Abeyratna Dassanayake

West Des Moines - Abeyratna Dassanayake passed away peacefully at home and in the presence of family on January 6th, 2021. He was born in 1936 in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka and was the youngest son of Dingiri Banda and Manik Hamy Dassanayake. He was a proud descendent of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom of central Sri Lanka.

He attended school at Trinity College, Kandy and Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala and excelled both as a student and athlete. He was captain of the cricket team and retained his passion for the sport throughout his life. He attended the University of Ceylon where he met his classmate and future wife, Soma Margret Hettiaratchi. After teaching for a few years after graduation, he went on to work and then owned several businesses.

He was a citizen of the world and lived and travelled in Asia and Europe before finally settling in the United States in 1987. He continued his love of travel by visiting all 50 states even reaching northern Alaska in order to dip his toes in the Arctic Circle. He moved to Iowa in 2003 to be close to his daughter and her family. He was gregarious and a consummate host, making friends wherever he went. He was an avid and astute follower of politics and sports. He attended the Olympic Games in Atlanta draped in a giant Sri Lankan flag. He was an untiring supporter of both his immediate and extended family. He loved all of his grand pets and was always ready with treats to greet them.

He is survived by his wife Soma of 56 years, daughter Tamara, son-in-law Kevin Owens, and the light-of-his-life granddaughter Maya Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. A private family funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to direct their gifts to the Food Bank of Iowa in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10, 2021.

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2 Entries

C J and Sarah Alexander

January 10, 2021

Knew him at the Mercy Health Center. He was always pleasant and had a friendly disposition and was popular with people. We will miss him and would like to express our condolences to his cordial wife Soma and his daughter. Hope to meet sometime!

Joan Kenneally

January 10, 2021

Dear Dr Dassanayake,
We send to you and your family our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father . Know we are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Joannie and Joe Kenneally
Palm Desert, California

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