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Talath Witharane
Talath Witharane
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Talath Witharane Obituary
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Talath felt his greatest accomplishment in life was being a husband and father. He met and married the love of his life, Erin, 21 years ago on a blind date. They welcomed their smart beautiful daughter, Evyn, followed by their funny and handsome son, Harry. He was smitten and loved every moment being a father. Talath spent every waking moment loving and supporting his family whether it be sports, academics, or just being a present involved dad and husband.
Talath led the quintessential American rags to riches story, starting off working at Taco Bell and ending as president of RK Environmental, a food safety company with over 200 employees. He cherished his time mentoring and working together with his team to build a cohesive, successful brand. His career and his job were his pride and joy. This was evidence by the number of present and former employees who reached out in his last days.
At the core of Talath, there was a deep care and love for the people around him. Friends and family from long ago, all the way to colleagues and friends he met last month, were never far from his thoughts. He had a passion for watching the people around him succeed and grow.
Talath was born in Stevenage, United Kingdom to Haris and Lakshmi Witharane and was raised in the UK, Sri Lanka, and the US. Talath is survived by his wife Erin; his children, Evyn and Harry; his parents Haris and Lakshmi Witharane; his sister and brother in law, Sajini and Nalin Yogasundrum; his niece and nephew, Krishan and Kishani; his mother-in-law; fathers-in-law; sisters-in-law; many cousins and aunts and uncles; and so many friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, please submit a funny or heartfelt memory, story, picture, or impression of how Talath impacted your life. These will be cherished by his family for years to come. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or contact for mailing address.
The viewing will be Friday, August 26th from 6-8 pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Avenue Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481.
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6 Entries
James Moore
October 9, 2024
So sad to see this had no idea, he was such a funny & kind soul Talath & I were pledge brothers in Sigma PI at Christopher Newport University our nickname Luck CHI 7 as there were 7 of us & he came up with that , he we always witty & could make you smile no matter what, he had some funny sayings & I always enjoyed his company I know he is missed by you all
Rosanna Paxson
March 19, 2024
I am sorry to find out about his passing. We were next door neighbors in Newport News Virginia. My sympathies.
Eric Eicher
September 7, 2022
It is with unbelievable sadness that I write this and share my thoughts and memories of Talath. I have heard many people say, "gone too soon" and that is so, so true.
I first met Talath when I interviewed him... probably 25 years ago. I was attending an awards ceremony with Steritech's Branch of the Year employees at Keswick Hall Resort and Golf Club near Charlottesville, VA. Because of my crazy, hectic schedule I called Talath and asked him if he could meet me at the resort, a beautiful, southern-style clubhouse with a huge wraparound porch and white rocking chairs. The day was perfect, a sunny and warm fall day. I asked Talath to meet me on the porch. He showed up (early!), dressed in pressed jeans with a suit coat....like he owned the place but in a casual sort of way. We sat, ordered ice teas and chatted while enjoying the ambiance and warm sun. When I called Talath a few days later and offered him the job he readily accepted. A few months later, after we knew each other better, I asked he if he ever had any doubts about taking the job. "Are you kidding me," he said, "Any company that conducts interviews at Keswick Hall is my kind of company!"
That doesn't nearly say it all, but it says a lot! Always the class act and always the gentleman.
Talath will be remembered. He will be remembered by many. And not just for the wisdom he imparted, the many he mentored, and those he loved, challenged and helped, but for living that life day in and day out. You may be "gone too soon" my friend but you lived more than most.
My heartfelt condolences Erin. I hope the love you see in those Talath touched provides you at least some solace. And to Evyn and Harry, you are lucky to have had such a special father, a father so loved and admired. Grow to make him (and your Mom) proud.
Yes, "gone too soon" but not to be forgotten.
Jeff Banton
August 26, 2022
While Talath and I didn't work directly together, he took time to share valuable wisdom with and demonstrated care through both words and action. I'm saddened to learn of his passing. The world is less without him here with us.
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Richard Ennis
August 25, 2022
I worked with Talath from 2003 until 2015. Talath was part of a band of brothers that included DiLo, Art, Jason, Judy, Fred, Wayne, Rod, Larry, and others who lead our Pest Prevention business and built something truly special along the way. To say they worked hard and played hard might be trite and would not adequately capture that time. The relationships, self-sacrifice, personal development, people they influenced and remarkable accomplishment was so much more to all who were a part.
Talath led the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast for Steritech. He believed in people and positively impacted so many of them over the years. Talath was a collaborative team builder who seemed to know when to allow managers to solve their own issues and when to step in to help problem solve. Although he expected a lot of all who worked with him, he held himself to the same or even higher standard. He once wrote this note to me...
I would say to anyone, we were trained early in our careers to be problem solvers and in many cases to act swiftly. What I did not learn early on in that journey was as your career evolves, your role is to help others be problem solvers and act swiftly. In that respect, you have to practice restraint and guide, not always tell others how to proceed. With the whole learn from my mistakes mantra, I have allowed others to act, possibly make mistakes, and acted as the safety net. I would offer that this is not an easy adjustment and one that I occasionally stumble with.
Talath was probably the first person I met who wore Ferragamo shoes and a belt to go with it no less. He was always well dressed, and it occasionally provided some comic relief. One day during a meeting, I complimented Chris on his Levi jeans. They were nothing special. Talath did not react in the meeting but later wrote to me... for the record, my jeans are awesome, fashion forward and make my lady melt. They make all the ladies melt. To say Chris´ jeans are nicer than my True Religions is crazy. The comment was my way of letting Talath know he was loved.
Over all those years working together, I did get some time outside of work with Talath as well. I spent a weekend with Erin and Talath in 2012 when Talath won an Achievement Award. Erin had help me buy a couple of cars wholesale prior to that, but a long weekend together and seeing how Talath treated his wife reveals so much about the guy.
Although he was always thinking about work, his family came first. He once sent our entire team an email with subject line: WHY I COME TO WORK EACH DAY (inside a picture of Even and Harry)
Speaking of Harry, Talath and I had the following exchange on the day he was born.
Talath: If you have no objections, I would like to take a ½ day today.
Rich: Everything ok?
Talath: Our son has arrived, mom and son are doing great. June 30th. 7lbs 3oz. I have the in-laws in town for the next 3 weeks to help with the kid, it is a full house. We named him Harrison Knight Witharane.
Talath also recognized his limitations. I remember when Erin was having ACL surgery and Talath needed to limit his travel for about a month to help with her and the kids. His comment to me was ...it should not impact our business and after a month Erin will need me to travel.
To Erin, Evyn and Harry my very best to you in the future. Talath held himself to a standard few could. He achieved more than most in the business world. Given who he was, I also know he was the best husband and father possible. He knew no other way. I´ll always remember him for his energy, positive demeanor, belief in himself and of course his approach and respect for people. You probably were not aware of the number of people he touched over the years, the number of people he helped develop and the pride instilled in all of us who worked with him. Talath left an indelible mark on his world the last half century. I will always remember him in that spirit
Keith Southwick
August 24, 2022
Words cannot adequately express my sorrow for your loss. Talath was "one-of-a-kind", and he will be sorely missed.
May you find peace in knowing what an impact he made in so many lives.
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257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481
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