Dear Wasu and Family,     We just heard about Irwin passing away.  Irwin was always a live wire wherever he was.  His presence was felt and enjoyed by everyone who knew him.  Irwin's life need to be celebrated to the fullest as this is exactly how he would have liked it.   I was privileged to have known Irwin from the Van Rees era and his achievements in the Tea Trade all over the world.  He will be remembered with great reverence.    Our heartfelt deepest sympathies to you and the family.   Errol & Yolande Byrde (6474665852)

Dear Aunty Vasu, Rishika, Tushi, and Shala.

I’m very sorry to hear about Uncle, which must be even more difficult without your family and friends by your side. Know that you are in all of our thoughts, and I hope you will stay strong together. My first memory of Uncle (and all of you) was listening to Ojaye by the Gypsies for the first time (as a five year old?), and getting frightened by the scary sounds at the beginning of the song. Might have been funny to all of you but has left a scarring impact for me! Miss you lots and hope to see you soon.

Love, Rukshan

Dear  Vasantha, Chrishi, Vasu & family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Mallika & Sarath Karunaratne

Dearest Aunty,  Shals,  Tushi,  Rishika, Brian and Charith 


Our very deepest sympathies to you all. We all knew Uncle was special a gentle soul but larger than life lighting up any room especially at party time.  That light will remain our memories and in your hearts forever.

Thank you so much for sharing the service it was beautiful  yet poignant. Despite us not being there we were with all of you. 

Shals a most beautiful eulogy said for all of you.

Stay blessed 

Much love , Minty Geeves Sashara and Sanaya.

Dear Aunt Vasu, Tushi my dearest friend, Rishika, Shalini,Brian and Chatith

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of great loss. 

The few times I have met uncle Irwin it has always been loads of laughter and joy. Watching the tribute made me realise how much joy he has brought to so many people in his life. His smile and wit will live with us forever as wonderful memories. 

Thank you for sharing the live stream it was a beautiful ceremony. 

Take care 
Love 
Ganga & Vasana

With warm remembrance of the dear departed, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you, dear Vasu, Rishika, Shalini, Thush, Vasantha & Chrish. 
May memories comfort you.
Love

Bandu & Swini

Dear Vasu Akka, Kuma Ayya & family,


Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. May you find comfort in all the special memories shared with Irwin Ayya.
Take care & stay strong
Love
Prashana, Dulip & Baby Yuvein

Dear Vasu & family,
Keeping you close in heart and prayer for the loss of your beloved Husband Irwin.
Stay strong
From Chandra Weeraseena, Kusuma Samaraweera

It is with great sadness that Uncle has left us.

He was always a great source of fun, laughter, and joy.  I will always remember going to parties when we would 'convince'  him to play the drums for us.

His kindness will be missed.

Dear Mrs. Williams, Rishika, Shalini, Charith, Tushara and Brian,

We extend our sincere condolences for your loss and know that Mr. Williams' legacy as a sweet, loving, loved, generous and deeply spiritual man will bring you comfort in the days ahead.  

Love,

Alexia & Brad     


Dear Mrs. Williams, Rishika, Tushara and Shalini,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Mr. Williams.  What a lovely man!
Remembering his zest for life,  the stories his bounding about Toronto, his deep devotion and love of helping others.
I have a precious memory of the family and friends gathered in Rishika's apartment with Mr. Williams on the guitar and singing resounding off the walls.  Simple joy.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory! May you all find comfort in knowing that he loved each and every one of you so deeply.
May his memory be a blessing.


Dearest Vasu akka & Family

Words fall short of expressing our sorrow. We wish you and the family nothing but love and healing. We want you to know that we are thinking about you and we are here for you always. The memories of our dearest Irwin Aiya will remain eternal in all of our hearts.

With Love
Tushi, Eshantha ,Teshan and Raveen

Erwin Aiya

In 1968, Vasantha and I moved from Royal Primary to Royal Upper school. We became friends and because of our family connection, my father gave me permission to visit Jayasuriya family at 27 Kalyani Road. That is when I met Erwin Aiya for the first time. Erwin Aiya, to all Vasantha’s friends, was jolly and a fun-loving larger than life  person. Even though he was wee bit older, he still was our friend, always on hand to help and entertain us at any given opportunity.

On the 2nd of August 1990, I woke up to news of Saddam Hussain invading Kuwait. My first thought was Erwin Aiya. So, I ran to the phone and called Vasu Akka in Colombo. Guess what Erwin Aiya answered the phone and he spent the next 10 minutes of the conversation laughing at me for worrying about his safety whilst he was safe and sound in sunny Lanka away from Saddam and his invading army!

Aiya was a kind, gentle man and always the life of the party. We will miss him endlessly.

Till we meet again

Kapila

Dear Aunty Vasu, Rishika, Shalini, and Tushi.
I was so very sad to hear the news about your wonderful husband and father 
I will never forget him .  I loved the Englebert songs he  would  sing, my favourite  Ten Guitars . Aunty Vasu playing the piano.  Such wonderful memories.  
" Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us "
My prayers are with you all  at this very sad time. Lots of love Anne  xx

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories"
My darling second mum Aunty Vasu, Loku, Shaliba and Tushiba,
This is a difficult time for all of us. I always remember Uncle Irwin as a fun loving, larger than life person. There was never a dull moment around him. I have so many fond memories of partying with him. My memory goes back to our many  Baila and dancing sessions. He gave me my first packet of silk cut cigarettes and my first shot of Chivas Regal. I still hold fond memories of our family trips to various places back in Sri Lanka. I will never forget our road trips to  White Plains and  Montreal. I still chuckle when I think of the time I had to pull him out of a lake  and how we both nearly drowned. 
I am glad I made it to your 50th wedding anniversary in Toronto. How happy he was that day dancing with Mrs. W. 
When he sang "My name is Irwin Williams" in his tenor voice accompanied by his famous drum beat, he entertained everyone.  That is how I always remember him. Uncle Irwin lived his life to the fullest and always brightened up people around him. 
Though I cannot be with you all in this difficult time, I am there with you in spirit.
May his soul rest in peace. 

I remember meeting uncle Irwin for the first time back in the early 1980’s after we returned back to SriLanka from the UK I will always remember him as being very humble,kind, and jovial! My father too was very fond of him and enjoyed spending time with uncle Irwin every time they met up! He was a father figure to me always worried about my health and when he returned back from Kuwait after the invasion he had a serious chat with me and convinced me to start daily exercise routine with him to help me loose weight and to get in shape which I looked forward to as I also got an opportunity to spend time with my Akki’s (elder sisters)I also cannot forget the grand Parties held at 25Kalyani Road where he sang baila while Vasu Akki played the piano! 
My mom (Bunny) was also very fond of uncle Irwin and treated him like a elder brother while keeping her sister (Loku amma at bay may you Rest In Peace and until we meet again I will miss you dearly lots of love 
Mili!

My Dearest Aunty Vasu, Wiska, Shala, Tushka, and Brian, 
It has taken me so long to write because it has been difficult to capture in words the essence of exactly what made Uncle Irwin so special and rare. Yes, he was warm, funny, loving, generous to a fault, and so much more, but there’s something else – something beyond that. I believe what made him exceptional is that in his presence, we experienced the best version of ourselves. With him, we laughed with abandon, immersed ourselves in the joy of the moment, sang like there was no tomorrow, and felt deeply loved and cared for.  It’s like his magic rubbed off on everyone around him. As flawed as we are, he was able to touch the best within us and show us how to love our fellow humans. 
Speaking of love, just as he referred to me as another daughter he and Aunty Vasu are like second parents to me, and for that, I am eternally grateful. 
I can only imagine the sorrow and sense of loss that you feel, and although I cannot be by your side, I am holding you deep in my heart and hoping that all your wonderful memories will help ease the pain. Always know that Uncle Irwin will be remembered with the deepest love and affection. 
Love always,
JJ 


Uncle Irwin, for me, a larger than life person, who I would look up at in awe.
I wish I knew him as an adult and got to experience the man my parents think so highly of and who is so charismatic and entertaining in his videos....
Aunty Vasu, Rishika, Shala and Tushi, my heart is heavy for you. 
At times like this I wish there was no distance between our families.

My deepest sympathies are with all of you.

Much love..


Dear Aunty Vasu, Rishika, Shala and Tushi,

I woke up this morning thinking about Uncle Irwin and wondering how he was doing and how are you all managing. A few hours later I got a message from Nalin passing on the sad news of Uncle's passing. I'm heart broken. Uncle Irwin was one of the most kind hearted, genuine and hilarious people that I had the good fortune of knowing. It is too bad that the mold was discarded after his creation. I know this is a difficult time for you and I'm sure you will come through this by focusing on the good times.... and what good times they were! Please place a flower from me on his grave. I'm with you in spirit at this sad moment.

Love 
Roshan

Dear Akka and family,
Irwin Aiya will be long remembered for his humour and majestic voice, especially “My name is Irwin Williams”; he did find himself a young and pretty wife.  Thinking of him will always bring a smile to our faces.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mano, Maya and family


Vasu akka & Kids
Please accept our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. The best memories I have about Irwin Aiya is when he visited our family in Kandy.  My dad was his loku uncle I was just 9 years Old then.
I remember his deep voice singing the good old songs and Vasu akka playing the piano.  Then for a while we lost  touch as I came over to Australia and all my  older brothers and sisters were scattered all over the world. As we all have to pass through this world we will all meet again in heaven one day. 
May you rest in Peace Irwin Aiya till we meet again.
From Tony, Rohini & Roshan Fernando. Perth Western Australia


Akka and kids, 
So sad to hear the bad news about the demise of Erwin aiya. I could very well remember the tall smart figure with a bass voice and talking to him with a lot of respect during my visits to No 27 Kalyani Rd as a college teenager and even after I joined the Army. I know that he was a fatherly figure to Vasantha and it was so unfortunate that I could not meet him during my visits to Toronto. As a loving husband and a father of 3 daughters he has been able to fulfill all his responsibilities and unfortunately he leaves behind you and the kids (for me they are still kids) but it was a consolation to hear that he had a very peaceful death. Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences 

Kanthi & Sumathi

Dear Akka 
We are saddened to  hear of Irwin aiyas passing. He was a great man and we will never forget his infectious laugh at the dinner table when we were at Kalyani Road. We all share your grief at this time of sorrow  and our heartfelt condolences to you and daughters. 
Ananda and Suba 

Transcript of video message sent by Chanaka de Costa 

Uncle Irwin. 
Well, one of Dad’s closest and longest standing friends probably going back to the 50’s. Personally, I found him very inspirational, his zest for life, and water therapy and morning walks, which I follow as well; at least the water part. Loved his music & what a great wit he had. In fact I wish there was a video of the lives of my Dad and Uncle going back to the 50’s. I’m sure the script writers of Grease the Movie probably had sights of the video. Anyway, cheers to Uncle. I’m sure my parents would “ ..... leave a light on in heaven ......” as in the song by Danny Wilson.

Exuberant .  
Fresh like  Spring   
Colourful  like  Autum
Bright and warm like summer
Pure like snowy winter
You were a Man for all seasons
Epitome of love and joy
Radiated  where ever you were
An un-parallel  song  of life 
Eternal,   we will sing
In memory  celebrating your life.

Savitri & Edmond


 


It is with a heavy heart I write these words. 

Irwin was a dear friend to me. And while we may have been separated by distance, I always remembered him, his beautiful smiles and the good times we shared.

He was a man who was always positive, with music in his heart and a song on his lips. And, so it seems fitting to end by sharing this poem:

	“As your golden heart stopped beating,
         Your beautiful smile at rest.
	 God broke our hearts to prove to us,
	 He only takes the best.”

Lovingly remembered,
Kamal, Nalintha, Manesha & Dilshad

Dear Aunty Vasu, Loku, Shalini, Charith, Tushi and Brian

From the first time I met Uncle Irwin, we have had some amazing memories.   His smile, generosity and  ability to feed us was part of literally every memory I had during our university days.   

I will forever remember his smiling face.   As his unofficial fourth daughter, Am here to help you anytime you need.  

Love
Kumi

Thinking if you all, at this time of loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolence of your father’s passing. It was a such a privilege working with Irwin. XO

We met Irwin Aiya and Vasu Akka in 1991 at Kumar and Chrishanthi’s home at Warden Avenue, Scarborough. We had just migrated to Canada. I was looking forward to meeting Irwin Aiya because Kumar had spoken so highly of him while we were in UK in 1980’s. 

Tall, handsome, elegant yet humble with a gifted voice  was how I would describe Irwin Aiya. Every party he would entertain us with CT songs. His respect for one another was unparalleled. We are going to miss him but will have comfort in knowing that he is in a good place.

May you Rest In Peace!

Tusita, Lakshi, Shafin , Ishani, Mudara & Rushini

In loving Memory . . .

I knew Irwin ayya from the time when I and (my brother-like friend) Vasantha were teenagers and class-mates at school. That was more than fifty years ago! 
Vasantha’s and Irwin ayya’s families used to live in houses next to each other, down Kalyani Road. I lived very close as well. Their homes were our frequent meeting places. Our parents’ old friendship easily transformed into a circle of family friends too. 

Irwin ayya was a joyful personality, liked and loved by all. He was the one who set the tempo while Vasu akka was the lead-host in birthday parties of ours and their three little daughters . . . then. Simply, that was childhood fun. 
So much so . . .  all these created the feeling of one single family for all of us. 

I remember how Irwin ayya used to say “hello, Kumar . . .” with a cheerful smile peeping through the window, when I was around the school gate seeing Vasantha getting-off  from his black colour Vauxhall Victor. 

Lately, when Irwin ayya was working overseas, although we didn’t see him often, the name ‘Irwin ayya’ echoed in almost every time Vasantha and I were chatting around. Irwin ayya was a huge part of Vasantha’s life, and so was ours.
Being thousands of miles away, I must admit . . .  I have something to regret, we couldn’t come and visit him in Toronto. I know it won’t be easy for me to get over this . . . 
May his soul rest in peace!  

Dear Vasantha, Chrishanthi, Vasu akka, Rishika, Shalini and Thushara, Please accept our heart-felt condolences on the demise of Irwin ayya. Hope and wish, you have the courage and strength to get through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.  

With Love, Kumar & Upendra Wickramarachchi, Auckland, New Zealand.


Dearest Vasu,
 
Please accept the deepest sympathies of our family on your loss of Irvine. We have fond memories of you and Irvine and the happy times we enjoyed visiting your home. If I remember correctly, he was a tea taster, a job demanding highly valued skills.
 
The training you gave my children in effective speech has stood them in good stead as they often have to give talks regarding their work. More importantly I am grateful to you for developing in them a love of English literature.
 
You always had an irresistible inquiring mind like your recent interest in history.
 
I remember your mother with much affection and now that I am dealing with hearing loss, I can understand her frustrations with this disability.
 
I do miss you greatly. This COVID19 pandemic prevents us from visiting each other. I am technophobic and find computers difficult. I do enjoy reading and I am trying to get back to playing the piano but sadly, these apartments have not been sound proofed. So, avoiding disturbing other is not very easy.
 
The children do their best to help me cope with modern living and care for me with love.
 
Please keep in touch by email.
 
Please give my love to Rishika, Shalini and Tushara and their families.
 
And keep my mind alert with the wonderful capacity you have for so doing.
 
With much love,
 
Sushila.

Dear Aunty Vasu,

Our deepest condolences to you all for the sad loss of Uncle Irvine. Our thoughts are with you all. Akka has been sharing the videos and your emails. Let me add that the video is so beautiful and a lovely reflection of the fond memories and joy you shared as a family. The singing at the end is absolutely fabulous. 

I found it hard to recollect uncle Irvine as it had been a very long time since I had met him. The video brought back the rather distant recollections. 

I had delayed responding to you as I was wanting to help Amma capture her thoughts and wishes ... they are attached in a letter.

Best wishes to you all.

Tushan

Dear Vasu,
 
I was saddened to hear from Swinitha of the passing of Irwin. Betty joins me in expressing our sincere condolences to you and your daughters on your loss.
 
We pray for the repose of his soul and may God comfort and help all you to face the challenges through these days of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief.
 
Reminiscing, the memories of the drama that unfolded towards the end of the year 1962 are vivid, notwithstanding the almost 60 years that have passed. Both of us were in the same batch at the Law College, where we had followed lectures for just a few months, when one morning, I believe, in the month of October, on arriving there, I sensed a state of intense excitement. On inquiring what it was all about, I was told that you, one of the most popular students in our batch, had eloped with a knight in shining armour. Strangely, I, too, abandoned my Law studies around the same time, when the Government declared that Sinhala was to be the Language of the Courts, and was fortunate to be selected to commence my career in the Tea Industry with Van Rees. On the 1st of November, on reporting, on my first day of work, to the Van Rees office, it was mentioned that one of the senior Executives was away on his honeymoon, having just got married, and would be back in a few days. Shortly thereafter, through this amazing quirk of fate, the pieces of the mystery fell into place, and thus commenced my friendship with Irwin and you. I truly regret that we lost touch in recent years.
 
With fond wishes and Deepest Sympathies,
 
David

Mary and I first met Irwin and Vasu when they first came to Kiripowera Group, Yatiyantota. 
We never looked back on our friendship from then on. 
Their home was our home and visa versa.
Since I heard this sad news,  We have both been singing his song "My Name Is Irwin Williams' over and over in our heads.
Despite distance and time our friendship and connection has always remained.
Our love and deepest condolences to Vasu, Rishika, Shalini and Tushi.
Irwin may your soul rest in peace.
God Bless
Robert and Mary 

Twenty one months ago I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Frances Williams, sister of Kumar, who is brother to my brother David, when she spent 5 days in Antigua. Immediately, I deduced that my new Akka, was an indomitable, sophisticated lady with an abundance of expertise on all the stations of Life. 
Having read, watched and listened to the tributes to her late husband Irwin Williams, this verse of Henry Wandsworth Longfellow's "A Psalm of Life" is a fitting summary :
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime 
And, departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time. 
May the angels of comfort dwell with all who mourn the loss of Irwin Williams, while his soul enjoys eternal peace. 


My Dear Vasundara, Rishika, Shalini, Thushara, Vasantha and Crishanthi,

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing away of Irwin, who was a very dear friend to Jaya, whom we never could forget.  Hope you will have the strength to go through this difficult time with your fond memories. 

With love,
Kanthi, Jaya, Raminda and Family

Recalling all the wonderful memories that we shared together from our days in Kuwait. With love from Ananda, Gayathri, Dinesh, & Varuna

Dear Vasu Akka and family,
It’s so hard to lose someone who meant so much to all of us, and even harder that we can’t all be there together to say goodbye to our dear Irvin Aiya in person. It’s with heavy hearts we write this, as our tiny family in Toronto, has just lost an extraordinary family member. We will miss him dearly. 
We were so blessed to get to know this witty, talented, humble, kind gentleman with a mesmerizing smile, who never failed to make us feel welcomed anytime we met him. Irvin Aiya was everything to everybody, but to us an unforgettable friend and brother. A rare Gem! He brought music to any event, his powerful voice will always resonate in our hearts. 
Let these beautiful memories of Irvin Aiya, comfort you all during these challenging times. He has left a loving presence in our hearts! 
May our dear Irwin Aiya find everlasting peace together with the Lord!
With love,
Lilanthi, Kassim, Malik, Jehan and Shireen


Dear Vasu Akka and family, Vasantha and Chrishi,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We are very sorry not to have known Irwin Aiya. May he Rest In Peace!

Our heartfelt condolences to Vasu,Rishika,Shalini and Thushara on the loss of a loving husband and father. May he rest in peace. Preethi, ,Anuschka & Timo

Uncle Irwin was one of a kind. A true original. He greeted everyone with warmth, friendship and loving kindness no matter where you came from. His infectious laugh,  sunny disposition would brighten the dreariest winter day. Talented percussionist,  who can make any surface vibrate to rhythm. So blessed to share so many precious moments,  beautiful songs,  from baila to the classics,  thank you for the wonderful memories uncle.  You will always remain close to our hearts. May you rest in peace until we meet again.....! Vasu akka and family please accept my condolences.  Love Prasanna 

In loving memory of our Irwin aiya. "Our love for you is a celebration that brings tears of joy." With your magnificent  personality, heart of gold, genuine kindness, infectious loud laugh you spared so much love. We will never forget how often you would talk about "uncle" our  father  and thank him for his hospitality towards you, and share  stories about  your  visits to our home in Sri Lanka. Irwin Aiya your life was a blessing to us all  and your memory will  be cherished forever, especially that unforgettable  golden voice. May you rest in  peace.
With hearts filled with sadness  Bandu, Shiro, Oogie Eran and Anita.

Dear Irwin, 
The year was 1962. 
We were friends before you married Akka. As young teenagers my buddies Sugi Rajaratnam and Keith Paul would be keen on joining me when visiting you, we were sure of good times always.
Then your romance with my sister was just taking route. The stir was just beginning and still gentle!! 
It drew the attention of some senior statesmen. The likes of Hon. J. R. Jayawardena (later Prime Minister and President) and Hon.  A. Ratnayake (later President of the Senate). Being close friends of our father’s (who had just passed away), they all had a vested interest in the wellbeing of the young family he left behind. 
The question on everyone’s mind was who this young man is who is daring to seek the hand of TD’s young daughter. 
In the midst of all this I was the de facto emissary appointed to break the news to our mother. I did so and left to Germany. 
The rest is history. 
No surprise, you won my mother’s heart triumphantly although the hurdles you had to overcome were many. 
Over the 58 years of your marriage to Akka although I was never in Sri Lanka, Akka always told me how you took care of her needs and the children’s’.  
Likewise, whenever I spoke with you always spoke so highly of how Akka took care of you. 
It is never all over, to Vasantha, Kamal and I you will forever be the courageous, daring, kind, loving, generous and gentle Machang. 
Rest in Peace
Senani, Monika, Birgit, Dayan, Tushara and Matt 


My dear Mrs. Williams, Rishika, Shalini and Charith, Tushara and Brian:

I am so very sorry for your huge loss. I will always remember his obvious love for you all and yours for him. That is a rare and precious thing, in my experience.  So is more than 60 years of marriage and still worrying how your wife will get home safely.

I will also remember his grin when he sang slightly naughty songs, his charging out for brisk walks in wintertime and his pleasure at eating a Lindt chocolate. 

Be gentle with yourselves during this transition.



On the 14th of Nov, I received a text from my boyhood best friend that Irvin Ayya was on his way for his final journey.  I felt it like a razor sharp arrow dissected my heart. It brought me a sense of immediate paralysis. Unable to decide what to do, I quietly sunk into a chair opposite my Laptop and gazed at a visual,  blurred by a layer of tears, threatening to over-flow.  With nobody at the time to share my sorrow, I went into deep thought and philosophised the cycle of life.
You Irvin Ayya, always set a party alight, got it going with golden oldies, drumming on the piano with rhythm and vigor, while Vasantha or Vasu played the keys (musical family). This is the image I’ll never forget. 
Irvin Ayya, you left 3 beautiful daughters, a very beautiful wife and a beautiful sister and brother-in- law that also so loved you.  You are physically no more and with age, the images may fade away, but the flames burning in my heart, left behind by the memories are indelible.
May the Lord bless you and have a special place for a special person.
Bimal Siriwardane


i went to work in the middle east in 1976 and had the great good fortune to befriend irwin.  we became close friends over the next 11 years and i would have not survived kuwait without him.

he was the most generous man i have ever known and never said anything bad about anyone.  he mixed with ambasssadors and labourers and never showed any difference in the way he treated people.

vasu, rishika, shalini, tushara : santosh and i will ever be grateful for irwin and all of you and how you made our lives so much better.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I will remember Irwin as a lovely, polite and a kid man, always with a smile on his face and a good singer.  

Wishing you Rishika, your mom and sisters much love

Coralia



Tushara and family,

I'm so very sorry for your loss.  Reading the tributes speaks to the love and connection so many had with your father.

I hope that being with loves ones brings you all some comfort in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Christina

Christina Norris

Dear Friend & Big Brother, Irwin Aiya

It is so fresh in my mind  the day I met you for the first time In London, England in mid eighties. Smartly dressed, tall, young lad with a genuine friendly smile. 
And then again, I met Irwin Aiya for the second time in Toronto, after so many years.  
In between there was no lost time, you were the same person who called me Putha (means son) at the first time when we met. Since then we are  one big family.
Your gifted personality filled with generosity, kindness, positive spirit and cheer with ever so willingness to treat others well will be remembered so dearly. 
May you Rest In Peace.
Shantha, Enoka, Shanika, Eshan & Marry

Darling Aunty Vasu, Rishika, Shala, Charith,  Tushi and Brian

Our sincere condolences on the loss of our beloved uncle Irwin. He will be sorely missed. One of the original musketeers...

I have such fond memories of uncle with his signature song , "My name is Irwin Williams" how well he belted that song accompanied with his drumming...that will always be his song. He made that his own! 
I hope to hear that song again sometime. I'm sure someone must have a recording of it.
Uncle was larger than life with his hearty laugh and big personality....
He adored his family and in return, was so lovingly looked after. 

I remember daddy talking about their childhood days along with uncle Faus...they go back a long way.  Just an amazing, strong and a true friendship. 

May you all be comforted and strengthened knowing that uncle Irwin will be at peace now. Uncle has gone to join mummy, daddy, uncle Victor, aunty Girly and all the loved ones who have departed. 
May they all rest in peace together.
Will be thinking of you all and will be joining the service.
God bless you all.
Love as always and hugs to you all
Kshama and children xx

"Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch."

When Kumar passed on the grave news, i felt hollow and as if the world turned into vaccum. Such was the impact, there are few human beings that in our hearts we believe they cannot be gone, and Irwin was one of them.

As reality sets, my memory bank opened up took me back to Kuwait in 1979 where i first met Irwin, a gentleman that wore a warm smile at all times, a human being that cared for other humans and a mentor that the young looked up to him.

As if destiny never wanted us to part after i immigrated to Canada, Irwin calls me one day and asked if i can assist Kumar in settling down once he arrived to Toronto and i answered, your wishes are my command. It was one of my most memorable moments till now to meet Kumar and he became the renewed connection between Irwin and myself. 

These are the treasured relations that one cultivates in a lifetime, and no matter how distant life takes us, one continues to feel the bond. These are divine blessings we only come to value more in a moment of grieve.

The pain will subside, and the tears of sorrow will soon become tears of joy every time Irwin visits us in thought, in spirit and in love.

My sincerest condolences to all of you and my prayers to the All Mighty to grant Irwin's soul its well deserved place in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Khalil 

I remember Irwin as often wearing a welcoming smile and being genuinely curious about anything I had to share in my then  life of motherhood, wife and newly practicing lawyer.   We shared some delightful conversations at Chris and Kumar’s dinner parties and in more recent times, at the breakfast buffets following his wife’s annual   summer charity walks.  He will be missed dearly by our family.
David, Maya, Grant and Angela Lee 🙏💕

Irwin aiya............I remember,
I remember...... the first time I saw you
I was seven, you looked huge and handsome, clad in military garb
I remember...... my first shopping expedition with you
At Union Chemists, I picked a Kandos bar, you got me a Cadbury’s instead
I remember...... our Christmas trips to Chilaw
Mamma and Pappa’s unlimited generosity, love and kindness
I remember...... you, Ida akka and Ivan aiya
How the one above creates, you all inherited your parents’ ways
I remember......your bosom buddies and your friendships so sincere
Uncles Channa, Kiddy, Faussy, Robert, Lennie, Gama, David, Mahinda and Patrick 
I remember......the parties, lavish, fun unlimited and guaranteed  
At Rosemead Place, Edmonton Road and Kalyani Road
I remember......music was your love #2, akka and children always # 1 
A powerful and melodious voice, CT or Engelbert sung with equal ease and the staple ‘My Name is Irwin Williams’
I remember...... the first time, as the plane touched down at Pearson
The only phone number I had in hand, the one you gave me of your bud Khalil  
I remember......now and will forever, with thanks to you 
Chrishi and I live the Canadian Dream, to the fullest possible 
I remember......now and will always, your magnificent being, 

We will miss you so sorely, more than words can say,
May you Rest in Peace!
Vasantha and Chrishanthi
 


Uncle Irwin was the life of the party. A sweet, gentle soul who loved his girls and adored his wife.  One of my favorite memories is of him drumming on the table and singing his baila composition to aunty Vasu , titled "Will you marry, won't you marry Irwin Williams?"
He made the world a kinder, better place and has left such a legacy in his three incredible daughters. 
Uncle Irwin always said "God bless"  when he was leaving. Now  we say to him, "May God bless  your soul and grant you eternal rest".
Love
Matthew, Pnina, Aiden and Tiana 

Irwin Williams.  Loving husband and father, Good friend  and gentleman par  excellence. Loved your sense of humour.  I remember  how you   would go out in the thick of Winter only wearing a shirt and maybe a sweater. No gloves or toque and definitely no jacket. No wonder you were referred to  as  "The Polar bear."  Always referred to Deva as "Machan" even though there was  no  connection.  You were  so friendly.  Always with  a smile and made one feel you  were  so happy to see  us.  Irwin you will be much missed. May your soul rest in peace. 

Your friends 
Deva and Christine 

We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Irwin’s passing. I will always remember how he loved to sing at parties and his kindness and geniality towards everyone. Even at the end his zest for life didn’t desert him, taking such pleasure in his Lindt chocolates. Wishing aunty Vasu, Rishika, Shala, and Thushi much love
Shyam and Andrew

Uncle Irwin was someone who always loved a good laugh and song. I remember as a young person listening to his songs (usually inappropriate cricket hooligan songs). Often it was the first time I would hear these new renditions of
songs and honestly believed they were versions known by lots of people. But I later learned that he liked to just make things up and sing them so I don't know anymore if they were the "real deal"or "Irwin's deal".  I also remember his resilience. Uncle Irwin always had a broad smile on his face and never complained. He made the best of everything and had nothing but kindness and love to offer. He always made me feel like whatever I had to say was important and he would listen with such attention. I wish we could be there on this all important day to pay our respects to a loving, kind and gentle man who will never be forgotten. 
Love
Revo, John, Kiran and Selina

My darling Irwin,
You asked me to marry you after one dance,  you didn’t need to climb a mountain but you climbed a balcony to get to my window, you battled he  courts and the church  to get permission to marry me,  you showed me a way of life I never knew before and above all, you left me three precious  girls who are far more valuable than all the gold and gems you gave me.  

You have earned the Rest you so richly deserve.

Vasu

Dear  Akka and family!

Please remember that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers and would like to express our deepest condolences to you all.

Please know that we are celebrating the life of Irwin aiya and the memories that we had during the times we met.

May time help you heal and bring you peace!

Love and God blessings!
Shan, Michelle and children..

OBITUARY

Irwin Williams

October 13, 1931 – November 12, 2020

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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