X F PANCRAS FERNANDEZ, B.A B.Sc London LLB
(1923 - 2009)

I will always remember his advice and ideas, he was a person by whom i was greatly inspired. Not only was he someone to look upto, He was also my role model during my academic life. A great gentleman, whos walk can never be forgotten, may he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this period of loss of such a great man. Thevethas Peiris (student)

THE MEMORIES I CHERISH OF FERNANDEZ, X F PANCRAS A host of good things can be said of Late X F Pancras Fernandez such as an erudite scholar, an eminent person, a perfect gentleman, a fervent Catholic, an exemplary principal, a man of principles, a strict disciplinarian, an altruistic person, an affectionate father, an effulgent mentor, a voracious reader, a spiritual guide, a true leader, a lover of peace, an admirable humanitarian… so on and so forth all of which I fully concede as true. It is not an exaggeration. Until the late 80s, that is, till he retired from the teaching career, I did not have any close contact with him due to the fact that I missed the opportunity of studying under him though he was a co-villager and a remote relative of mine. He was in the habit of attending the Holy Mass on a daily basis and so was I during the said period. Hence I had numerous opportunities of meeting him on his way to church. What attracted me most was that he never fails to throw a smile on me saying a “hello” every time he meets me. I was very much fascinated by this gesture of him. Little by little I came to realize that all what others said of him was true. Having an unshakeable confidence in him, I used to go now and then and meet him personally to discuss on various subjects that interested us in common. During the course of those discussions I myself had found the profound knowledge he possessed almost in all fields. Once, I remember well, he had delivered a long lecture on love and hierarchy of values with special reference to the teaching of Christ through which I was able to clear many of my doubts. The advice he gave really helped me to enhance my personal life. He lived up to his convictions that were so edifying. He was magnanimous both in word and deed. He is a personality who should be emulated by everyone. His memories shall live for ever in our hearts. J. Edward Pieris Ward 07 PESALAI

A Tribute to a great teacher My teacher, Mr. X.F Pancras, is no more. He left us for good on 22.04.2009, having lived a fruitful life for 86 years. He was the Principal of St. Gabriel’s Collage, Yatiyantota, in the Kegalle district of Sabaragamuwa Province. It was an English mixed school. Mr.Pancras himself was a lexicon. That was why he taught us Charles Dicken’s The tale of two Cities, without any problem in explaining the bombastic words. There was no word, the meaning of which, he did not Know. He was a genius. Mr. Pancras was short, stocky, quick and smartly dressed. He could teach any subject in the curriculum although he taught only English and Maths in the higher classes. Under his stewardship, St.Gabriels was a composite family comprising Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim and the religious groups Catholics, Buddhist and Hindus. The amity that prevailed among these groups of students and teachers was an object lesson in racial and religious tolerance. Sir, though you are no more, we treasure your memory with love and gratitude. Your loving pupil J.Antony

George, We were so sorry to learn that you were -once again - unable to return home at a crucial moment to attend your father's funeral. You honor your father by the way you act as husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Dear Sir & Quency acca, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Chandrikaa, Menon & Kids

George, Although Femi Sr. and I have never met your father, the comments of how he lived his life is clearly reflected within what we see in you. His obvious love for Christ, love for his family, his kindness and gentleness have been left behind as a testament of his living legacy. It is the love and kindness you have shown to our son, the husband of your daughter, that is a reflection. It is your love for Amyra that is a reflection. For this we have been blessed to know the root of your love and kindness is from a man so loved by you and others. Although your father’s physical presence may not be with you and your family now, his spiritual presence is so much alive. May all who knew him find comfort in the wonderful memories he left for you. God bless you all and comfort you to know as the wind blows, your father kisses your cheek, and as the sun shines he warms your heart, and as the rain falls he cleanses the sadness from your

Our deepest condolences to you Sir and your family. Anbudan, Satish, Kavitha, Nishanth

Fernandez family, Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted. One of my friends lost her mother and she decided to connect her mother with a ladybug. Every time she saw a ladybug, she said that her mother was right beside her. On one of her most important days of her life, she found no one standing with her fighting for her cause and as she found herself extremely depressed and getting dressed to leave to work, she pulled out her box of scarves and lo and behold! She found a ladybug sitting pretty! You were so proud to talk about his achievements and your own, because of him. He is a whisper away, a chime near, sunshine far and a smile apart. We are joining you and yours to celebrate his wonderful life!! Sunil, Suchitra and Adithya

Dear Prof. George, Please accept our deepest sympathies to your family. You were always very proud to talk about your dad and was very fond of him, now I could imagine his wonderful personality after seeing his photos. Lost of someone in the family is very very painful...lots of tears...time heals....gradually we make their memories sacred and use them as our inner strength....then no more tears, its pure. God bless you all. Lastly, I would like to share this from a famous poet, Farewell my Friend It was beautiful as long as it lasted The journey to my life. I have no regrets whatsoever save the pain I'll leave behind. Those dear hearts who love and care... And the strings pulling at the heart and soul... The strong arms that held me up When my own strength let me down. At every turning of my life I came across good friends, Friends who stood me by, Even when time raced me by. Farewell, farewell my friends I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears for I need them not. All I need is your smile. If you feel sad do think of me for that's what I'll like. When you live in the hearts of those you love, remember, then you never die. -- Rabindranath Tagore

I had the opportunity to meet XF Pancras Fernandez when I had the privilege of traveling to Sri Lanka with George, Queency, Ramya and Ryan. He impressed me as a very kind and gentle person who deeply cared for all his family members. We sat together at midnight Mass on Christmas 2004 in the church in Pesalai. He and his daughters Josephine and Clarice extended very warm hospitality to me during our visit. I am reminded of words from a hymn: "And He will raise you up, on eagles' wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand." My sincere sympathies to his wonderful family. May God bless you all.

My deepest sympathies.Received the news from Mr.peris pesala.I learnt a lot from him.He was my rolemodel. May his soul rest in peace.I'll inform to the Walimada school staff & the old students. Contact number 0112906792

Dear Joe, Although I have never met your father even when we sat on the bench together at Hartley, I can from reading the comments see him on you. You are surely a chip of the old bloke and display many of his qualities. When we spoke at the end of last year you did speak about him and told me that that he was still at Pesalai leading a simple life. Suguna, Ajanthi,Mayuran and I share your loss and pray to God that his soul rest in peace. Maran Sivakumaran

Dear Joe Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing away of your loving father. I met your father Mr Pancras Fernandez 37 years back in Welimada Maha Vithyalayam, while he was Principal at this school. As I was a teacher at that time near Welimada (a town situated between Nuwara Eliya and Badula) I came to know this leading Principal of that area who was rendering a yeoman service to the upcountry tamils education. To my surprise he happened to be your father and still I have the vivid memories of your late father who created a lasting impression on me by his manners, kindness and his thirst for knowledge. Unfortunately I did not have another opportunity to meet him again. Though I went to St. Xavier College, Mannar in 1978 with Vavuniya Maha Vithyalaya Football team (as a teacher) for a football match, while Mr Fernandez was Principal of that great institution,I was unable to meet him as he was out of the town on that day. May he attain peace.

Though I never met my Great Grandfather, I know that he loved me from all the letters he sent my mom. I know that he will look down upon me from Heaven and be my Guardian Angel. And I hope to one day be a great woman, using him as an example.

I am very saddened to hear about the loss of my grandfather. From the time I was very little, he always made an effort to keep in touch with me through letters. He always let me know that he was proud of me, my family, and my accomplishments. I love that he accepted my husband easily and always prayed for him as well. And I love most the love that he showed for my daughter, his first great grandchild, Amyra. He always asked about her and I know that she was loved. I admired that no matter how hard life was for him in Sri Lanka, he never complained. He was such a wonderful man and someone I look up to. I will miss receiving his letters but know that he is looking down upon my family from heaven. We love you grandpa. Ramya

My Dear God Son Joe, Praise the Lord for being a mother to you in God's Name. Please accept my deepest sympathies on the demise of your beloved Dad. I am with you in your loss. 'God gave, God Took away 'Job 1:21. May His Name be praised? GODMA

Our Dad was a great treasure to us. There are no words to express the love and concerns he showered on us. When our Mom died my youngest sister Belle was a crawling baby. He faced hardship in bringing up the baby and to attend to the needs of us. Now, we could not feel that he has passed away and we feel that he is always with us. He loved his grand children and the great grand-daughter, Amyra Nila very much. Our Dad will be remembered by us forever. May his soul Rest in Peace

Dear Joe, Please accept my heratfelt sympathies. Looking back to my good old days at St. Xavier's college, Mannar in sixties, i remember your dad and our Pancras master, as truly a great personality with his unique smartness and humility and a well disciplined teacher with a good command of english.I still remember whenever Bro.Hilary( Former Principal) talked to him he would say hundreds of "YES BROTHER" to him.I used to wonder whether he would say "no" on any day. Such a humble man. Pancras Master we learnt lots of good manners from you. That will be in my memories always. God bless you Joe and convey my deepest sympathies to all your family members also. Mohanraj

I have the pleasure of meeting a great man 30 yrs ago who was my father-in-law. Mostly I got to know him through his mails and few times in person. Meeting him in those few times, he made a huge impact in my life. He taught us how to live a simple life and how to stay close to God. He was a very loving father, father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa. He was very proud of his children’s achievement. In his presence, people around him felt peace. He was a soft spoken, calm and humble person. He never failed to send letters to his children and grand children who are living out of SL. I loved the way he addressed his children. It showed how much he loved his children. We received his last letter few days after his passing. In that, basically he sent his blessings to all of his children, grand children, and great grand child. When I read his last letter I felt very sad and realized we’ll never get to read or hear his loving words again. Even in the midst of our grief, it’s comforting to know that he will be praying for us from above. love, Queency

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. X F PANCRAS FERNANDEZ,unfortunately but I work for his son George and he is a great person and boss and I would like to give my Condolences and pay my respect. May you rest in peace. Maritza Chavez

My grandpa was a great man, who loved his family very much. He always made an effort to keep in touch with me. If I didn't write back to him, he would still keep sending letters. It's a shame we lived so far from him, because I would have liked to visit him more than one time. I admired many things about Grandpa, especially his love for his children and his faith in Christ. I love the picture of him and his motorcycle, because it reminds me of myself (I have a motorcycle also). It's nice to know he is looking after our family now, in heaven. Rest in peace Grandpa. Love, Ryan

Though i do not know Fernandez personally, i think i am broadly enjoying the fruit of his labor. George his son is my professor who has continue to impact a lot in me and i think its acquired from his father(Fernandez) and i share the loss. May your soul rest in peace.