It is not that I didn’t know my darling husband Gary Garnier was a popular figure at Lake House and Upali Newspapers where he worked so dedicatedly, until his untimely death on July 14, 2023 (Friday), at the rather young age of 55.
Gary counts altogether 30 years’ service in the print media field. There was no doubt about his emphatic character and strong willpower to finish what he had started, especially when it comes to office work. Gary never wasted his time and he was well organised. He dedicated his life to work and enjoyed it too. Nevertheless, I never knew my ‘Gary Boy’ (his parents Gladwin Garnier and Elizabeth Garnier used to call him that way and I continued) was so much loved and cared for by all strata of people in society. As the only child, Gary looked after his parents until their death and fulfilled his duties very well and as his wife, I was there to assist him.
Nevertheless, Gary was humble and did not hesitate to confess in public, “I wouldn’t know what I would do if not for Anji” (this is the way he called me from the Island days).
Media Secretary Anusha Palpita, Lake House Chairman Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam, Lake House Director Editorial Sisira Paranatantrie and other Directors, Daily News Editor in Chief Jayantha Sri Nissanka and other Chief Editors of Lake House newspapers and other Editors of other print media institutions were all there to pay their respects to this great person, despite their busy schedules. In fact, it was such a short time to pay their last respects to my dear husband. It was heart-breaking, most shocking and unbearable to see him lying in that way.
Gary was a very practical person who did not want to harass anyone when he was alive or even after death. As he told our colleagues at office and me, his wish was for a peaceful death. If Gary could talk he would probably remind me not to harass others as he well understood people’s commitments and responsibilities in life.
It was such a big gathering and I wonder whether I had the opportunity to speak to them all. Let me take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to each and every person who attended my beloved husband’s funeral.
I for once never thought Gary belonged to me, only that he belongs to the whole gathering. If not for kind-hearted neighbours at Taxila Place, Kirulapone (I prefer not to mention names for I might miss some of their names) I wouldn’t have known how to handle such a shock. Gary could not attend most of the functions of his relations and mine. As the former Dinamina Editor told me at the funeral, he was married to me and the newspaper. Gary strongly didn’t want to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Gary never shied away from work especially when any advertisements got cancelled and meeting press deadlines was at stake. It was always Gary who rose to the occasion to do the needful.
Although Gary was a Burgher, he was fluent in Sinhala. He knew exactly what to talk with whom and when. Gary was very firm with his decisions and never vague due to any pressure. He always spoke out when he saw injustice and treated one and all as equal human beings. For him every job is important and he believed in the power of group work. At times whenever the Editor in Chief praised him for some work well done, he always gave due place to others who contributed to the concerned task.
Gary was always a lighthearted person; he could handle the pressure of work, especially the night shift, with ease for he had a good command of the English language.
Gary’s negligence of his personal health cut short his rather young life, making everyone confused and resulting in a lack of human resources.
Although before Covid-19, Gary was compelled to consult Dr. Srinivasan at Lanka Hospitals for he found it difficult to walk, he didn’t bother to take medication, but continued his office work regardless. Although he played cricket at his school, St Peters College, Bambalapitiya, he did not maintain his fitness in later life. I, being his wife, well realised the risk he is taking with his sedentary lifestyle. Unfortunately, his work is such that it demands long hours at the computer. His hobbies at home too made matters worse, like watching TV or movies and listening to music, all done while seated. However, Gary never allowed his sicknesses to disrupt his work. As his attendance was excellent, there was no reason for others to notice his negative health conditions. He always handled the bulk of the work at any given time, even risking his personal health.
Gary’s first cousins Malcolm, Bryan and Charmaine in Australia, with whom we kept close contact, constantly reminded him to go for check-ups, but couldn’t bring the desired result.
As his wife, I can vouch that he had quite a content and simple life. They say the good die young. His death was very peaceful and he didn’t suffer. Gary suffered a heart attack in the morning hours of that fateful Friday.
Gary, my darling, please guide me from the heavens where you should have a place, to face tomorrow, as you were always there for me like a tower of strength. I miss you so very much. Give me the strength to face each day, because never before have I felt so helpless like this in my life.
Your ever-loving wife
Anjalie Garnier