Dr. M.L.D. (Lakshman) Fernando

Dr. Lakshman “Lucky” Fernando of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Friday, December 27, 2024 at his home.

Born on May 29, 1946, in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, to Aeron and Ruby Fernando, Lakshman grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He attended Ananda College before earning his MBBS from the Medical College, Colombo campus. He later completed his FRCP (C) and FRS (UK), specialising in Psychiatry.

Lakshman served as the Chief of Psychiatry at Woodstock General Hospital until his retirement in 2017. He was a dedicated physician, respected by his colleagues and beloved by his patients. Beyond his career, he found joy in travel and performing magic shows and cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Lakshman will be remembered for his sharp sense of humour, his unwavering commitment to helping others, and the immense love he had for his family.

Lakshman is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Siramthi; his daughter, Keshala Dissanayake (m. Dr. Chaminda); his son, Dr. Nilanga Fernando; and his adored granddaughters, Shayera and Chaylan. He is also survived by his siblings: Rani Jayasuriya (m. Bennett) and Chitra de Silva of Sri Lanka, Ranjith Dayasundara (m. Sabitha), Hema Jayasinghe (m. Ravindra), and Sudath Dayasundara (m. Sandya) of Canada. Lakshman will be missed by his brothers-in-law: Dr. Anura Senanayake, Captain Shiran Senanayake, Keerthi Senanayake, Sumith Senanayake, and Captain Lalantha Senanayake, as well as his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, M.A. Fernando and Ruby Fernando.

Visitation will take place at Westview Funeral Chapel on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. , with Mathaka Vastra Pooja at 5:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted in the chapel on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 12:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. (A livestream will be posted later). Cremation to follow for close family and friends at Woodland Cemetery and Crematorium, 493 Springbank Drive, London.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Toronto Mahavihara Society (Buddhist Temple in Scarborough: 4698 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON)  in Lakshman Fernando’s honour: https://www.torontomahavihara.com/SupportUs.htm

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hamilton General Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team: Dr. Stack, Dr. Hamilton, Meagan, Rob, the nursing team at St. Elizabeth, and the dedicated PSWs from Closing the Gap: George, Priyantha, Olaf, Dora, Julia, Bhakshinder, Maxim, Che, Saleema and Youssef, and all the staff as well. They all cared for our father with the respect and dignity he so deserved.

May the Triple Gem bless him.

May he attain Nibbana.