It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Denzil after a sudden illness at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington DC, USA. He was an adoring and adored husband of the late Therese (Ira) Gunawardena and a precious and loving father to Therese/Priya Munn (Scott) [UK] and Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn (Bill) [US]. Denzil was an only child and counted as his own siblings his brothers and sisters-in-law: Marina and Vykunth Nathan (UK); Anton and Ranee Perera (Canada); Valencia and Mervyn Boteju (Canada). He was also beloved by his many cousins and extended family throughout Sri Lanka who regarded him as their own brother.

Denzil was born on November 23rd 1933 in Galle, Sri Lanka and lived in England, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates before retiring and immigrating with his late wife Ira in 2005 to Austin, Texas, USA in order to be closer to their daughter Sue. Since the passing of the love of his life, Ira, in 2013, he had moved from Austin to Washington DC and had lived with his daughter Sue and their beloved dog Sasha for the last several years. He was a much-loved uncle to all his nephews and nieces and a beloved honorary Uncle/“Pops” to his daughter Sue’s many friends. Denzil was a kind, gentle, patient, and highly devout Catholic who was beloved in his St. Gabriel Catholic Church Community. Before his recent illness, he would walk to church multiple times a week for daily mass to pray for all the intentions of his family and friends. Denzil passed peacefully with his daughter Sue holding his hand as he transitioned to be with the Lord. He finally has his wish to be reunited with his darling Ira and is at eternal peace with all the Angels in Heaven.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.; He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.; He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.; Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.; Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.; Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church 26 Grant Circle NW, Washington DC 20011 USA or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dehiwala, 57 Galle Road, Sri Lanka.

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