Appreciations

Through the grapevine, my friend Maxim Flamer-Caldera, businessman and entrepreneur, the news came to us of the sad demise of a very dear friend, Zoe Jayatilleke, of a massive stroke in her Astra Apartment in Bondi, Sydney, Australia.

Stunningly beautiful Zoe, was the sister of my close friend, Willie Jayetilleke who will be remembered for his classic century in the Royal-Thomian of 1936 at the NCC grounds and his astute leadership of the Colombo Colts Cricket Club in the Premier League through the late ’40s and early ’50s. I took over the captaincy from him when he decided to call it a day from first class cricket.

Zoe was head girl, or senior prefect of Bishop’s College. She was an ace swimmer, champion ballroom dancer, enthusiastic golfer and beauty queen at several dances, particularly the Otter Dance.

She was a regular Otter and star pupil of the Marjorie Sample School of Dancing at Layard’s Road. It was here she meet Rolf Sando Mirsky, a Russian Pole, professional dancer and teacher. A handsome man and a charming chap, he had a wide circle of Ceylonese friends. He stood handsomely at either bar –Otters or Colombo Swimming Club.

He struck a whirlwind love affair with Zoe and married her in a simple ceremony which was followed by a lively reception at the Sample School, hosted by Marjorie Sample. They paired superbly, taught dancing together and gave ballroom dancing exhibitions for charity at several functions, particularly at the Galle Face Hotel. Rolf’s favourite watering hole was the Colombo Swimming Club, and it was after one of those pleasurable encounters that he was riding home on this Triumph Speed when he made a wrong judgement and crashed head on to a lorry travelling at high speed without lights – opposite the Green Cabin, Colpetty – death was instantaneous. At that time Zoe was with child, and 3 months later a son was born.

Later, Zoe married Harry Nightingale, an Australian Olympic swimming coach, a great chap and a staunch supporter of the Otter Aquatic Club. He was in Sri Lanka for years and years, coaching at the Otters and the Surf Lifesaving Club which he founded in Mount Lavinia. They were a happy couple and moved superbly with acceptance in Colombo’s society. After many years, Harry packed his bags and left with Zoe, seeking fresher pastures in Bondi and Manly, and with Zoe’s assistance he got established within a few months with some lucrative coaching stints.

Harry died years later, leaving Zoe to battle through life and a future. Jeanne and I visited Zoe in Bondi and she always looked fresh, vibrant and full of humour.

Willie was Zoe’s elder brother. Willie and I joined the Colombo Colts Cricket Club in 1940 and clicked immediately, playing for the club in the Premier League with success. We cycled to work, to the club and to chase the girls in Havelock Town and Bambalapitiya with occasional success. Our buddies were Stanley & Christobel Livera, Budgie & Esme Metzling, Jack & Ranee Misso, Mervyn Vandort, Ernie Kelaart, Ted Misso, Fred & Babs Kellar, Haig & Maureen Christoffeltz. We were regulars at the Milgiriya School’s quarterly dances, the Otter Annual Dance, the BRC Dance, and occasionally at the D.B.U.

My friendship with Willie got closer over chasing girls together, and my playing under his captaincy. In the early fifties he met and tied the knot with attractive Lois Vanderziel and they made a handsome couple. I was Willie’s bestman at the well-attended ceremony at St. Paul‘s Church, Milagiriya. A few years later the couple migrated to Australia to join the Scotts and the Nightingales. That was about the time the exodus of Burghers to Australia was running at its peak. Willie went to work with my millionaire friend, Maurice Sterland in Gosford, N.S.W. His happy association with Sterland Bros. lasted for over 25 years until he retired a few years ago.

On my several visits to Australia, I met with Harry & Zoe and the Scotts, but I missed Willie and Iris. Eventually I caught Willie last year through the courtesy of a close mutual friend, Dr. Douglas Arndt, over a gorgeous crab lunch hosted by Vilma Arndt in her beautiful seafront home. Jeanne and I had a great day with my old pals Willie, Douglas and Vilma.

Willie passed away early this year, followed by Zoe, a few days ago. Thus endeth a glorious friendship with a delightful family. May their souls rest in peace.