Dickie Juriansz Obituary and Death: A Tribute to a Proud Dutch Burgher and a Cultural Ambassador
The Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon (DBU) and the wider community are mourning the loss of Dickie Juriansz, a remarkable leader and philanthropist who passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
Juriansz was the Chairman of James Finlay, a leading tea company, and a prominent member of the DBU, a social and cultural organization that preserves the heritage and identity of the Dutch Burghers in Sri Lanka.
Who was Dickie Juriansz?
Dickie Juriansz was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 15, 1950, to a Dutch Burgher family. He attended Royal College, where he excelled in academics and sports. He then pursued a degree in commerce at the University of Colombo, graduating with honors in 1972. He joined James Finlay as a management trainee and rose through the ranks to become the Chairman in 1998. He held this position until his retirement in 2020.
Dickie was not only a successful businessman, but also a generous and compassionate human being. He was involved in various charitable and social causes, such as supporting education, health, and environmental initiatives. He was a patron of the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind, the Cancer Hospital, and the Rainforest Trust. He also donated generously to the DBU, helping to fund its activities and projects.
Juriansz was a proud Dutch Burgher, who cherished his ancestry and culture. He was an active member of the DBU, serving as its President from 2005 to 2007. He also contributed to the DBU’s genealogical research, publishing several articles on his family history and the history of the Dutch Burghers in Sri Lanka. He was passionate about preserving and promoting the Dutch Burgher heritage, especially the language, cuisine, and customs.
How did Juriansz impact the community?
Juriansz’s impact on the community was immense and lasting. He was a visionary leader, who transformed James Finlay into a global tea brand, creating employment and economic opportunities for thousands of people. He was also a mentor and a role model, who inspired and empowered many young professionals to pursue their dreams and achieve their potential.
Dickie was also a benevolent philanthropist, who touched the lives of many people with his kindness and generosity. He was a champion of social justice and human dignity, who supported the causes of the marginalized and the disadvantaged. He was also a friend and a benefactor, who extended his help and support to anyone in need.
Juriansz was also a cultural ambassador, who celebrated and showcased the Dutch Burgher heritage to the world. He was a custodian of the Dutch Burgher legacy, who preserved and documented the history and the identity of his community. He was also a bridge-builder, who fostered harmony and understanding among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Sri Lanka.
How are people paying tribute to Dickie?
As the news of Dickie Juriansz’s passing spread, tributes poured in from various quarters, expressing their grief and gratitude for his life and work. The President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and several ministers and parliamentarians issued statements of condolence, praising his achievements and contributions to the nation. The business community, the civil society, and the media also paid their respects, highlighting his leadership and philanthropy.
The DBU and its members held a memorial service for Juriansz on February 1, 2024, at the DBU Hall in Colombo. The service was attended by his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers, who shared their memories and stories of him. The service also featured a video montage of his life and work, as well as a musical tribute by the DBU Choir. The service was followed by a private burial at the General Cemetery in Borella.
The DBU also announced that it would establish a Dickie Memorial Fund, which would support the DBU’s activities and projects, as well as the causes that Juriansz cared about. The DBU also said that it would publish a special edition of its journal, dedicated to Dickie Juriansz, featuring his articles and tributes from his family and friends.
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What is the legacy of Dickie?
The legacy of Juriansz is one of excellence, compassion, and heritage. He was a man who lived his life with purpose and passion, leaving a positive mark on the world around him. He was a man who made a difference, not only in his profession, but also in his community and society. He was a man who left a legacy, not only in his achievements, but also in his values and principles.
Dickie Juriansz’s legacy will live on through the people he inspired, the causes he supported, and the heritage he preserved. His legacy will also live on through the stories and memories shared by those who knew and loved him. His legacy will continue to resonate within the DBU and the wider community, serving as a source of strength and inspiration for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to Juriansz, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the richness he brought to our lives. His memory will always be cherished and honored by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Dickie. You will be dearly missed.
