Last call: Beloved Hillary barman celebrated as true angel

There were few dry eyes among those who arrived in the Hillary club's parking on Sarnia Road to bid Gabriel a fond goodbye.

The hearse carrying the body of beloved local Hillary man, Gabriel Thulukanam outside the Hillary Sports and Social Club where he worked. PHOTO: Evelyn Morris

HILLARY Sports and Social Club is reeling from the shock following the death of Gabriel Thulukanam (65) who succumbed to COVID-19 last week Monday, 18 January.

Daughter-in-law Charlene Thulukanam said the day before Gabriel died, he told a nurse to convey to his family that he was feeling much better.

“He was never one to complain about anything, we didn’t even realise he had this until it got worse and he needed to be hospitalised,” she said.

Charlene, said the family is struggling to cope with the sudden loss after her father-in-law appeared to be in recovery. “We were told our pillar of strength, and the one person who held our family together is no more,” she said. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Mala (60), and their two sons, Neelan (37) his wife, Charlene and Ruban (35) and his wife, Ashleena.

Hillary club

“Gabriel worked for the Hillary Sports and Social Club for the past 18-years,” said club chairlady, Lorein Vosloo.

“Gabriel is well known in the Hillary, Bellair, Queensburgh area and worked for the Bellair Hotel and Old Malvern Hotel as a bartender for most of his life,” she said.

The sports club, which suffered a major setback when their hall burned down last year, was a popular venue for many in the community and Gabriel was a familiar face to the patrons.

Gabriel Thulukanam

“Gabriel dedicated his life to the Hillary Sports and Social Club, he had a passion for his work and would always go that extra mile to please his customers and colleagues. Always friendly with a smile on his face, even after working a double shift of 16 hours, Gabriel would never get grumpy,” said Vosloo.

“Gabriel was my right hand and always willing to assist in an emergency no matter what time of day or night,” she said. “God has gained a precious angel in heaven.”

ALSO READ: PICTURES: Listen to Hillary Sports Club vice-chair describe timeline of Wednesday’s fire

Dave Laas, a resident of the neighbourhood where Gabriel lived said the news of his neighbours’ death came as a shock.

“I saw him a few weeks ago walking as he liked to do. I didn’t even realise he was sick!” said Laas.

On Thursday afternoon club members arrived at the parking lot of the club where the hearse carrying Gabriel’s body was parked for a 15 to allow community members an opportunity to say goodbye.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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