Clifford was already a legend when I joined Kingswood. Today, he is no longer among us.

22nd March 2009, the grand final of the schools rugby curtain raiser, the Rugby Sevens was over. Kingswood had just won the game against Trinity (the first and second rugby playing schools in Sri Lanka) in a game worthy of champions. As the final whistle blew, among the euphoria, Clifford too crossed the finishing line, a winner. There was no better way to go.

Clifford was on the committee that helped Rugby regain its pride of place at Kingswood. He was better known for his epic knock of 168 in the Big Match of 1959 against Dharmaraja, when he led the cricket team. A versatile sportsman, Clifford also excelled in football, hockey and athletics and was a member of the famous relay quartet. He completed his school career as Senior Prefect.

Three score years and ten, almost to the day, until he passed away, he remained a great leader, sportsman, father, husband and friend. Yes, I call him friend even though he belonged to a generation before me. Clifford epitomized the Gentleman of Kingswood. Loyal and true to himself, his school and those that nurtured him.

Always with a ‘never give up attitude’ that encouraged and inspired both young and old around him, he gave back much more than he received.

His wife Lilanthi was a perfect helpmate and together they traveled many a mile until her demise just a little more than a year ago.

There will be an empty chair at the meetings of the Kingswood Union, where he once presided and a void hard to fill. The last message from his mailbox was about the planned committee outing he had organized.

Arith and Aruni we grieve with you and the family, but we know, He is in a better place with ammi safe in the arms of the creator.

We will not be short of memories, for Clifford was a legend and legends never die.

The remains of Clifford Ratnavibushana will be lying at A. F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m today Wednesday 25th March.

The Cortege will leave A. F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour at 3.00 p.m. today to his Residence at No 23, Laxapathiya Road, Moratuwa.

Thereafter the cortege will leave the Residence at 3.30 p.m. on Thursday 26th for a Service at the Methodist Church at Mt. Lavinia (Hotel Road) at 4.00 p.m. The Cremation will take place at the Mt. Lavinia Crematorium at 5 p.m. thereafter.