Dr Suman Tennakoon 11 January 1937 – 6 June 2023

Julie Eldridge

Dear Suman gone but never to be forgotten. What a wonderful collection of life stories you told over the years. I really enjoyed driving you to see the Wimmera and other areas looking for a suitable practise for you in the early 1990’s. Your delight in many cars and you were known in Lismore as the Jaffa as you drove your small orange car with the the black dot around Lismore and Derrinallum. You thought it was amusing nick name also. You had more training and qualifications than the normal GP than Derrinallum and Lismore people were use to. So when you immediately recognised the patient needs further diagnosis at a specialist in Ballarat. You told me these people think I know nothing as they were being forwarded onto someone else. You were quiet but could quickly sum people up. Difficult patients were always given appointments later in the day. You wanted to start your day off with a smile. You had a photographic memory. Patients did not know that you did not even have to open their file as you could remember every thing written on the page. You had a very broad mind and was a worldly person. Dedicated to saving lives was your number one priority. You did that for my mother in 1997 with your brilliant medical skills. You were a devoted single father in a new land with little money and the duty to educate your two young daughters, which you did, both eventually going on to University to complete their law degrees. A proud father you were at their graduation nights. Although you loved cars, driving was not your forte so over the years you had many drivers, mainly female. You loved a project to do and ended up building two homes late in your life. Well done Suman. Stoic to the end. We all loved and treasured dearly even though you never left your mobile phone on after you made a call. Very frustrating to say the least. I remembered when out with your first grandchild Rhyah you were fascinated with her. You just kept staring at her. How does one finish up writing about someone’s life like yours. Much love and happiness from your down to earth straight taking common sense devoted friend Julie. Ps. You were frustrating at times but worth effort of true deep friendship spanning 33 years. You enjoyed people who did not have pretence nor take themselves to seriously.. The joy of country folk and country life. You broaden my love and the beauty of nature. Praise you for that. I was blessed our lives crossed on our life journeys . I will see you. You are now at peace. God Bless you my friend and enjoyment in your new stage of your spiritual journey. Love you Julie.