January 20, 1936 – February 7, 2024
Don Upali Ramanayake passed from this life to the next on February 7 th , 2024. He was 88 years old. Throughout his life he found faith, family, mission, and adventure. He travelled across 6 continents and visited approximately 60 countries. His journey started in 1936 in the Indian Ocean on his island home of then Ceylon. He was the youngest of three children born to Barnabas and Miriam Ramanayake of Pannipitiya. His father died at an early age leaving Upali and his family in poverty for many years. His mother, a devout Christian in a Buddhist land had great faith and prayed for her three children, all of whom finished university and loved God. Upali was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tissa Ramanayake and is survived today by his sister Malika Perera of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
At age 27 he travelled to Germany for his work and in a whirlwind romance, met and married the beautiful Hannelore Schmidt. Upali spoke English, German, and Singhalese at varying levels of fluency. Hanne at the time only spoke German. They married in Dehiwala, Ceylon on June 6 th , 1964, and today have celebrated just short of 60 years of marriage. Upali is survived today by his wife Hannelore Ramanayake and by their two daughters and sons-in-law of Oklahoma: Jacqueline and Vance Gregory, and Yasmin and Jeffery Johnson. He is also survived by his grandchildren Alysha, Jonny, Isabella, Ian, Hannah, Micheal, Amber, Eric, Elizabeth, Madeleine, Casey, Kamdyn, Bailey, and Emma. He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews in Australia, Sri-Lanka, USA, and Belgium.
Upali had a career as an engineer. He started with projects building dams and working in a cement factory in the jungles near Galle, Ceylon. Next, in England for a few years, he constructed a multi-level car park that is still there today (across from the Canterbury Cathedral). Most of his career, however, was spent as a civil engineer in Hong Kong. Two big projects bookend his 27-year tenure in Hongkong starting with the construction of the the iconic Cross Harbor Tunnel and ending with the building of Lantau Airport (one of the world's largest and busiest airports today).
In Hong Kong, Upali was an active member of St. Andrews Anglican Church (more out of a sense of duty than conviction). After many years and lots of unanswered questions, he remembers one vicar in particular that knocked on his door and answered those many questions. After that Upali's faith exploded and he ventured out into service including working with a group from Jackie Pullinger's Hang Fook Camp. He started a Sri Lankan fellowship at the International Christian Assembly, and for many years was president of the Full Gospel Men's Ministries Asian Division.
In retirement, Upali went back to school. He completed both master's and doctoral degrees in theology. Upali spent the next 10 years teaching pastors and Church leaders all over Asia. He provided funds and scholarships for many of the students. He had a generous heart and always gave when he saw a need.
Upali penned his memoirs recently and ends with "there were hard times and there were good times. But, through it all I stand amazed at God's plan and faithfulness". Upali amid all his wanderings is truly home now. Till we meet again Papa may you rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you would consider making a donation in honor of Don towards City Rescue Mission. You can do so by clicking here.
Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Febuary 9, 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home. Burail will follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.
We will be live streaming this service. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.