The late Justice Fernando of the Supreme Court passed away after a long illness. He was perhaps one of the most brilliant lawyers of our generation and equally deeply learned in nearly every branch of the law.

In a sense this was not surprising, for he was a third generation Judge among the erudite men of the Supreme Court and had a razor sharp mind that was relentlessly sharp.

It might be well to remind ourselves of his brilliant stature and his sterling performances on the bench. The wonder was that these extraordinary gifts were endowed in one so young for he retired prematurely. It is indeed a pity that the vagaries of politics dealt unfairly with gentlemen.

Mark was a close family man from whom received meticulous attention. It was surely part of his generosity that he was able to share the many gifts he was endowed with, and thus enriched us all. He was a deeply religious man in respect of whom one never heard a breath of scandal.

All said and done, he was a perfect gentleman who was admired by many.