PLEASE NOTE THE LIVE STREAM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 6, 2020 at 8:55 AM EST.

Thamotharampillai "Thamo” Venayagaratnam's obituary

Thamotharampillai “Thamo” Venayagaratnam, 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Fieldstone Commons Care Community long-term care. Born in Allavetti, Sri Lanka, on August 01, 1923, he was the son of the late parents of Alvar and Thangamuthu Thamotharampillai and the youngest brother of late sisters Annam Suppiah, Chellamma Visvalingam and Ponnamma Nadarajah.

Venayagaratnam (Thamo) was a Mechanical Engineer who specialized in locomotive engines in the Sri Lankan (CGR) and Malawi railway systems for 40 years. In 1955, he was sent by the Sri Lankan government to Chicago, Illinois and to Ontario, Canada to the General Motors plants for further training for one year.

After retirement, he came back to Canada with his wife in 1986. Thamo received many accolades over the course of the years. Thamo was an active volunteer of the Malvern Family Resource Centre where he volunteered and taught English to the Tamil Seniors. Thamo was a recipient of the Edith Montgomery Volunteer Award for his valuable contribution and support to the Malvern Family Resource Centre. In addition, he volunteered at the Senior Tamils Centre of Ontario and was awarded the Commitment Award in appreciation of his role as a Pick-Up-Point Coordinator.

Thamo was also an active member of the TAIBU Community Health Centre. Thamo also served as a President on the Sri Lankan Railway Association committee and for the Allavetti Makkal Mandram association. He was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation where he volunteered at the Food Bank and served roles as a President and Secretary. In 2007, Thamo published a book titled God-Guru and Guide narrating his experiences with Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Thamo loved interacting with people and the multitude of conversations that ensued. He was known to talk with strangers as though he had known them all his life. He had a sharp wit and great sense of humor that brought smiles to everyone he met. One of the things he enjoyed the most was his travels around the world with his wife, Thana.

Thamo lived a long flourish life and was blessed to have a loving wife of 69 years. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Thanaletchumy (Thana); children: Dr. Srikantha and wife Amuthini, Devanand and wife Yaso, Shanthini and husband Manoharan; grandchildren: Dr. Luxman and wife Dr. Asita, Sainjeev, Prasana, Naveen, Dr. Brenda and husband Bobby Wider, and Amanda.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Fieldstone Commons Care Community. We also want to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the medical staff, nursing staff and personal support workers.

A service to celebrate Thamo’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 06, 2020 at 9:00 AM in the Elgin Mills Cemetery and Cremation Funeral Home. A private cremation will follow the service at Elgin Mills Cemetery and Cremation.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider giving donation to Canadian Diabetes Association or Alzheimer Society Canada

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance at the visitation and funeral service is by private invitation only however the funeral service will be livestreamed for public viewing on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 9 a.m. (a link will be available on Mr. Venayagaratnam’s memorial page at 8:55 a.m.) Condolence messages and donations may be conveyed through Mr. Venayagaratnam’s memorial page. Thank you for your understanding, kindness and support during this difficult time.