Obituary of Nallathamby (Nathan) Kurunathan (OW1960)
11/11/1940 – 11/04/2023
Upon arriving in Australia from Singapore and joining the Wesley community in 1959, Nathan stayed in lodgings in Finch Street, East Malvern with other Asian students. He made friends very easily and introduced many of us to Asian cuisine, often inviting several of his Wesley mates around for dinner. He moved to East St Kilda before returning to Singapore years later.
He commenced his studies in Leaving (Year 11) and completed his Matriculation (Year 12) in Maths and Sciences the following year, earning credit for his achievements overall. He was an accomplished hockey player, playing centre-half and represented Wesley in APS competition in the First XI team.
After graduation, Nathan studied Mechanical Engineering at the Caulfield Institute of Technology, graduating with distinction, and at the same time, worked at Spencer Street Railway Station during vacations to meet his expenses. His education was paid for by his elder brothers, and in years to come, Nathan funded his younger brother’s education in Tasmania.
Having completed his studies in Australia, he returned to Singapore in 1969 to be with his mother and taught Maths at the SAFTECH (Military School). He then sought a career change, setting up his own business, JN Builders, before becoming a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. In 1998, he saw an opportunity to dabble in high technology and set up Millennium IT. He retired in 2001.
Nathan married Rajes who became a director of the business he had established, and shared many of the demands such an endeavour requires. They had a daughter, Maha, who completed an LL.B. (Exeter) in the early 2000s and who, particularly in recent times, has been the most devoted, caring and nurturing daughter. She now holds a senior position in business, advising on legal and compliance matters in Singapore.
We visited Nathan many times either on special occasions or when passing through Singapore. He and his family were always very hospitable, and we all shared many happy meals together, both at their home and at Nathan’s favourite seafood restaurants.
Our deeply felt sympathy goes out to his family. He was a unique character who always had a twinkle in his eye and the ability to share insightful exchanges with those he engaged in conversation. Nathan was a deeply spiritual person and a devout Hindu who regularly attended Temple prayers and services, and always valued our presence when we attended places of worship with him. He was also deeply concerned with social injustices and was outspoken and creative in his attempts to provide solutions to these problems.
With all those who had the good fortune to know him and his family, we say vale good friend. May all that you have prepared come to fruition in the time ahead.
Contributed by Peter Andrews (OW1960), Eddie Street AM (OW1960) and David Gilbert (OW1960)
