Tribute to Jason Pillay – 01 May 2004

I speak on behalf of Clive Pillay who is unable to talk about his dear friend Jason. Jason was Clive’s most special friend, confidant, counselor, mentor and business associate.

Jaysenthren Pillay, affectionately known as Jason was born on 17 May 1968. He was the 4^th born of 5 brothers. As you are already aware, he lost his mum at the tender age of 7 who herself, also briefed this earth for 35 years.

At this staggering young age, he embarked on his character enhancing journey where the assumption of responsibility was thrust upon him. Despite obvious financial difficulties, Jason endeavored to grow into a remarkable and extraordinary person.

Jason attended Highlands Primary where he scooped the valedictorian award in sport. He represented Risecliff High School in various codes of sport where he excelled. In 1985 he matriculated from Risecliff High and relocated to Johannesburg in 1987.

He joined MSC, a shipping company in 1988. He moved to Cross Country, another shipping company where he was later retrenched. After going back to MSC, he obtained an international inspector licence and thereafter went on to join Keinhung Shipping. Two years later he left Keinhung Shipping to start his own company, Consortium Shipping together with two other business partners, Cees Bosman and Eugene Wong.

The company celebrated their 10^th  year anniversary on 22 April this year, an auspicious day before Jason’s fateful accident. During these 10 years Consortium Shipping grew from a 3 man organization to a successful and credible company in the industry. The anniversary celebration was a culmination of the company’s achievements over the years but little did we realize that this will now serve as a poignant reminder of the stark reality of Jason’s destiny.

Shakespeare writing some 3 and a half centuries ago aptly described our world as a vast stage, where all men and women are  merely players , they have their entrances and exits. And one man in his time plays many parts. What a concise piece of literature to quote for our dear Jason.

 We see that you have come in your hundreds to pay your respects to such a generous and humble man, such a great friend, an honourable man, a charming husband, a doting father, a caring brother, a dependable son and son –in-law, I could go on…….

In his business life, he was a man of integrity. He was not consumed with the growth and sustainability of his company but conducted himself with respect and friendship was his ultimate goal.

His love for sport knew no boundaries. Soccer was his favourite and he was a member of Stars, Daxina Sporting and the like. He continued to be involved in his sporting activities up to the very end having scheduled a game on the weekend of his departure.

He generously contributed to many charitable concerns and was a keen member of the cultural community. He knew no barriers in religion and embraced them all. His love for people was the most significant part of his character.

He was a man who made the most of every waking hour. He embraced everything that was good in life. He possessed an almost childlike desire to do new things.

His favourite pastime was watching movies with his family. He is renowned for his awesome crab curry and he could whip up an egg chutney in a jiffy. He simply  adored pickles. Jason loved to sleep. I suppose this is what made him fashionably late for events. He did possess this uncanny ability to walk in albeit late but cool, collected and calm. I suppose his lived by the maxim, better late than never.

Jason was a modest and unassuming person yet he would take the time to make you feel so special. He loved family gatherings and socialising with people. Due to unfortunate family circumstances he was unable to host a gathering for the past 2 years but was planning a huge event in the near future.

Jason leaves behind a beautiful wife and 2 impeccably groomed children. There is a void that we are all finding difficult to accept- it seems that we are walking in a dream- to wake up sometime and he will be there.

In some unexplained way, even though we are all so desperately sad, we are at the same time uplifted and we are standing taller and prouder now that we have ever done.

Behind every successful man is a successful woman. In this case she was not behind him but by his side for the last 14 years. Together they were the strongest and most colourful threads that ran through the rich tapestry that is our lives. The immediate family and friends can bear testament to the fact that Van and Jason paid an integral part in shaping their lives.

Dear Vanitha, Kirshen and Yulisha- it is heartbreaking to see you so sad. Please draw strength that you have partnered a great and magnanimous man. He leaves behind a legacy – a legacy in all our hearts and so poignant that as we speak Jason’s heart beats in someone else. Even in his death, he has passed on his special gifts. We take solace in the fact that his organs were donated to save the lives of others. Our sorrow is equally paralleled by the joy of the recipients and their families.

I cannot do justice to his life’s contributions. We are all the better for having the opportunity and pleasure of knowing Jason Pillay. We take refuge in the fact that he is now in the hands of God and within the bosom of his mother. We also find comfort that Jason was at the pinnacle of his life when he was hand picked by God. He was simply ecstatic in all spheres of his life on the day that he left us.

Vanitha and the family are overwhelmed with your kindness. The family thanks you all for the support during the difficult time – in the last week for the food , contributions, floral tributes , your time and moral support.

Thank You