Popular Hillary barman succumbs to Covid-19
Gabriel succumbed to Covid-19 on the morning of Monday, 18 January, much to the shock of his family who had been hoping he would be home soon.
“HE was never one to complain about anything, we didn’t even realise he had this until it got bad and he needed to be hospitalised,” said Charlene Thulukanam, daughter-in-law of Gabriel Thulukanam who died of Covid-19 on Monday, 18 January.
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Charlene, who is married to the 65-year-old man’s eldest son, Neelan (37), said the family is struggling to cope with the sudden loss, after Gabriel seemed to have been making a recovery in hospital.
“Yesterday, we were told our pillar of strength, and the one person who held our family together is no more,” she said.
Lorein Vosloo, who worked closely with Gabriel where he was a favourite barman, said she was shocked by his death, especially since she said she had just spoken to him last week and he seemed fine at the time.
“Gabriel dedicated his life to the Hillary Sports and Social Club. He had a passion for his work and would always go the extra mile to please his customers and fellow colleagues,” said Vosloo.
“Always friendly with a smile on his face even after working a double shift of 16 hours, Gabriel would never get grumpy or nasty to anyone.”
Charlene said the day before Gabriel died, he managed to give the nurse a message to convey to the family.
He told her to tell the family he was feeling much better.
Gabriel is survived by his wife, Mala (60), and their two sons, Neelan (37) his wife, Charlene and Ruban (35) and his wife, Ashleena.
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Look out for the next print edition of the Queensburgh News for a tribute to this well-loved man.
There is a planned memorial procession tomorrow afternoon (20 January).
The hearse will be driven past the club on the corner of Stella Road and Sarnia Road from 2pm. Covid-19 protocols will apply.
Follow the Queensburgh News Facebook page for more details or to share your memories of Gabriel.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
