He was born on April 6, 1944, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to the late Herbert and Piyaseely (Mendis) DeSoyza.
Gamini grew up in Sri Lanka and began playing cricket at an early age and continued to enjoy the sport into his adult life. He played all the way to university, where he was the wicketkeeper. He graduated from Ananda College, then went to earn a physics and double math degree from the University of Ceylon. Gamini then moved to England, where he received his IEE certification as a Chartered Engineer.
This move was the first of many international moves that he and his wife would make throughout their life together.
Gamini and his wife moved their family to many countries, including England, Egypt, Sweden, Korea and then to the United States in 1984. He was grateful for the career opportunities that allowed him and his family to see the world. Gamini also enjoyed traveling for personal pleasure and visited countries all over the world.
Switching from his original field of Electrical Engineering to Telecommunications, he worked for several companies over the years, including Plessey Telecommunications, Erickssons, GTE, NEC, and finally Alcatel, from where he retired as Director of Systems Test, Motorolla, Wireless Division. Following retirement, Gamini worked as an engineering consultant.
He was a member of The Institution of Electrical Engineers in Britain and, in 1979, was awarded the title “Chartered Engineer” by The Council of Engineering Institutions, Royal Charter, founded 1965.
Gamini was very friendly and gregarious and didn’t know a stranger, as he thrived on conversing with others and getting to know them. He truly saw the best in people and wanted everyone to succeed. His devotion to his wife and family was unsurpassed, and he supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren in all they did. His positive outlook and his ability to find joy in the small things in life had a lasting impact on many as well as brought him a real sense of contentment with life. Gamini was guided by the teachings of the Buddha, and he supported the Buddhist Temple. Towards the end of his life, he bravely battled Parkinson's disease and supported the Parkinson Voice Project. Gamini will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him.
In addition to his parents, Gamini was preceded in death by two brothers, Nandana DeSoyza and Sumitra DeSoyza. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Kumudini, also known as Kumi (De Silva) DeSoyza; son and daughter-in-law, Devinda & Erangi DeSoyza of Southlake, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Mihiri and Bobby Jones of Irving; five grandchildren whom he adored, Ethan R. DeSoyza, Derek R. DeSoyza, Nathan J. DeSoyza, Sophia I. DeSoyza, and Kyrin N. Jones; sister, Mitra Gunatilaka of Sri Lanka; and brother and sister-in-law, Indrajith and Chandrani DeSoyza of Sri Lanka.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 2 pm in Sparkman Funeral Home, 1029 S. Greenville Avenue., Richardson, TX 75081. Visitation will follow the service from 3-5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Texas Buddhist Meditation Center (11209 Brownfield Dr, Burleson, TX 76028)
or the Parkinson Voice Project (646 N Coit Rd # 2250, Richardson, TX 75080 or at www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org).
Those wishing to send condolences or sign the online guestbook may visit www.sparkmanrichardson.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18