''The funeral of late Iswarbahadur Sahi - 15 September 2022''

Dear Members,

The funeral of late Iswarbahadur Sahi went well as planned. About 80 members and 12 members from Thakuri Samaj UK were in attendance, as well as Emma Jackson Clinical Nurse specialist who looked after late Iswar in his end-of-life care. There was also the presence of Major Valentine West (SSAFA Caseworker) and Colm from Refugee Action Colchester, who knew Suraj Shahi, son of late Iswar.

At 13:50 on Thursday, 15 September, Pundit Nilhari Ghimire conducted late Iswar's last ritual at the Chaples of Rest at the Gate House, Old Coach Roa, Colchester CO1 2TH. Jason Seenauth from Angel Funeral Director brought the hearse to Colchester Crematorium by 15:15, where malamis from Colchester Nepalese Society and Thakuri Samaj were present. The CNS Vice-Chair Captain Rajendra Sherchan MBE was present to control everyone, including the pallbearers.

The pallbearers took over the coffin from the hearse. With the bato in the front (prepared by secrerary CNS) followed by Piper and Bugler, the courtage went inside the crematorium, Pundit, immediate family members, Chair Thakuri Samaj the UK and malamis coming at the rear. Everyone was settled by Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO without making any noise.

Once settled in, Chair CNS reminded everyone of the day's importance, followed by the Pundit's final ritual. After that, there were a few speeches from Mr Ramraj Malla about the life of Iswar Sahi, Santa Chand Chair Thakuri Samaj in the UK. Chair CNS highlighted his wife and Suraj's process of remaining in the UK and how straightforward man late Iswar Sahi was. Emma Jackson said Iswar was an easy-going patient of hers, and she tried her best to make his life as comfortable as possible.

Once the speeches were over, the Chair CNS read the following: They shall grow not old, as we that are left old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember you.

The Bugler sounded the last post, and we observed one-minute silence; the Bugler sounded the Reveille.

Once that had been completed, all the malamis were asked to come forward and give a floral tribute of loose flowers, which Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO provided. Once everyone went outside the crematorium, the immediate family members paid their last respect, and his body was cremated, witnessed by Suraj Sahi, son of the late Iswar.

All the malamis went through a purification stand and went to Abbeygate House. At Abbeyagte House, refreshments were made ready by the Area Rep Gurkha Home, Mrs Jas Kumari Gurung, assisted by members of Gurkha Home.

Once refreshments were over, the Chair CNS called the attention of everyone. He emphasized the life of late Iswar Sahi and best wishes to his wife and son remaining in the UK. The Chair CNS asked both Chair and Ex-Chair of Thakuri Samaj in the UK, and they both echoed the help rendered by CNS to their relative at the difficult time and appreciated it. I then handed over the customary £500 to his widow to use at the time of need.

We then left the family in the care of members of the Gurkha Home, having shaved Suraj's hair because he had to carry out another five days of the ritual until 20 September.

I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making late Iswarbahadur Sahi's funeral such a lovely one.

Many thanks

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS