GEORGE TOWN: About 200 people attended the funeral prayers of veteran lawyer Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, who died in a fire yesterday.
Among those present at his home in Gelugor here were family members and close friends, including several lawyers and former teachers from his teaching stint prior to becoming a lawyer.
Also present were state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, Bagan member of parliament Lim Guan Eng and Jelutong member of parliament RSN Rayer.
Many were still reeling from shock over his sudden death.
His son, Dr Ananda Raj San Markan, was teary-eyed throughout.
M. Muthy, 68, who called San Markan "uncle", said there was a quiet confidence about him, the kind that did not demand attention but naturally earned respect.
Their connection came through family. Muthy's sister's daughter is married to Dr Ananda.
Muthy said San Markan genuinely liked helping people, and law, in its own way, gave him a new path to do just that.
"Despite the change in career, his character remained steady. He was known for being kind, respectful and easy to be around.
"He never caused trouble or involved himself in unnecessary matters, but he was always ready to lend a hand.
"Every year during Deepavali, he would visit my house without fail. Even after his wife passed away, he continued the tradition, showing up with the same warmth.
"Sometimes he stayed overnight, sometimes just for the day, but his visits always brought a sense of continuity and comfort," he said when approached.
Muthy said San Markan enjoyed simple pleasures - home-cooked meals, light drinks and conversations that stretched late into the evening.
"He remained a man who valued people, who stayed connected to family and who carried kindness wherever he went," he said.
Retired teacher K.V. Raju, 87, also reflected on a lifelong friendship with San Markan, describing a bond forged through shared roots, education and a deep involvement in athletics.
Originally from Teluk Intan, Raju said their acquaintance began during their school years in the close-knit town, where families often knew one another.
Although they were not initially close, their connection grew stronger over time.
Their paths crossed again professionally in the late 1960s when both were posted as teachers in Kulim.
It was during this period that their friendship deepened, particularly through their shared role as certified sports officials.
They frequently officiated athletics competitions, ranging from running to jumping events, across states such as Penang, Kedah and Perak.
"Anywhere there were sports events, we would go," Raju said, recalling the active sporting culture that brought them closer.
Raju described his friend as a passionate and capable teacher who taught English and Mathematics, and who went beyond the classroom by staging English plays, including Macbeth.
His dedication earned recognition from education authorities during his earlier posting in Malacca, where he was promoted to a senior assistant role.
Although San Markan later became less active in sports due to professional commitments, the connection between the two men remained strong.
"We continued to meet regularly, maintaining a friendship that has endured for more than 50 years.
"We became like family," he said, highlighting a relationship built not only on shared experiences in education and sports but also on mutual respect and enduring loyalty.
San Markan was cremated at the Hindu cemetery in Batu Lancang.
He was among two people found dead in a fire at a legal office yesterday, with initial indications pointing to smoke inhalation as the cause of death. - NST
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