As I stand here today, I am filled with a deep sense of sadness and gratitude. Sadness, for we have lost someone who was so dear to us, and gratitude, because we had the privilege of knowing and loving someone who left an enduring mark on our hearts and souls, a mark that will never fade away. There are people who come into our lives and leave such an impression that it stays with us forever. As I look around me and see all the people who have gathered here to honor this man, I realize the profound impact he had on all of us. Two decades. Twenty years of knowing him and his family have truly been a gift. Today, we’ve gathered to pay tribute to his life and his enduring legacy.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Thank you all for coming together to celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable man, Daya De Silva, or as my sister and I fondly called him, Daya Uncle. Though not related by blood, our families have been like family to one another, sharing holidays and countless cherished memories over the last two decades. Two decades. Two decades of laughter, love, and togetherness, which Daya Uncle helped make possible. Today, we gather to pay tribute to his life and his enduring legacy.

 

Daya Uncle was a devoted husband to Ramani Aunty and a loving father to Diluks and father-in-law to Sara. He worked tirelessly and made countless sacrifices to provide for his family and create a loving and supportive home. His dedication to his family was evident in the way he raised his son Diluks, who I looked up to as a role model growing up. Daya Uncle's influence on Diluks is unmistakable, as he has grown into a man with strong ideals and a kind heart, a testament to Daya Uncle's unwavering commitment to his family.

 

Every time Daya Uncle spoke of Diluks, his accomplishments, and his daughter-in-law Sara, his face would light up with pride and joy. This love and dedication extended beyond his family, as he was always there for his friends, offering a helping hand or a listening ear whenever needed.

 

As the eldest of ten siblings, Daya Uncle stepped up as a father figure after the passing of his own father. His brothers and sisters looked up to him for guidance and support, a testament to his strong character and nurturing nature.

 

Daya Uncle's dedication to his faith and his community was truly inspirational. As a devout Buddhist, he lived his life according to the principles of Buddhism, embodying compassion, mindfulness, and selflessness in everything he did. He followed the Buddhist teachings on the path toward Nibbana, and in doing so, touched the lives of all who knew him.

 

His generosity knew no bounds, whether it was through volunteering at local events, supporting community fundraisers, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. His presence was like the warmth of the sun on a chilly morning - felt and appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his impact on countless lives will not be forgotten.

 

But it wasn't just his kindness and generosity that touched our lives; Daya Uncle was like a ray of sunshine, brightening up even the darkest of days. A dancing legend, he was also the life of any and all parties he was in attendance. His infectious smile, contagious laughter, and serious dance moves brought joy to every room he entered. If there was music playing, you could be sure to find him on the dance floor, pulling us in to join him and spreading happiness to everyone around him.

 

One of my favorite memories of Daya Uncle is when I was a kid and our family went to their house for dinner - this was pretty much a recurring tradition growing up - and I always looked forward to Ramani Aunty's Chicken Curry. Being a chubby kid, my dad tried to control my diet and restrict my portions to just one helping. Daya Uncle, always quick to make us laugh, smiled and said, "Don't worry, let the boy eat!" and gave me more and convinced my dad it was alright. He saw the joy on my face and he wanted to make sure I had enough to eat, even if it meant I had to shop in the Husky section for jeans as a kid. Looking back at old photos, I can see why my dad was hesitant to give me more food when I was younger. But Daya Uncle always knew how to make me feel special and loved. Maybe he thought I'd burn it off chasing after the ice cream truck later?

 

Today, as we remember Daya Uncle, we honor the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy of love, selflessness, and joy. Though he may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will live on in the lives he touched and the countless hearts he warmed.

 

Let us honor his legacy by embracing the purpose of human life, as described by Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Daya Uncle made us feel loved, appreciated, and alive, and that is a gift that will stay with us always. In doing so, we not only keep his spirit alive but also make the world a better place, just as he did.

 

And as we reflect on his journey as a devout Buddhist, we hope that he attains the peace and serenity of Nibbana. Let his life serve as a reminder to us all to live with compassion, mindfulness, and selflessness, just as he did.

 

We can all agree that he was a legend in every sense of the word. His kindness, generosity, and humor touched the lives of so many, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Though he may no longer be with us physically, we know that legends are never forgotten.

 

Thank you for the gift of your life, and for the love and light you brought into our world. Rest in peace, knowing that you will never be forgotten.

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-Neil