Late Actonville resident will be respected for his character
Karderas Dave Palani (84), who was known to this family as “Appa” and to the broader community as “Uncle Dave”, died on June 5.
The Actonville resident lived in Benoni from 1960 until his death. His funeral took place on June 7 at the Actonville Community Centre.
“Appa, thank you for bringing us to where we are today. We know you are rejoicing in a better place and have found peace,” was the message from the Palani family.
“You are our guardian angel and your legacy and name will always live on and be kept in high esteem.
“We love you Appa.”
Palani left school at the age of 16 years to take up a part-time job at a butchery in order to take responsibility for his siblings.
Thereafter, he worked as a waiter and then joined Mannesmann Demag where he worked for many years until his retirement because of ill health in 1995.
In 1955 he met the love of his life, Amerthem Chadayan, from Stertonville, Boksburg.
They married on December 1, 1957, and together have one daughter, Anusha James, and four sons Vasenda, Silvin, Davendra and Hinbhim. Palani also had 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Palani was involved in several activities including being a member and a dynamic vocalist in an eastern band called the “Kalayvani Orchestra”, which was the first eastern band to record a vinyl of four own compilations called ‘The banks of the Ganges’. He was one of the band’s last members whose legacy will live on. He commenced his pathway to God at the Temple in Old Wynburg Street, Actonville.
He was a “Lord Shiva” devotee and served the community in the Benoni Sivan Alayam Temple for 30 years.
The late Palani was also an ardent Sai Devotee. He followed the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba who believed in love, peace and harmony; he was part of the Sai organisation for 40 years. According to his family, his motto was: “others first, then self.”
He always said, “There are those who speak but do not do”, and there are “those who do not speak but do,” the Palani family added. His family knew him as a man of very few words but his presence was always recognised.
To them, he lived a life that inspired everyone greatly.
“His adventurous attitude, broad range of interests and happy demeanour made him a wonderful person to know,” the Palani loved ones said. They added that he was patient and generous with his time and affection; he pursued his many endeavours diligently and always rose to meet the challenge and that he was philosophical in his approach to life and extended his philosophy regardless of the obstacles he faced.
Palani will be respected for the strength of his character which showed in his actions.
His family does not only acknowledge him as a father, grandfather or husband, but also a guardian, light, best friend and most importantly, their King.
“He brought joy and happiness wherever he went and no matter what he was going through, he always had that glowing smile on his face,” his loved ones said.
He always put his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren first and met all their needs. He loved them unconditionally and with all his heart because family was his life.
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