I vividly remember the day I first met Thankachan Uncle. My family and I had recently moved to Southern California, and we had begun attending St. Thomas Church. It was a Sunday morning, and we were celebrating the feast of St. Gregorios of Parumala during Holy Eucharist. Achen invited Mr. George Mathew to speak briefly about St. Gregorios.

I watched as a charismatic man approached the lectern with calm confidence. He was dressed in a white shirt, and a black suit. Adjusting the microphone, he began to address the congregation, sharing stories of prayer, fasting, humility, and the disciplined life of Parumala Thirumeni in a simple and understandable manner. His words resonated with sincerity, compassion, faith, and, above all, a profound sense of peace and affection. After the Qurbana, I approached him. He warmly greeted me with a smile, introduced himself as 'Thankachan'.

From then on, I frequently met him at church and later I ended up living near his neighborhood. I witnessed his influence on almost all church and community activities. He always embraced new opportunities and welcomed change without hesitation. He cared deeply for those around him, leaving a positive impact on everyone he encountered. He played a pivotal role in organizing study groups, praying for the sick and helping the needy. He visited graduates to offer congratulations and prayers for their future endeavors. His passion for art and literature was evident; he wrote lyrics, scripts, and directed plays. I even played roles in a few of his skits. His affection for his native town, Puthencavu, was apparent. When my 12-year-old daughter shared the story of Thankachan Uncle's ordination to serve at the altar, I was reminded of his ability to connect with people of all ages. Above all, his steadfast faith stood out to me.

He was indeed a good man. Those who got to know him are truly fortunate, and I consider myself among them. I imagine his final thoughts might have mirrored 2nd Timothy Chapter 4, verses 7-8. May his memories continue to inspire us all. May his prayers bring strength to his family during this time and in the days ahead.

My name is Soli. I am Daddy’s daughter-in-law married to Shibu, his eldest son. 

 I first met Daddy when I was about 7 years old and back then he was Thankachen Uncle to me. We went to the same church. Daddy has always been very active in church with writing Christmas plays and Caroling songs. I benefitted from this as a child and I witnessed how one man single handily produced and taught how to act and sing to so many people. For the Malayalam plays and songs, he first would patiently convert everything by hand in Manglish- which means to phonetically write the Malayalam words to English. In person, he would give coaching lessons to break the words down so that our tongue could twist and turn to the Malayalam as many of us grew up speaking primarily English. He didn’t just produce one item a year. He produced for multiple plays (both English and in Malayalam) at a time so everyone could be involved. 

 I remember in 5th grade, I had a lead role as Queen Herodias in an English play he wrote about John the Baptist. I was very shy but Daddy was able inspire me to take on a role of a jealous and hateful person. Shaji, his youngest son starred as John the Baptist and my sister, Somi, played as my daughter the princess who demanded the head of John on a plate after performing a dance to a song that Daddy wrote in Malayalam. In that same year, my brother Suni took part in a Malayalam play that Daddy wrote for the older youth. I remember laughing to the way my brother acted as a drunkard. Both plays were entertaining, witty and always had a spiritual lesson that we could walk away with. How Daddy was able to do all this still puzzles me. It had to be divinely given. 

 Daddy’s involvement carried on every year there after and into my high school years. He graciously gave his time and shared his talent so that many could benefit and grow in Christ and also keep connected with our South Indian culture. Thank you Daddy for sharing your talent. It is everlasting. 

Our heartfelt condolences to George's family. One of our greatest joys was getting to meet and know George. We remember well when he and Anna Moved into the house across the street. George took advantage of his first opportunity to come over and introduce himself and to let us know his daughter, son in law and their family were also our neighbors and he had another son and family nearby. We came to admire George for his strong and supportive family values and loved watching their family gatherings, as you could see and feel the love shared within his family. 

Melvin felt as though he and George shared a kindred spirit, as their interactions were always humorous and jovial. Melvin would always find a nickname for people who are dear to him and of course George had one, which was "Georgee".  George asked Melvin why he called him Georgee and not George? He replied, I call you Georgee because I can't say George. George said you really can't say " George"? Melvin said, "no I can't say George". George patted him on the back and said, "that's okay". Whenever Melvin saw George, it didn't matter how near or far he would yell "hey Georgee" and George would always laugh and acknowledge him with a big smile.  Once when George and Anna were crossing the street, George was in front, so Melvin went and took Anna's hand to help her across. George looked at Melvin and pointed at him, then said with a big smile, "only you". George had just bestowed the greatest honor upon Melvin to know that he was the only one who could get away with that. 

Kirk and Sheba please know how honored we were, when you would bring George and Anna by to say hello after they moved. George and Anna were great neighbors. What a Blessing to have had them be a part of our lives.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Thankachayan uncle. I recall hearing about Thankachayan uncle & Ammamma in my younger days but finally got the privilege to meet them in 2004 when they visited Dallas. When my wife, Susan, & I met uncle for the first time in 2004, we were pleasantly surprised by his sunny disposition and the warmth he brought to those around him. His jokes, positivity, godliness, wisdom, and cheerful outlook on life surely left an impression in all our hearts. I remember telling Susan, I wanted to be like that when I got old. 

He had a very sincere and loving heart. I learned that it was Thankachayan uncle & Ammamma who helped out my mom when my mom was starting her nursing school education. We are extremely grateful for the kindness and support they gave to my mom in those early days. While we will miss his laughter, big heart, jokes, and warmth here on earth, I know that he is having a grand ole time in heaven now. Looking forward to that reunion with our Thankachayan uncle in heaven one day. 

To Ammamma, Shaggy, Shibu, Sheba, and family, I can imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. May God give you strength and peace as you navigate through this season. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Romantic: We were in high school when Thankachayan and Amminiamma got married. The next day, we crowded around the couple and asked Thankachayan to sing, and he did “Yeh mera prem patr padkkar” Sangam – 1964, English translation:

After reading my love letter, don't be angry

Because you are my life, you are my devotion

I used to call you the moon, but it also had flaws

I used to call you the sun, but it also had fire

I'll just say this to you: I am in love with you

I'll consider you Ganga, I'll consider you Jamuna

You are so close to my heart that I'll consider you mine.

How Romantic !

Sunday outings: Sunday was church followed by lunch out Masala Dosa and occasional Hindi movies which he loved. Alipore zoo was another favorite hangout.

Loving and caring Uncle: When I got my first job in Orissa, Thankachayan came to drop me at college. There were cows on the verandah, and he did not want me to stay there. He was like” this is not a good place for you to work, I can get you a job in Loretto school”. He felt comfortable and let me stay after we found a Malayali roommate. Students would come and touch my feet and he would warn me “be careful, they could pull you down”. Amminiamma and Thankachayan made sure that I had clothes required to present myself as a college lecturer. I still live in Orissa, but, this was the beginning.

We will miss Thankachayan, his “ Kunje” with all the love and care.   

Thankachen uncle was more than just a darling uncle to me; he was a father figure and a grandfather rolled into one. I was incredibly fond of him, and our bond was unique. We always greeted each other not just with a smile, but with a hearty laugh. His affectionate nature filled the void left by my parents, who lived far away in India, while I was in the US.

25 years ago, he welcomed me into the church, the community, and his home with open arms. His warmth and generosity made me feel instantly at home. Uncle’s home was always a great meet-up point. I remember one Saturday morning vividly: I visited him and saw a large pot full of boiling eggs , roast masala and upmav on the stove. Surprised, I asked who he was feeding. He casually replied that it was for all the kids and grandkids who would come by at different times of the day. Every weekend, he would cook up a storm, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the family.

Uncle's laughter was infectious. He was not only funny but also very wise. Tiju and I were constantly inspired by the love he shared with Ammini aunty. They were a team, and their relationship was a beautiful example of devotion and partnership.

His passing leaves a deep void in my heart, but the memories of his laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love will always be cherished. Thankachen Uncle's legacy is one of joy, generosity, and a life well-lived, surrounded by those he loved most.

I have so many wonderful childhood memories of Uncle.  Practicing for church plays is one that is vivid….lots and lots of giggling and laughter and Uncle trying to get us back on track.

As an adult what I remember is the ease with which he accepted us even when we weren’t attending the same church.   When our family went through some heartbreak, we did not feel condemned.  My kids would say that he is definitely one of the few Appachan’s they recognized for the same reason.  His smile was so welcoming and I can truly say that all his kids have inherited a bit of that.

One day we will be neighbors.  In John 14:2-6, Jesus reassures His disciples that His Father’s house has many rooms and He was going to go ahead and prepare a place for them and that one day they would be with Him there.  So, this temporary farewell is only that.  We look forward to eternity and what awaits us there.

We send our deepest condolences to the whole family, and especially Aunty.  As you reflect back on your many years of marriage and life, may you feel blessed by the time you had with Uncle and know that you will be together again in eternity.  God bless you all! ❤️

Thankachayan uncle was a great personality and a nice human being. May his soul rest in peace.

In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones.

P.M John (Late), Shanthamma, Jerry, Jiji & Jessy and family.

Heartfelt condolences to the family   Prayers and praises for the departed soul for a life well lived , who used the talents given to him to the fullest   May the Lord look upon him favourably with the words “well done my faithful servant “

George Joseph, Ayrookuzhiyil, Puthencavu, Chengannur, Kerala 

We as a family have fond memories about Thankachayan. My grandfather was a Marthoma priest. As a devout and regular worshipper at the St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu Thankachayan had to pass our house up and down. He made it a point to drop in quite regularly. His humour and caring love impressed us so very much that we still remember some of the lovely anecdotes that he shared with us even after almost 70 years.

Prayers and love to all the dear ones.😇🙏😇