Castus Levine Peiris
elevated BariY July 24, 1942 ~ April 18, 2022
elevated BariY Castus Levine Peiris passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the age of 79. Castus was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Theresa Peries (née Fernando) and father, John Stephen Peries, his brother Adolphus Peries, sister Blancy Peries and sister Julita Perera. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Leela Peiris, and daughters Lynn (Charles) Guastello and Crystal (Martyn) Peiris/Ryan. Castus will be missed and remembered by his surviving siblings, nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and friends from all over the world. He was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, brother, pseudo grandfather, and friend.
elevated BariY Castus was born on July 24, 1942, in the small fishing village of Munakkara, Negombo, Ceylon. Castus excelled in his studies, receiving education at St. Anthony’s, followed by St. Mary’s College in Negombo. His early working life included the Department of Census & Statistics in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he met the love of his life, Leela Batuwantudawe. They ran off to be married on August 14, 1969, and set off on a new journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in March of 1970.
elevated BariY Castus and Leela built an incredible life together in Winnipeg. With his beautiful and fashionable wife, Castus lived a carefree life in their early days spending their time travelling and hopping on planes to visit friends and hosting extravagant baila parties at their Kushner Crescent home.
elevated BariY In the 70’s & 80’s, Castus furthered his education and career. Castus had a very successful career in Canada that started as a computer operator at K-Tel, moving to Advanced Computers and then as Corporate Director of IT at Winpak (15 years), and finally retiring as IT Director at Solideal. Castus was fortunate to do what he loved.
elevated BariY He was a loving father to his two daughters Lynn & Crystal. The girls were incredibly spoiled with idyllic childhoods, access to ‘cardboard’ food, and afforded every opportunity he didn’t have growing up. His daughters truly are who they are today because of the kindness, generosity, and patience of this great man. Castus cherished his remaining time they were able to spend together as a family.
elevated BariY Throughout the years, Castus displayed his great thirst for knowledge and learning new disciplines – competitive curling, badminton, cross country skiing, ballroom dancing, camping, fishing, road trips, love of gardening/landscaping and extensive home projects. Castus was known to many as a handyman.
elevated BariY No matter where they lived, Castus and Leela always generously opened their home to countless new faces, friends, and family. In Winnipeg, Saphire Place was their custom dream home that Castus diligently oversaw the build of. His house in North Carolina was well visited and Castus & Leela’s home in Niagara was frequented by overnight guests. Castus truly thrived when surrounded by family and dear friends. And at all the residences, who can forget “One for the road”?
elevated BariY Recently, Castus was asked what he wanted to accomplish in life – he said he was always raised to help others. This was his true passion. He was a selfless man, who aimed to help other people become successful in whatever it was that they wanted to do. From finishing basements, to mentoring teenagers, to aiding new immigrants in getting established and opening doors, there was nothing that he would not try to do. “Uncle” Castus was adored by so many. He especially unconditionally loved all of his countless pseudo grandchildren, all of whom thought the world of him. One of his proudest accomplishments and greatest legacy was establishing the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba in 1984. He took great pride in his Sri Lankan heritage and did his best to share and carry on traditions in Canada. Castus was an extraordinary man and will forever be a legend in the Sri Lankan community.
elevated BariY There is no doubt that Castus was a strong-willed, loving, caring, selfless, and generous man. He truly was a tireless worker for others and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Many lives will not be the same without him, but we shall treasure the memories that were made.
elevated BariY Throughout his life Castus relied on his strong Catholic faith and the promise of life eternal:
elevated BariY “I am in very good spirits, staying very positive to accept my end of life at any time per God’s plan.”
elevated BariY Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Thursday, April 21st, 2022, at St. John of the Cross Carmelite Church, 6890 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2E1.
elevated BariY Burial to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N4.
elevated BariY Reception to follow.
elevated BariY In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to:
elevated BariY Canadian Cancer Society – Castus Peiris Memorial Fund or The Dorothy Ley Hospice, 220 Sherway Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N6
elevated BariY Funeral Mass
Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
St. John of the Cross Carmelite Church
6890 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N 2E1
elevated BariY Interment
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
elevated BariY Reception to follow at Dreams Convention Centre 75 Hedgedale Road, Brampton ON
We Enjoyed reading Castus story. Castus and Leela were and the most generous people. Their home in North Carolina and Niagara were a revolving door for many of us. We have very fond memories.
He was a special and kind hearted soul. He never expected anything in return. May Castus soul Rest In Peace.
Our deepest sympathies, Aunty Leela, Lynn, Crystal, Charles and Martin. he was the best…
The words thankful is an understatement…. Grateful to have known you, Uncle Castus. You have touched so many people’s lives in so many ways. You brought a community together.
Outside of my parents, Uncle Castus, you were one of the very small handful of people I would call influential in my life.
Thank you for all the things you did for me. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for being a guiding hand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Plain and simple, we lost a good one. I will catch you on the other side, Uncle. Rest in Peace.
“One for the road” – Uncle Castus.
Sad news heard to say goodbye 👋 to a dear friend Cactus you will be greatly missed by your family and friends RIP my friend
Hold tight to memories for comfort,lean on for strength, to
your family and friends
We share in this time of grief but also share in the Love and memories of our Castus Aiya/Castus Uncle,
De Silva, family, Winnipeg,Canada.
21st.April.2022.
Castus and Leela welcomed me into their home during my research work in Winnipeg. They were wonderful and warm hearted hosts. I am indebted to their love and warmth. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Being my late father’s friend at Census & Statistics, Castus was my ‘God Father’ when I studied at U of M for almost 8 years. His home was my home. He picked me up and cheered me many a times when I was down during my student days. He reported on my progress to my father. He visited them when he visited SL for vacations. We never lost touch after I moved away from Winnipeg.
We got much closer when he moved to Toronto and then Charlotte. His home in Niagara Falls became my second home at the end.
It is natural that all things comes to an end and so is life. I will miss him to the day I have to leave too. If the religions are correct, and we are to be born again, I pray that we get to repeat our association all over again.
Indeed, a very near and dear friend to many people who have come across this humble soul in their lives. His goodness goes way beyond what has been expressed in the above obituary. We have known the Peiris family for over forty-seven years but cannot think of a moment where Castus has been indifferent. Religiously, a staunch catholic, but equally, Castus has been a participant in the activities of other faiths, especially when it came to Buddhist religious functions.
May your soul rest in perfect peace. Goodbye Castus!
Sadly,
Rohana (Christopher) & Vinitha Kahandaliyanage
Although I have met him very few times, it was not a barrier for him to prove his kindness, knowledgeability and helpfulness.
May his soul Rest In Peace!
Words fail to express our deep sorrow for your loss. Truly, he was a very generous and a loving friend. He will truly be missed. Please accept our warmest condolences for your loss.
Our heart goes out to you and your family and wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Uncle was a great friend to all of us and an amazing person. He will truly be missed by everyone. “Wherever a beautiful soul
has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories”
To Leela,
Lynn & Charles
Crystal & Martyn.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on passing away of your husband/ father/ father in law .
Castus is leaving with us the wonderful memories of our time in Winnipeg involving numerous trips,projects,entertainment and activities.He was a beloved friend,leader and a good family man. We miss him so much. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I knew I was blessed when I met the Peiris family, always a joy to be around. My time with Castus was short but the kindness was always felt…
You will be missed greatly.
To dear Leela, Lynn & Charles, Crystal & Martyn.
Our deepest condolences are sent to you on this great loss.
Knowing Castus is in a better place should give you comfort.
Annson recalls his good times at St. Mary’s Negombo with him. Though we always got a card from the Peris family at Chirstmas time, I never met him and Leela till they moved to Niagara. Castus was very good in his correspondence, and kept us in the loop about his family which he was very proud of. .
He will be sadly missed by all.
May his soul rest in peace.
Annson and Devayani De Croos
To dear Leela, Lynn & Charles, Crystal & Martyn.
Our deepest condolences are sent to you on this great loss.
Knowing Castus is in a better place should give you comfort.
Annson recalls his good times at St. Mary’s Negombo with him. Though we always got a card from the Peris family at Chirstmas time, I never met him and Leela till they moved to Niagara. Castus was very good in his correspondence, and kept us in the loop about his family which he was very proud of. .
He will be sadly missed by all.
May his soul rest in peace.
I am very sad to hear about this and my sympathies to the loving family.
He had been a very good friend to my associate and myself, when we visited Canada and America for a computer system implimentation. He kept us at his house till accommodation was found for us, and was quite concerned of our safety.
We worked at the same office for some time, and he guided us in several ways in work as well.
He will be sadly missed by us. May his soul rest in peace!
It is with a heavy heart we have to say Goodbye to Castus. His house was always open to us. He wanted people to be happy. Helped us in many ways, even to cut down a Pine tree when he visited us. Rest In Peace Castus
To Leela, Lynn and Charles, Crystal and Martyn,
Our condolences on the loss of your husband and father. We only met at Alexis’ wedding but have known Crystal through her Winnipeg, Toronto and Zurich days. I am glad we had the opportunity to meet Castus and Leela and I know you hosted Alexis and many other young people many times.
Dear Castus Uncle,
A time to say goodbye with a bleeding heart. Thank you for taking care of me while I was in Canada. You had a rich heart and was always a great human being.
Love you always!
Goodbye 💔😢
Visuddha and Family
Castus and Leela in our hearts forever. Fond memories are many. I felt like a fish out of water when I arrived in Winnipeg for studies. Hapu introduced me to Richard (Leela’s brother) and he got me to crash into Castus’s Christmas party in 1982. The friendship was laid. I joined a number of family camping trips of Castus. Lynn was very young. In one trip returning from Vancouver, looking for a camping ground to spend the night, Castus had to make an emergency stop on the highway late in the evening because some wheel nuts broke off. We had to spend the night on the highway worried about highway thieves. The following morning Castus and I walked several kilometers to look for a garage. The garage person made a couple of trips back and forth and fixed the problem. Castus paid twice the price the garageman asked for. When my wife, Kumari, arrived in Winnipeg with our one-year-old son, Castus took me to the airport. My son, instead of jumping to my hands, jumped to Catus’s hands. That is his charisma. I left Winnipeg in 1987. When my family visited Winnipeg in 1996 we stayed in Castus’s palace-house for a couple nights. This was our last in-person meeting. Though we lived oceans apart with little contacts Castus family has never left our hearts.
To Leela, Lynn & Charles, Crystal & Martyn, Celebrating Castus’ well lived life and sending love and hugs to the entire family!
Much Love Always,
Lindsay and Joey Jurden
Our dearest Leela Poo, Lynn,Charles, Crystal and Martyn.
May the prayers of those who love you, carry you through this time of sorrow. We will dearly miss our loving Castus Uncle. May his soul rest in heaven and may god bless all of you.
With much love and prayers,
Anoja, Anjana, Ashan and Meghan
To dear Leela, Lynn & Charles, Crystal & Martyn,
I ran into Cactus at an IT conference 28 years ago.
What an amazing person and what a remarkable person. I feel so lucky that I got to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with your loss and with the absence of Cactus.
My heartfelt condolences to Leela , Lynn and Charles, Crystal and Charles.
My husband and I met Castus and Leela in 1975 when we were new comers to Winnipeg. They were the first Sri Lankans to visit and invited us to their home on Kushner Crescent.
Have spent countless times at their house. They have Hosted many Christmases and New Year parties. Have had a lot of memorable and fun times. He will be greatly missed.
May he attain Supreme Nibbana..
To Dear Leela
Lynn & Charles
Crystal & Martyn
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Castus & Leela became our very good family friends through our sisters.
In 1985 when we got married he drove me to church in his brand new car. He was genuinely kind & helpful human being.
After we moved to Calgary kept in touch with phone calls & emails. We miss him so much.
May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Castus – a remarkable creation of the God he worshipped…simply one of a kind. I have known Castus only from afar but his qualities of kindness, willingness to help anyone in need,a cheerful happy nature coupled with many such wonderful qualities of head and heart have been told and retold over the past nearly half century within our family in Sri Lanka. These sterling traits have endeared Castus to all of us, though contact has been few and far between. The first connection was when my sister Sriya came to Winnipeg in July 1973 to be wedded to Castus’ brother-in-law Richard Batuwantudawe.Castus and Leela acted so graciously as nangi’s foster parents/ elders to give the bride away at the wedding ceremony. Neither our parents nor us siblings could attend the ceremony but it was all complete with Castus and Leela doing the honours just like my sister was their own. For this we remain ever grateful. My parents after a visit to Winnipeg in 1980 had words of praise for Castus who had been especially kind to them. Castus had helped our family in numerous ways and each one who had been at the receiving end of his caring and kindness had immense praise for him. Though I myself was not fortunate to know him closely, and only met him just once in Winnipeg, in those brief moments I gathered he was a man of few words, yet an exceptionally kind, no-nonsense person who carried a bounty of goodness within. Castus is one of God’s priceless creations God-fearing and faithful. May he find bliss and happiness forever! For Leela and his two sweet girls Lynn and Crystal…we send our loving thoughts that may help in some small way to ease your grief in losing your wonderful husband and caring Dad you were blessed to have in your lives! Srima and MP Warusawithana …Calgary, Canada
We have known Castus from our Winnipeg days. Recently visited him in Niagara Falls and Etobicoke.
He was a very kind and a real gentleman. Always ready to help anyone in need.
Please accept our condolences.
We are with you Leela, Lynn and Charles, Crystal and Martyn at this difficult time.
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. My prayers are with you, your Mom, your sister and all family and good friends who knew and loved your Dad! May you find comfort and peace amidst your grief.
Love to you,
Liz
Our condolences Aunty Leela, Lynn, Crystal and family.
I have nothing but fond memories of uncle, he brought entertainment to my childhood whenever we visited. He was a truly lovely loving man and will be greatly missed.
To dear Leela Aunty, Lynn, Crystal and family.
Although I only had few opportunities to meet with Castus uncle, those meetings were enough to leave a lasting impression of a remarkable man. I mostly remember Castus uncle as one of the founders of the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba (SLAM). One special occasion when I could see how proud he was about the progress of SLAM was when we celebrated 25 years of SLAM. He took time to write a lovely message reminding the humble beginnings of SLAM to Sri Lankan community in Winnipeg.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with your loss.
My condolences to Leela, Crystal and Lynn.
I had the opportunity to work with Castus during his Wipak years.I learned to know him as a high class professional and a good friend. Our friendship lasted until now.
During those years we also visited several places during our international conferences in Stockholm, Sweden and in Finland as tourists. Especially I remember our visit to Niagara Falls which fulfilled one of my greatest wishes already from my childhood.
I will always remember him.May he rest in peace.
Dear Leela, Lynn, Crystal, and family,
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
We remember Castus as a very helpful, generous, and fun-loving individual who worked hard to develop the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba and the community of Sri Lankans together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of your loss. May he rest in peace.
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of a great man and dear friend Castus. My family and me would like to offer our sincere condolences to Leela and family. We will all miss him. May he Rest In Peace.