ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS

THINAKARAN A/L PRABHAKARAN
Advocate & Solicitor
29.7.1958 – 19.7.2008

A great loss of a great soul.

Thina (as he was popularly known) graduated with an LLB (Hons) degree from the Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic and was a member of Lincolns Inn. He was called to the Malaysian Bar on July 28th., 1984.

He did his pupilage in the chambers of Messrs Cheang Lee & Ong. He worked as a Legal Assistant with a number of firms in Ipoh and Teluk Intan before joining Messrs Lalchand & Nawawi., Ipoh as a Partner on July 1st 1992. He was instrumental in setting up the branch office in Teluk Intan, his home town.

Thina leaves behind his beloved wife, Mrs Kamala Mahlini Jeganathan, also a member of the Perak Bar and three beautiful children, two daughters, Kavena aged 14, Keshana aged 12 and a son, Daksheshkaran aged 5.

He was a Chairman and Committee Member of the Investigating Tribunal, Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board. He was also a Committee Member and later the Chairman of the PIBG Tarcisian Convent, Ipoh where his girls are studying.

Thina lived an amazing life. He was an extraordinary partner, colleague, friend and mentor. He never failed to be available to anyone who needed him. Thina always had his family, firm and friends close to his heart.

What is it that we remember of Thina?

With almost a quarter century in practice to his credit, his dedicated service and solution- oriented professional attitude encouraged confidence not only in his clients, but also his office mates and colleagues at the Bar. Yet his humility and consideration for the other’s feelings would not permit him to embarrass or put down anyone even when he knew that they were wrong. His attitude of quiet professional commitment was an effective lure for clients both in Ipoh and in Teluk Intan where he successfully and unobtrusively built up the firm’s business. He reflected an increasingly rare trait of being aware of commercial realities without ever compromising his principles for them.

Thina was an active Court going lawyer. He built up a reputation as a formidable litigator in civil matters representing banks, financial institutions and corporate clients. He was also an accomplished conveyancing lawyer.

Outside the work place, his kindness made him an obvious focus for people with problems who needed wise counsel. His ever listening ears combined with his ‘thinaesque’ assurance “Don’t worry lah. Things will be alright” made him a treasured confidante. He had a ready sense of humour which came with an infectious laugh that touched all those who came into contact with him.

That is what we will truly miss about Thina. He could make us laugh and especially in the face of difficulties. With a cheery smile, he’d give a comforting pat on the back and gently remind us that behind every cloud there is a silver lining.

Thina loved sports. He played badminton twice a week for more than twenty years and futsal once a week for more than five. During his years in practice, he had on numerous occasions represented Perak Bar in its annual games in Perak, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. He was so looking forward to the Penang/Perak Bar games that fateful weekend as he was involved in futsal (his favourite sport), Badminton and Darts and not to mention the fellowship that traditionally follows.

At 49, Thina was too young to leave his family and friends As we struggle to come to terms with his passing, it is slowly dawning on us that Thina lived his life wonderfully and to the fullest. He was an excellent time manager and made the space for his work, and his commitment to family and friends, without compromising his hobbies. His attitude and respect for all typified his dealings. In this he has left a legacy to be cherished by his friends and one that his family, especially his children would be proud of - to be honourable, fair and loving to all people at all times.

We are privileged and honoured to have known this gem of a man and to have been a part of his life. All that we have shared with him will forever be held dear and remembered. Even as we grieve our loss for our irreplaceable friend and partner, we shall also celebrate his life because Thina continues to live in our hearts.

And we know that some day we will meet Thina again, where in all probability he’ll be there to greet us at heaven’s doors with a twinkle in his eyes, a great big smile and a giant hug. On that day we shall laugh together again.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Kamala, Kavena, Keshana and Daksheshkaran .

We feel your loss and share your pain.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Perak and Penang Bar especially the futsal teams who administered immediate aid and CPR on Thina during his final moments. A special thanks to our dear friend Dr. Anoop Kumar who came to the Sports Centre immediately after being informed and continued with the necessary aid right up to the Emergency Room at Pantai Putri Hospital.

WE LOVE YOU THINA AND WE SALUTE YOU.

Rest in Peace dearest friend.

Your family at Lalchand & Nawawi.,
Ipoh and Teluk Intan.