Forever in our hearts

Words can’t express what we’ve been through the past few days. Deep rivers of emotion filled with pain, suffering, hopelessness, an intense sense of loss, anger, sorrow and even fear run underneath surfaces of despair.

Mark you’ve been a great friend to us and a leader with so much wisdom beyond our years. Your strong spirit and determination always helped us when we were lost, alone or battling one of those unforeseen obstacles that life throws at us.

We thank God for giving you to us, if even for a short while. For all the time we spent together and all the memories we made.

They say life is a journey and although you moved on to the next level, we are so honoured to have been on the same road with you. You’ve made it worthwhile with your love, understanding, wisdom, your easygoing spirit and so many tremendous talents.

We seek solace in the legacy you’ve left behind as we must continue our journey, sadly without you. We’ve lost one of our greatest treasures, one that we’d give anything to get back. However, that’s not part of the Master’s great plan . . . knowing that you’re in heaven smiling down on us gives us comfort because we know you’d do anything to stop the heartache and prevent another tear from falling. You were the truly great Mark Anthony Rattan. You stood greatly for what you believed was right and died fighting like a real hero. We may have lost a great friend but Heaven has gained a Greater Angel.

The following is a song written and dedicated to Mark by SPLINTER, the Rock band in which Mark was the lead guitarist.

"If every tear I shed could bring back one of your smiles,

I’d flood a million lifetimes full of you Suddenly I can’t see your face anymore next to me

At times when I need you.

A thousand words can never explain

The joy I traded for this pain I feel for you my friend

All that we have had and all we ever dreamed,

We’ll meet again, yes meet again.

Just run away another day to save yourself from unwanted sorrow

Talk to me, sing for me just one last time

I’ll never stop listening

The places that you held in my heart

Only you can dwell there

The moments that we’ve shared together

Will always comfort me."

Our deepest sympathies to the Rattan family. Uncle Dipchand, Aunty Vidya and Mickey, we’ve all been left in the dark since they took Mark’s light away.

Can’t believe we won’t hear another word or see another smile from you . . . Mark you’ll forever be in our hearts.

May God give us the strength to deal with our tragic loss.

SPLINTER and all

your loving friends

St Augustine