Perampalam Murugasu

Also known as "Muru"

26 April 192312 February 2025

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Perampalam Murugasu (Muru) who departed peacefully on Wednesday February 12th 2025 at the age of 101.

He was the Patron of the New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple Society (NZTTS) and played a leading role for many years with the Auckland Sai Baba organization including at the national level. After gaining a degree at Colombo University, he commenced a long and distinguished career from the time of Ceylon’s independence, rising through the Civil Service ranks to become the top government official in the Ministry of Industries. He subsequently made a large and lasting contribution to many countries around the globe through his innovative expertise in the Non-Traditional Export sector when working for the United Nations and also the Commonwealth Secretariat.

He was the loving and much-loved husband of Pathmasandevi, the father of Srisakandan, Nalayini and Sivashankar, the grandfather of Mira and Tirupati, the great grandfather of Viola and the father-in-law of Gareth and grandfather-in-law of Jonathan.

His funeral details are as follows:

2pm, Wednesday February 19th 2025

Purewa Cemetery, 100/102 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland

Viewing details are as follows:

5pm to 7pm, Tuesday February 18th 2025

Davis Funerals, 400 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

Tribute messages can be left on this page. 

No flowers please – instead donations to the Murugan Temple that was so close to his heart:

Account Name: NZTTS  - Account Number 12-3069-0276869-00

Donation Details:
ASB SWIFT Code/BIC is: ASBBNZ2A
 
Bank Address is:
ASB Bank Limited
12 Jellicoe Street
Auckland Central
Auckland 1010
New Zealand

Tributes

Fly with the Angels Uncle Muru, "Kua whetūrangitia koe" Return, take your place amongst the stars along with your ancestors that adorn the sky". Arohanui to Aunty Pathma, and all your whanau and grandchildren ~ Om Sai Ram Loving Sai Ram to you all ~ Jai Sai Ram ~ David

David Wilson

Dear Nalayini, Garette, Mira and Aunty, Pls accept our condolences on the passing away of your great father, grand dad and husband. We had the greatest respect for him having met him first when we were in school over 50 years ago. Lovely that he got to spend time with great grand kids. Take care. Mike and Devika Anthonisz

Devika & Mike

Uncle Muru was a true gentleman and scholar. He was a mine of knowledge, especially spiritual. He had a deep understanding of the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and was a practicing devotee. He was a deeply compassionate soul, always warm , encouraging and ever the diplomat. He was an asset to the Sai Organisation. Lovingly remembered. May peace and love surround him in his onward journey. Love and prayers for Aunty Pathma. 🙏❤️

Mark Connell

The passing of Uncle Murugasu has cast a deep shadow of sorrow over countless individuals across the globe. It is fitting to pay tribute to a remarkable gentleman deserving of every honour. The Almighty blessed him with all the attributes that define a true gentleman-grace, integrity and compassion. His contributions spanned various realms, touching the lives at the community, national and international levels in immeasurable ways. Our planet has lost an extraordinary soul whose impact will be felt for generations. While time may offer solace, we hold onto the cherished memories of his kindness and wisdom. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul find eternal peace.

Thilliar Varnakulasingham

My condolences and my heartfelt best wishes in your loss. Muru came along to the Sai Organization in New Zealand in its early days and was a stalwart at the Mt Eden Centre. He was a steadying hand in the Sai Organization full of common sense and great advice. It was a pleasure to know this kind well-spoken gentleman and work alongside him.

Barry Vautier

From the Sathya Sai Preschool Rongomai Board , Management and Teachers To the Family of Uncle Muru- Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Uncle Muru. Uncle was a great contributor to our organisation and he will always remain in our thoughts. He was a legend in his own right and lived and showed all of us the Values to practice in our daily lives. May his Soul Rest in Peace

Sathya Sai PreSchool Rongomai

Dear Sri, Nalayini and shankar, deep sympathies, and sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father, who has contributed so much to humanity over the years. Our prayers are with you., Gayatri, Arul & family.

Arulkumaran

Sorry to hear this sad news.Please accept our heartfelt condolences.May his soul rest in peace 🙏Om Shanthi🙏 Raju,Sureshini and children.

Raju,Sureshini and Children

Dear Sri, Nalayini & Shankar, Our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May his soul rest in peace. Gnani & Gowri

Gnani & Gowri,

A Special Goodbye We will miss you uncle and will always remember your kindness and warmth you showed to everyone around you. As the saying in Tamil goes, even a blade of grass will not perish from your footsteps. I find myself at a loss for words on how to console my Patti during this difficult time. Your departure leaves a void. Yet, despite our sadness, we gather pride from the legacy you leave behind—a life lived with humility and principles that many aspire to emulate. You would undoubtedly smile and remind us to celebrate your “good innings.” Rest well, dear Murugesu Uncle. Your legacy of love, kindness, and integrity will continue to inspire the countless people you have touched. With love, Dharshika and Devan

Dharshika Devanamby

Sending you all our deepest condolences. I'm feeling very blessed and privileged to have met Muru. Such a wonderful man. Rest in Peace.

Mark Griffiths

Dear Daughty acca, sorry to hear the demise of Periappa.Our sympathies and condolences to you.(Rohini)

Rohini, Niranjan family ( Pathmanathan)

Dear Daughty acca, sorry to hear the demise of Periappa.Our sympathies and condolences to you.(Rohini)

Rohini, Niranjan family ( Pathmanathan)

Sorry to hear . Good to know he lived to be a 100 and had a wonderful career and life. Give my love to Devi Aunty and the family and also from the Gunanayagam family to theirs . They may remember my brother and sister (Ragu and Choota ) in their Trinco days as I was not born then . May his soul rest in peace!

Gunanayagam family- Trinco

What an amazing life Muru had. It has been such a privilege and delight for us to have been a very small part of Muru’s family. We have so enjoyed our conversations with him, learning little pieces of his history and very interesting life. We will treasure the memories of Muru sitting in the middle of our families enjoying the chat and laughter and especially his absolute joy spending time with his great granddaughter. Our thoughts, love and prayers to his family. Rosie and Dave

Rosemary and David Bradshaw

Dear Nalayini Jill and I send our condolences for your loss. Your Father sounds a great man who lived a long and fulfilling life . Our thoughts are with you and the family Love and sympathy John and Jill

John and Jill Horsthuis

Our love and heartfelt condolences go to the Murugasu family. When I come to the end of the road,And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room,Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for long, And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that once we shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone. It's all part of the master plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do, Miss me, but let me go.

Douglas and Sieglinde Saunders

Our heartfelt condolences to MURUGASU MAMA Family

PRATHAB GENEVA PATHMANATHAN

Sorry to hear of your passing Muru. Our condolences, wishes and prayers to your family and friends at this sad time. I know you will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.

Justin and Christine Le Grice
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