Umdoni loses one of its finest sons

SHAYLIN Rangasamy was born on November 30, 2005, to doting parents Sagren, a businessman and Sujatha, a school teacher.

Shaylin was a loving child and loved by all who came in contact with him. He loved people. He made friends easily and when he visited the local mall he spent time chatting to people and giving them one of his famous hugs.

His family’s quick shopping trips usually ended up being much longer as Shaylin had so many friends to greet. Shaylin had the most infectious smile. Those who interacted with him were struck by how mature he was and his impeccable manners.

Shaylin attended Scottburgh Pre-primary and went on to Scottburgh Primary School. He excelled in school and was a monitor in his class. He was well liked by his teachers. He played soccer and cricket.

From an early age Shaylin had a passion for cars. He surprised many with his knowledge of cars. He knew what type of engines and turbo chargers his favourite cars had. But – without a doubt – his greatest love was the Skyline GTR. He knew everything there was to know about this car.

Shaylin accompanied his dad to many car shows and the highlight was his visit to the Top Gear Festival in Durban. Shaylin met and shook hands with the famous Jeremy Clarkson.

He simply adored the Fast & Furious movies. He watched every movie multiple times and was eagerly awaiting the launch of the eighth movie. He also was an expert gamer. He loved reading his dad’s Speed & Sound magazines.

During his school holidays he visited his dad’s shop where he interacted with so many people. He even assisted his dad when the shop got busy. As young as he was, he was touched by the plight of the poor. He could not bear to see how the poor suffered, when he had so much. One day when he was at his dad’s shop he saw a little girl wearing a torn school uniform. He asked his dad why her uniform was in that condition.

His dad replied that most probably she was poor. Shaylin insisted that his dad buy a new school dress for the little girl.

One day while waiting for his mum at her school at Umzinto, he decided to eat one of his sandwiches. He was deeply saddened as some of the pupils watched as he ate. Later that day he told his dad about the poor students. He told his dad that he had to do something about that. That was the start of Shaylin’s mini feeding scheme. They supplied peanut butter sandwiches to the poor pupils.

During August 2014 Shaylin accompanied his mum to the local Midas in Scottburgh. He wanted his mum to buy a sports steering wheel for her car. Despite the fact that the steering wheel could not be fitted to her car, his mum bought it anyway. Eddie, the manager, was so impressed with the young Shaylin, his superior knowledge of cars and his impeccable manners. They immediately became friends. He then contacted his friends in the motor industry and sourced a replica F1 racing suit for Shaylin. Eddie presented it to a beaming Shaylin.

The photograph taken that day made Shaylin famous in Umdoni, as an article entitled ‘This kid has a need for speed’ appeared in the  August 4, 2014 issue of the Mid South Coast Mail.

Sadly Shaylin began falling ill in June this year. He had to be admitted to the Kingsway Hospital ICU. After undergoing many tests, he was diagnosed with a rare form of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). He bravely endured the treatment, terrible nausea and the daily blood tests.

Although in constant pain, Shaylin would still have a smile and a hug for his nurses and he even asked how they were. A special bond developed between Shaylin and his ICU nurse. Such was her love for him, that she even invited him and his mum to her wedding, which took place shortly afterwards.

Shaylin simply adored his doctor, endocrinologist Dr Vishal Jairam. He said that he wanted to be just like his doctor when he grew up.

After two weeks in hospital Shaylin was finally discharged. Due to his illness, Shaylin’s cholesterol levels increased dramatically and he had to be given the maximum adult dosage of meds. He was put on a strict fat-free diet. He returned to school and back to his usual happy self.

On Saturday, September 10, Shaylin suffered a relapse and had to be rushed back to hospital and was placed in ICU. Sadly his condition deteriorated rapidly and he passed away on Monday, September 12 at 5.40pm. Shaylin’s doctor and the nurses openly wept together with his loved ones.

Such was the impact that he made, when Shaylin’s aunt visited the hospital a week later, the pediatric nurses were still talking about him and the shock of hearing of his untimely death.

Hundreds of people attended his funeral to pay their last respects to a truly remarkable young man. Among the mourners were Shaylin’s classmates, teachers and principal. Also present were the nursing staff of Kingsway Hospital. Many mourners presented heart-warming accounts of how they came to know this true angel.

There were several glowing tributes including one by a matron of Kingsway Hospital.

Shaylin was laid to rest in a special casket decorated with the GTR emblem. Premier Funeral Services presented the family with two frames featuring Shaylin in his F1 suit with a blue Skyline GTR in the foreground. A fitting tribute to a real hero.

Shaylin will be sadly missed by his mum and dad, granddad Seela and grandma Letchmy Rangasamy, grandma Ruby Munthree, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of family and friends.

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