Loving Hearts 💕

1 John 3:18 – Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Our neighbor and dearest friend came to our door right away. I had just shared the news that Dad had entered eternal bliss. He sat with us. While he expressed his sadness, he encouraged us to be thankful. Dad, along with mom and the rest of the family, were no longer in pain. The suffering spanned almost eight years. Dad was left as mere skin and bone. He suffered from advanced dementia with rigidity due to Alzheimer’s disease. Watching him over the years for everyone close to him was not easy.

When dad turned 84, I made a post on him: https://diljacob.com/2021/03/28/dr-alzheimer/

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:

The list that follows this verse offers poetic descriptions. It highlights different seasons and facets of life. The imagery is beautiful. Yet it also casts a dark shadow. It reminds us of the inevitability of trouble. It also points us to that powerful hand in full control of ‘everything’.

Many friends and family were with us as we prepared to bid farewell. Many people visited us. Others called or sent messages of comfort and encouragement. On behalf of all of us, thank you very much. Please forgive us for not personally acknowledging each of you. We are deeply touched by your love.

We are very grateful to have had a dad all our life. Many around us have not experienced this. It was always my wish to make sure that I would try to continue this legacy. Dad was a wonderful example, he brought pride to his school, his country, and his family. In everything, he always taught us about the ultimate goal. This goal was to always give the glory to his creator. Without Him, our dad would be nothing. I did not live up to what he achieved. Yet, I learned from him and my mom. For them, their God was the only priority. Everything that followed was because of their faith in the creator.

We saw the tragedies dad and mom experienced. How they got though this was what helped us move ahead in life.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

How can I explain this to you. We had our dad; We talked to him. His condition was such that all we received was an empty look. Did he understand what we said? Were we heard? Every visit to see him over the last many years was painful, sad, and hard. We know that God has His plan well carved out. We were also sure that ‘In His time, He would make all things beautiful’.

What brings us greater joy is that we had ‘dad’ as a ‘father’. This incredible relationship lasted for the most needed part of our lives! We can’t be more thankful for this blessing! Dad loved us deeply and guided us as a father would. We can look back at every situation and relate to the father’s love. For us sons, we personally prayed that we be the same to our children.

All of us are incredibly grateful to all family and friends. You surrounded our dad with such joy and love. This love has overflowed into our lives, and we can only give thanks to our maker. This is only His beautiful work, nothing else!

Memories of Dad began circulating. I thought it was fitting to include some of them below.

Kandy Times News Paper, ISSN: 1391 – 0531, Sunday January 6th, 2008
Vol 42- No 32

FRANKLIN was most inseparable from rugby
By Aubrey Kuruppu
https://share.google/mawP1oJELhVPVOOlc

Trinity unbeaten rugby team of 1956 led by David Frank – 17 Jul 2015
Trinity College Rugby Supporters https://www.facebook.com/share/1A3HFsixwj/

Ceylon Then / Sri Lanka Now!  · 
Sukumar Shan 22 February 2021
The 1964 Uva rugby team captained by Vivian Blaze.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17YjMdGsJ7/

Yohan Asirwatham 24 October 2025

In Trinity's hallowed halls, he played the game,
Rugger's thrill, a champion's flame.
For Ceylon's honor, he took the field with pride,
A true sportsman, with a heart full of joy inside.

The tea estates knew him well, a planter true,
With a smile that welcomed all, anew.
His bungalow, a haven, where love did abide,
Family and friends gathered, side by side.

His jovial laughter echoed, contagious and free,
A gentleman, a family man, he  always would be.
Though his passing leaves a void, a grief so true,
Memories of him will forever endure.

A life well-lived, a legacy that stays,
Uncle Franklin, you will be missed each day.
May your memory be a blessing to all whom you knew,
And may your love and legacy forever shine through.

The Tennekoons - Lasantha, Asha, Karen and Kevin 24 October 2025

We have known your dad for a long time as friends, and also at Trinity. In fact, our son and daughter Kevin and Karen, may well have been his last Tennis students at the Police Ground, just before he fell ill.

Once during that time, I sat next to him at a Service at St. Paul's and realized that he did not recognize me! I was so sad because that was so sudden.

Even my parents faced the same condition before they finally found their eternal peace. But losing a parent and a loved one, whatever the circumstances may be, is a difficult reality to face.

He lived a good life, and definitely served everyone and every place he was around.

The True Trinitian as the Murals in the Chapel depict.

A kind, God fearing, humble and a caring human being.

You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and consolation in the loving grace of our Lord.

Navin De Crooz 24 October 2025

I recall how he used to conduct prayer meetings at our place, later on my parents too accepted the Lord. They must be all rejoicing together now!

- For me to ready this was most encouraging, Dad and Mom both understood their calling.

With deep gratitude and thanks for all your love, thoughts and prayers.