IT was a rousing send-off for the late La Salle Brother Felix James Donohue today at the St Francis Xavier church in Petaling Jaya.

Many of his students, friends and former colleagues came to pay their last respects to and celebrate the 86-year-old brother who died on Sunday.  

The church was filled to the brim for the funeral service, which started at 10am, to honour the last Irish De La Salle brother.

Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Julian Leow Beng Kim and fellow priests led Donohue’s coffin to the front of the nave.

Leow, who conducted the service, said he hopes that the legacy of La Salle will carry on and impact on more people’s lives, just like how Donohue had impacted on many here. 

“Let brother Felix’s dream continue to be a reality in Malaysia.

“While he was gentle and humble, he had the courage and foresight to chart the future for mission schools. 

“May we continue to let that light burn in our hearts for those who have been touched by him in one way or another.

“Let’s rejoice for his life and may he continue to inspire us all,” he said during the service. 

Rev Thomas Lavin F.S.C, former visitor of De La Salle Brothers of Malaysia and Singapore, delivered the eulogy. He is also the current president at St Joseph Institution International (SJII) Tropicana.

“Felix had dedicated his life and service to all by his own brand of compassion which he called ‘tough love’. 

“Some might even have the marks to show that they had a good La Salle education. He also trusted all students equally and showed no favouritism. He (Felix) will be very delighted to see so many students here today.”

Lavin said Felix loved sports, played tennis in the 1980s and was a golfer. 

“We used to watch the rugby union and analyse the games together. He was a wise councillor and a salient adviser. We will always remember him for fighting the good fight.”

After the service, Donohue was brought to SMK La Salle Petaling Jaya where a salutation was held in his honour. 

He was given a send-off by students from the Scouts, rugby team, police cadet and other uniformed bodies. 

The cortege then left for the Nirvana crematorium in Shah Alam.

When met after the church service, Irish ambassador Eamon Hickey said he was extremely saddened by Donohue’s death, whom he met two years ago. 

“Felix lived to see his work accomplished in so many ways. Everyone here are deeply saddened with his death but at the same time, they are happy to have benefited from Felix’s guidance,” he said. 

Hickey also praised Donohue for being a great Irishman. 

“He brought great honour to the name of Ireland with his selfless work in this country.”

Born in Ireland on May 10, 1931, Donohue’s career in Malaya began in 1952 after a 21-day voyage from Southampton, England. 

Donohue, then 21, went on to teach English at St Xavier’s Institution in Penang before returning to Ireland six years later to continue his bachelor’s degree. 

He returned to Malaysia in 1961 and rejoined St Xavier’s, where he served for another three years. In 1964, he was assigned to St Paul’s Institution, Seremban, as a deputy principal and promoted to principal in 1970. 

In 1975, he was assigned as a principal to La Salle Petaling Jaya, where he served until April 1988. 

Upon retiring, Donohue became the chairman of the La Salle PJ Board of Governors. He held the position from 1988 to 2015. – June 22, 2017.