Tributes paid to golfer and philanthropist Sydney Subramoney - IOL
Family and friends have paid tribute to Sydney Subramoney, remembering his generosity, love of golf, fishing and dancing, and commitment to helping underprivileged people.
Family and friends have paid tribute to Sydney Subramoney, remembering his generosity, love of golf, fishing and dancing, and commitment to helping underprivileged people.
His close friend Gary Govindsamy said: “Sydney was given a simple funeral as he was a simple man. He was born in a humble home to humble parents in a humble family. In keeping with humility he cared for people. People with nothing was his priority.”
He said last week Sydney had insisted on coming to Durban from his home in Johannesburg to spend some time with his siblings, friends and relatives.
“He also made plans to go fishing. Preston Naidoo - his ‘adopted’ son, Sydney and I, went to Margate on the KZN South Coast, last Monday where we booked into a chalet. We fished at Margate pier. He had a great time. The shad was plentiful,” said Govindsamy. “During the early hours of Wednesday morning Sydney, had serious breathing problems and we rushed him by ambulance to the Gamalakhe Clinic where he was given fantastic treatment and improved a great deal.
“But he had to be admitted to the Murchison hospital for further medical treatment. He stayed overnight and was in good hands. But his ancestors and his maker had other plans. His fishing had to be cut short and he was called yonder! Shortly after our return home, to Durban, we got the devastating news that Sydney was no more,” he added.
“No more fishing, no more golf, no more football, no more gardening. No sports down here! Most of all it was the worst birthday present for his wife, Vasantha,” said Govindsamy.
He described Sydney as a great golfer.
“We played many games together. We had many weekends out in many parts of the country. In Swaziland too. We knocked back many a good few!! and danced many nights away. Our families spent many memorable holidays too. Our children too will cherish those moments,” added Govindsamy. “Sydney's prowess on the golf course was unmatched. He won many tournaments. And I shared many wins as his playing partner too. A founding member of Central Durban Golf Club, he was a member of other clubs in Greater Durban. He made many a mark on the fairways and on the putting greens he was great. “He made two holes in one and earned himself a place in the international hole in one club, adding to the many accolades to his name. We will miss your banter and your sharp wit, Syd. Your caring for the underprivileged, your philanthropy and your giving nature. “The respect you earned both on and off the field must be a lesson to all. It was an absolute pleasure to cook the curries and sour porridge you demanded from me. As you make your journey into the afterlife, my family and I will always cherish your memories.
“May your way to the pearly gates "Muthu" - my pet name for you - be lit up like the fairways to the greens. Your journey has been earned. Your life and your achievements must be etched in history,” said Govindsamy.
