Dedicated to the memory of Navam
This site is a tribute to John Marianesan (Navam) Philips, who was born in Puloly on October 03, 1949. He is much loved and will always be remembered.
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Thoughts
What struck me from the moment I met Uncle John was his welcoming embrace and generosity. Soon after Angela and I got married (some 22 years ago), I had the honour and privilege to receive a garland from Uncle John and Aunty Miriam as they welcomed me into their home! They remain the only people to have ever done this and it will be etched into my memory forever.
Uncle John and I became firm friends. We shared a love of good food, barbecues in particular, and I must mention his legendary roast dinners. The roasts were done to perfection every time and he took great pride in hosting and feeding people. Our enjoyment was his enjoyment. Uncle had a great sense of humour and he was the life of the party, always ready to get on the dance floor. We shared some wonderful moments over the years. One such occasion was a Christmas party some years back. After much drink, fun and frivolity an impromptu karaoke session ensued, much to the bemusement and ridicule from all those present! It went down in the annals of our family history as ‘that Christmas party’! I hold this memory close to my heart!
I will always remember Uncle John’s warm smile, loving embrace, generosity and his love of life. He was hard working and successful, had a love of travel and the great outdoors and he was a consummate family man. Our thoughts turn to Aunty Miriam, Mohan, Thiona, Simon and Oshen at this difficult time but we will always be here for them. That is the best way we can honour Uncle’s memory.
A big personality, a big loss. Forever in our hearts.
Rajen
8th January 2024
John Marianesan Philips was born in Puloly, Jaffna, lived in Hertfordshire and passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday 21st December 2023.
He was the beloved husband of Miriam, proud father of Mohann and Thiona, caring father-in-law of Simon and adoring grandfather of Oshen Navam.
He was the loving son of the late Anthonypillai Philips (Headmaster of St Theresa’s School Kilinochchi) and the late Francesca Muthamma.
The much admired and doting brother of the late David Anthony (Ponrasa) and the late Rosemary, the late George (Mariathas) and Celine, the late Poomani and Joachim, the late Soosaithasan (Sellam) and the late Rani, the late Rev. Fr Emmanuel Jesuthasan, the late Christopher (Palar) and Elizabeth, the late Grace (Thangamany) and Anthony, the late Elsie (Rukku), the late Calista (Kanmany) and Wijekumar, Joseph (Thevathas) and Vathy and the late Benjamin (Thangaras) and Reeni.
He was the dear brother-in-law of the late Jeya, Cecil and the late Indra, Mahes and Anton, the late Navaratnam and Florence, the late Chandran, Raji and Bobby, Rajakumar and Niranjala, and the late Julia and Vijayan.
He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, godchildren and relatives.
He will be remembered lovingly by his many friends, whom he had known for years and are like family.
He will also be sadly missed by the staff and residents of Sharnbrook Lodge.
Philips Family
23rd December 2023