Joseph Prakash Ramchander 30 March, 1945 – 3 December, 2025

Simon Ramchander

I am Simon, Joe’s youngest brother. As we gather today to farewell my beloved brother, I would like to share a little of what he meant to me. To me, Joe was more than a brother — he was my hero, someone I deeply admired and looked up to all my life. He was incredibly hardworking — a true workaholic — and exceptionally talented in the architectural field. One of his remarkable achievements include creating a model of the St Ann’s School building in Secunderabad which is still on display in the school. He also decorated the Krishna Oberoi Hotel one year for Christmas. Even small things were touched by his creativity; my daughter Diana’s first Birthday cake was beautifully decorated by him, and we have treasured that memory ever since. Joe had many admirable qualities. He had countless friends who loved him dearly. He was relatable, warm, and people of all ages were drawn to him. He also had a love for adventure — especially hunting. He had a sharp eye and great skill, and I still remember the story of him once shooting a bear in the Medchal forest. In his younger days, he also played cricket and was quite good at it. When Joe migrated to Australia, I was saddened, thinking I might never see him again. But God, in His grace, also opened the way for me to migrate, allowing us to be close once more. For the past eight years, we lived near each other and met often. This year it was a blessing to have my brother alongside me as I celebrated my 75th birthday and for me to be with him for his 80th . These are some precious memories that I will hold on to. But the greatest blessing from God — one for which I will remain forever grateful — is that I was able to be by my dear brother’s side in the final hours of his life. For that, I say, Thank You, Jesus. As I stand here today, I hold onto the hope that God gives us in the Bible. “We do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 This gives me comfort — the assurance that I will see my brother again in heaven. Thank you all for being here today to honour Joe’s life. His memory will remain with us always