The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Dr Suman.

Wow I don't no what to say or even how to feel it's been 6 month.. I didn't even no u had passed away it was only today that I called the newcomb womans and children's medical center to get a phone appointment with you so I could get a script filled.. I rember the day I came to about my heart u there and then on the spot diagnosed me with cardiomyopthy and then send me off to get more testing from a heart specialist.. u were and will always be my family doctor..
RIP Dr suman...

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.

Suman provided care for me, my late husband Hayden and our 3 children on his arrival in Avoca and many years later for my mum Winifred.
A man of few words, yes... but his attention to detail and care of our family was greatly appreciated.
Hayden and Suman shared a passion for vehicles, they talked more about cars than his health, but the appropriate care was always forthcoming.
His love of Avoca and dedication to his patients was evident by
the many years he spent with us. Thank you Suman, rest peacefully.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to know you better. But the night you & Glen came for dinner you thoroughly entertained us with stories of your life. In particular, we were enthralled by some of the tales of the U.K to Sri Lanka road trip in your youth.
The world is a lesser place with your passing.
Condolences to your nearest & dearest

R.I.P. Suman , it was a honour to have known you .❤️

We were shocked hearing the sudden demise of Chuty Mama.

As we heard from our mother his childhood filled with many lovely stories and he was always special in some way among other children.

Serving the mankind untill the last breath at his age was also unique.

Dear Chuty Mama, your unique way of life has also completed in a special way.

May you enter the path of Nibbana!!!!!!

Dear Suman, the King, a mighty person with compassion and empathy he looked after the medical practice in Avoca including the Bush Nursing Hospital, there would not be a resident in Avoca that would not be touched by Suman's personality. After the tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka Suman got a band of people together and took us over to Sri Lanka to help, I was lucky enough to be one of those persons, Welligama a village where the Bhuddist temple donated land to the displaced people who lived and lost so many relatives on the coast around Matera, we helped build a community centre, made many friends. Suman and the nurses and doctors who traveled with us helped in the hospital. We all bought with us donated school books and utensils for the different schools we visited. It was an amazing trip, a life changing experience. Two years later we repeated the trip with Suman re aquainting with past friends and continuing the help for some communities. Suman the King from the Nelson family thanks, RIP friend

Very fond memories of our time working in the Emergency department, we loved when you were on call with us and told us about Sri Lanka and London.
Your knowledge and wisdom and wittiness will always be with us. Opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka as a team after the tsunami, gave us a insight into your life and showed us your passion for your homeland
Deepest sympathies to his family

Thinking of you all at this very hard time. May your memories be forever in your hearts ❤️

Sincere sympathy to all of Suman's family and loved ones, , he was one of a kind, quite and reserved man but respected by many. After working for him for many years, I saw the help and advice he gave which was appreciated by all. I was privileged enough to be one of a group that was shown around Sri Lanka 24 years ago, I'm so grateful for this experience, fantastic memories. He will be dearly missed. May the many memories help at this sad time.
Rest in peace Suman.

Deepest sympathy to the Tennakoon families.
Suman was so good to our family over his years at Avoca and Maryborough.
We will miss you dear friend
We will miss that cheeky grin
I will always remember driving to or from maryborough and getting
Stuck behind Suman whilst he driving so slowly!
Will I pass him or not ?
He won’t know it’s me .
Next time I see him . He says “You drive to fast “

A man of few words, a complex individual, but never a difficult person. My father-in-law trod a light step through life yet the extent of his compassion will be remembered by the many who witnessed his acts of professsionalism, dedication, kindness and generosity. Rest in peace Doctor Tennakoon.

My sincerest and deepest Condolences on the loss of such a wonderful, great Doctor, Colleague and humble Man. I'm at a loss of words. I pray you find comfort in your memories and in knowing he left such a positive impact on the community and everyone he met. He will be deeply missed.

Appa was the best grandpa I could have asked for. I loved him so much. He was lovely and always gave me big, warm hugs. I have lots of wonderful memories of times with him. I love you and will miss you Appa. Love, Sofia

Double trouble. These two would talk in secret code, sinalese ,and have a laugh afterwards. Characters

Dr Joe Fernando with his King

It was my great pleasure to have worked with Suman at Avoca Bush Nursing Hospital and then at Nightingale Clinic. We loved his cheeky smile, hearing his stories or jokes and the beautiful photos of your many travels. Suman was an admired, skilled, dedicated and caring doctor and good friend to all his patients and colleagues.
Suman, we have been so fortunate to have had you in our lives and to be a small part of yours.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and to all those who knew and loved him. x

No words can describe what Suman mean't to us. We were privileged to have known you for many years. You are a great friend . Your love of books shows how knowledgeable you were on every topic. We will miss our lunches and day trips together. Fond memories forever dear Suman.💝

Such fond memories of working with you Dr. Suman Tennakoon.
Admired by so many friends, Patients and Nursing Staff. I will remember you for your "Amazing" medical knowledge and Caring nature.
Your Wonderful sense of STYLE Your array of coloured shirts, stylish shoes and your many beautiful watches. And your Checky grin.
Your tales of adventures had, and your time working in England where so interesting. Your ability to drop a word or a phrase and make us laugh like crazy at Nightingale Clinic. All the good times well noted.
RIP Suman, you will be fondly remembered. Maree x

Dear Suman you were a gentleman and a scholar, your general knowledge and medical knowledge abounded. You had a wonderful sense of humour and a dry wit. You never changed for anyone person you were you. You were proud of your home country which was evident when group holiday took place years ago. You were so alive visiting historical locations. Even when the white man dropped. So many wonderful memories. Then the New Zealand trip. Another special place and time. Now time to rest. You will never be forgotten. Fly high. Love and sincere Condolences to Mesh,Phillip and girls, also Rish,David and daughter. Love to Suman’s long time friend and his rock Julie. Xx

Our deepest condolences to Mesh, Phillip, Ryhah,Kymiah, Meika, may your dad and grandfathers loving memory give you all your strength at this sad time. Rest in Peace Dr.Suman Tennakoon xxx🙏🙏 

Thinking of you, Dad.

In memory of a respected work colleague and friend. An amazing sense of humour, time for all, both patients and colleagues. Your compassion and caring did not go unnoticed.. We will miss your smile. Rest peacefully Suman.

We mourn the loss of Dr. Suman Tennakoon, a remarkable general practitioner who recently left us. Driven by an unwavering work ethic, he tirelessly served his patients with kindness, expertise, and unwavering passion. His commitment extended beyond the clinic walls, as he treated his fellow GPs and staff with utmost respect and support. We bid farewell to a true role model, forever grateful for the positive impact he made in the lives of those he touched. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We share in their grief and honor the remarkable life he lived. Rest in peace, dear doctor, knowing that your legacy of hard work, compassion, and excellence will continue to inspire us all.

Suman,
My dear friend, family doctor & work partner for over 20 years.
After recently returning from overseas I unfortunately contracted Covid therefore sadly unable to attend the service.
So many memories of a very distinguished, gentle, funny man.
Great times in Sri Lanka & Rosebud ..
My sincere condolences to Glen & ‘ his beautiful girls ‘ …
Suman you shall hold a special place in my heart forever x x x

I chanced upon this obituary by accident. Dr Tennakoon was one of my childhood drs. I remember him as a very kind and gentle man. Thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him.

Goodbye my friend, you always made the room light up, your dry sense of humour. A very clever man who treated everyone as an even, you will be truly missed.

We are both sad to have lost Suman, not only the best doctor we have had the pleasure of knowing but also a good friend. R.I.P.

My king has left me...

Once upon a time in Maryborough ..I met my King I have never seen before..
He was not afraid of anyone,black or white,small or big My king treated everyone equally ..
In 2009 ,I was lucky to meet him and I was invited to come to have a lunch with him
Since then I used to have lunch with him every time when he was there..
He introduced his friends to me one by one but before that he always gave me a good analysis about them..
He had a massive knowledge about everything..specially medicine,Cars,ladies,houses,watches,cloths ...the list goes on..
I was so lucky to gain his trust to look after his patients while he was away
His Patients worshiped him .. So did I ..
I used to listen his adventures while he was in England and Sri Lanka
I learned to be proud about my heritage and how to keep my head above my shoulders even though I am dark and small..
My king will face any challenge ..the life brings on to him..
He has won many battles of life and he showed me how to face them..
I had only two years with him, I left Maryborough in 2011
I never thought He will leave me this soon ..
I am sure He will come again in his next life
I hope to spend more time with him..

Good Bye Suman ...

We are deeply shocked and saddened by your sudden departure.
You were a true friend, trusted colleague, mentor, a gentle, kind, caring and generous person.
Your passing on in service is testimony to your hard working and dedication and calling to the profession you so much loved and gave your all..
We were truly privileged to have known and worked with you.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family and dear ones who are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your memory lives within us. We know you are in a better place, and one day we shall meet again!

Suman had an extraordinary life . From Srilanka to Enland then working in Papua New Guinea for 8 years then eventually settling in Australia with 2 msmall children. Eventually coming to work in Avoca, Victoria where I worked with him for 28 years. His knowledge of medicine was far and beyond, especially for a small town. We had many great times and group holidays to SriLanka. I will miss him greatly, he was a great friend that I could count on, life won't be the same.. Thankyou for looking after my family. Love Kylie . George and Lorraine, Greg and Jason Brown.

I remember Dr Mahappa visiting us in London way back in the 1980s and then in the U.S in the early 2000s. He was the elder brother to my father. He lived life to the fullest. May his soul rest in peace. May he attain Nibbana. My condolences to Glen and the rest of the family.

We are deeply saddened after Glen informed us Sirisumana Tennakone passed away early in the morning 6th June 2023.
She told us that until then, he was active and on the previous day, he punctually went to work.

Sirisumana’s character is precision in all affairs and everything he did. He took his last few breaths in the same manner while resting peacefully on the bed, compensating our minds for the grief of his never returning departure.

Although we sometimes forget and act contrastingly, we all depart one day and shall not return again to be seen.

Born in the village of Matikotumulla, Sri Lanka, Sirisumana attended the village school for one year and then moved to St. Mary’s College, Veyangoda. He was famous in the school for his general knowledge and perfection in his studies.

When the Central College, Veyangoda, Sri Lanka was commissioned in the early nineteen fifties, a competitive examination was held to recruit students for the Advanced Level Science Stream. His performance was top-most and got admitted to the eleventh grade. About six months later, he passed, Ananda College Entrance Exam and completed the Advanced Level there.

Sirisumna entered Ceylon Medical College in 1959 and qualified as a doctor in 1966. His first appointment was DMO, Wellawaya, where he uplifted the rural hospital and spent more time in the wards than at home. Never engaged in private practice. Later, served as the JMO Buddala District. The law enforcement personnel were scared of him, because of his accuracy and punctuality. He was tough to upper ranks and treated lower equally as friends.

Sirisumana spent three years in the United Kingdom, worked in Papua New Guinea for a short period, settled down in Australia and continued his profession.

His concern was patients, often neglected family matters for that reason. From childhood, he was compassionate and considerate. Patients at Wellayaya loved him, because he was not arrogant. And knew that personal issues of poor patients cannot be separated from the sickness. Treated leprosy patients in Papua New Guinea, agreeably moving to difficult localities. He conducted programs to help the needy in Sri Lanka. He escaped tsunami, when he was in Yala 2006, supported the humanitarian effort.

Srisumana lived a full life, helping others to live – the best a mortal could do.

We are glad that Sirisumana was taken care by Glen and his two daughters.

This note of eulogy is written by Sirisumana’s brother Kirthi Tennakone on behalf his brothers and the sister and their families.

A very unique person A brilliant doctor, highly qualified, we were so fortunate that Suman choose to practice in our area. So many memories, not the least of which were four trips to his beloved Sri Lanka, post the tsunami with teams of self funded volunteers to both build a community centre and work in local hospitals. I’m glad you changed your mind on not having a funeral service, so many will want to show their love and respect

I love you Appa and I am so grateful for the memories we have of you. You were the best grandpa I could have asked for. I will cherish your stories, especially the scary ones. I will miss you so much.

Appa was one of the greatest grandfathers someone could ask for. Not just that, but he is also an inspiration to this world: Not one day did he take a break. And I will always aspire to be like that as well -- just like him. ❤

In 2001 when practicing at Avoca Dr saved my life with his immediate diagnosis of my condition. His knowledge and skills of treatment were amazing. Never to be forgotten. Neville Dooly

Fondly remembered as a great doctor by many in the Avoca and District community.
John---Former Councillor & Mayor, Pyrenees Shire
Judith --Member of many local community groups