beloved Harold. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Dear Marta and Lalitha,
Sending along our sincere condolences on Harold’s passing. I really enjoyed working along side him in the same Real Estate office back in the late 1980’s. Everybody was fond of his wonderful sense of humour & large smile. A gentleman of integrity, we could listen for hours to his enthusiastic life stories.
Hugs.
Jim & Dera Burton
To Mrs Rupesinghe and Dr Rupesinghe:
Your husband, Dad was my Grade 7-10 French teacher at F.G. Bursey Collegiate, in Grand Falls.
Throughout those years, and ever since, I admired him as a teacher, a kind man and eventually as a friend. He was very enthusiastic when he talked about things that mattered most to him and he sometimes showed that side of himself. But mostly, he presented as a gentle and very interesting man.
He was so proud of his daughter, ‘a doctor’, but sad that she lived so far away; and always so proud and grateful for his treasured wife. In class, he would occasionally reference his wife with such reverence and joy that we were left in awe over this remarkable woman.
He taught us – his French students – how to sing Silent Night in German. Every Christmas, I still sing those first few words, in his honour.
In later years, I would meet him at church and greeted both Mr & Mrs Rupesinghe with a hug, a big smile and a chat, which was then warmly reciprocated.
Mrs Ruprsinghe and daughter , I pray that God will give you the comfort of shared love and happy memories, as you journey through this intense separation. May you feel peace and share in Mr Rupesinghe’s hope that one day we will all meet again.
with my love and sincere condolences,
Claudette (Boyd) Coombs
I have many fond memories of Mr. Rupesinghe as a student in his French class at Bursey Memorial Collegiate (Grand Falls, NL) in the 1970’s. His determination to continue to teach after the challenges that he endured with our class, was admirable! My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I first met your mom and dad in Grand Falls where they lived in the same apartment building as I did. I had the pleasure of being reacquainted with Harold when we both served as realtors in the St. John’s area. May I say it was always a pleasure bumping into him. Deepest condolences to your mom, Marta, you and the rest of your family. May he rest in peace.
He was a fantastic gentleman. May his family know that he was admired by many in this province. Thank you for choosing us as your home. God bless.