The passing of Ronnie de Kretser has left a great void in the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne. He will be sadly missed by a large circle of relations, friends and clients to whom he has been a source of unfailing support and help. I had known Ronnie from his days in Sri Lanka, where we had been friends and also handled some cases together. Ronnie was a person of great integrity who had earned the regard of all around him for his uprightness, his readiness to be of assistance and his profound knowledge of the history and culture of the Burgher community. In the legal profession he was highly regarded. If Ronnie briefed you in a case, you could rest assured that all the preparatory work had been done in the minutest detail. As was the case with numerous other Sri Lankans, it was a great comfort to me when I came to reside in Melbourne that I had a friend like Ronnie who was already well established here. He helped greatly to introduce me to life in our new surroundings and to many friends of his own both Australian and Sri Lankan, who were valuable contacts for me in various ways. From conversations with other Sri Lankans, I have come to know that Ronnie played a similar role in their lives, and that many who ran into difficulties would find in Ronnie a true friend and adviser who gave his full attention to their problems. He helped many families to migrate to Australia and assisted them for years after their arrival. Ronnie was a fountain of information about the legal profession in Australia, its traditions, practices and personalities. My first introduction to many Australian lawyears in key positions was through Ronnie and I found that in Australia, as in Sri Lanka, he was highly regarded. In the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works and in Weigall and Crowther, where he held senior positions, he served with distinction, and left behind him a reputation for excellence and integrity which was evident whenever his name came up in conversation. Ronnie moved with Australians at all levels and I am aware that Sir Ninian Stephen and Billy Snedden regarded him highly. At the same time, everyone who came into contact with him, at whatever level, always regarded him with affection. My wife and I were frequent visitors at the home of Ronnie and Maureen. Ronnie's hospitality was proverbial and there was never an occasion when we were allowed to leave his house without partaking of some delicacy which he had specially arranged or made himself. The courage he showed during the severe heart-attack he suffered in 1982 was an example to all, and the charm and friendship he radiated will long be remembered. Sri Lankans in every walk of life and in all sections of the community will remember him with affection and gratitude. Maureen was always an unfailing source of help and comfort to him and we convey to Maureen and the family our sincerest condolences on the passing away of this outstanding member of the Sri Lankan community.

Thank you Grandpa for introducing me to the great standards; timeless music which will always remind me of you....as will fruit salad, chocolates and Barbie dolls. Know that you were dearly loved and will be sadly missed. Taryn