Castus Levine Peiris
24 JULY 1942 – 18 APRIL 2022

Castus Levine Peiris passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the age of 79. Castus was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Theresa Peries (née Fernando) and father, John Stephen Peries, his brother Adolphus Peries, sister Blancy Peries and sister Julita Perera. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Leela Peiris, and daughters Lynn (Charles) Guastello and Crystal (Martyn) Peiris/Ryan. Castus will be missed and remembered by his surviving siblings, nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and friends from all over the world. He was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, brother, pseudo grandfather, and friend.
Castus was born on July 24th, 1942, in the small fishing village of Munakkara, Negombo, Ceylon. Castus excelled in his studies, receiving education at St. Anthony’s, followed by St. Mary’s College in Negombo. His early working life included the Department of Census & Statistics in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he met the love of his life, Leela Batuwantudawe. They ran off to be married on August 14th, 1969, and set off on a new journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in March of 1970.

Castus and Leela built an incredible life together in Winnipeg. With his beautiful and fashionable wife, Castus lived a carefree life in their early days spending their time travelling and hopping on planes to visit friends and hosting hosting extravagant baila parties at their Kushner Crescent home.

In the 70’s & 80’s, Castus furthered his education and career. Castus had a very successful career in Canada that started as a computer operator at K-Tel, moving to Advanced Computers and then as Corporate Director of IT at Winpak (15 years), and finally retiring as IT Director at Solideal. Castus was fortunate to do what he loved.

He was a loving father to his two daughters Lynn & Crystal. The girls were incredibly spoiled with idyllic childhoods, access to ‘cardboard’ food, and afforded every opportunity he didn’t have growing up. His daughters truly are who they are today because of the kindness, generosity, and patience of this great man. Castus cherished his remaining time they were able to spend together as a family.
Throughout the years, Castus displayed his great thirst for knowledge and learning new disciplines - competitive curling, badminton, cross country skiing, ballroom dancing, camping, fishing, road trips, love of gardening/landscaping and extensive home projects. Castus was known to many as a handyman.

No matter where they lived, Castus and Leela always generously opened their home to countless new faces, friends, and family. In Winnipeg, Saphire Place was their custom dream home that Castus diligently oversaw the build of. His house in North Carolina was well visited and Castus & Leela’s home in Niagara was frequented by overnight guests. Castus truly thrived when surrounded by family and dear friends. And at all the residences, who can forget “One for the road”?

Recently, Castus was asked what he wanted to accomplish in life – he said he was always raised to help others. This was his true passion. He was a selfless man, who aimed to help other people become successful in whatever it was that they wanted to do. From finishing basements, to mentoring teenagers, to aiding new immigrants in getting established and opening doors, there was nothing that he would not try to do. “Uncle” Castus was adored by so many. He especially unconditionally loved all of his countless pseudo grandchildren, all of whom thought the world of him. One of his proudest accomplishments and greatest legacy’s was establishing the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba in 1984. He took great pride in his Sri Lankan heritage and did his best to share and carry on traditions in Canada. Castus was an extraordinary man and will forever be a legend in the Sri Lankan community.

There is no doubt that Castus was a strong-willed, loving, caring, selfless, generous man. He truly was a tireless worker for others and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Many lives will not be the same without him, but we shall treasure the memories that were made.Throughout his life Castus relied on his strong Catholic faith and the promise of life eternal:
“I am in very good spirits, staying very positive to accept my end of life at any time per God's plan.”

Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Thursday, April 21st, 2022, at St. John of the Cross Carmelite Church, 6890 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2E1.

Burial to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N4.

Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to:
Canadian Cancer Society – Castus Peiris Memorial Fund

OR

The Dorothy Ley Hospice, 220 Sherway Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N6