M.K. VIDYARANYA writes from Bangalore: A multitude of friends and family members gathered at the 150-year-old St Patrick‘s church in Bangalore on Thursday evening to bid goodbye to Allen J. Mendonca, the journalist turned entrepreneur, who passed away in his sleep three nights ago, at the age of 49.
Just how the sudden passing of Allen—a friendly, ever-smiling, never-say-no, hard-as-knuckles journalist at City Tab, Evening Herald, Indian Express and The Times of India—had touched so many was evident from the sea of mourners at the funeral services held at what is considered to be the second oldest Catholic church in India.
The 18-pillared intricately designed prayer hall was filled to the gills and the friends, subjects and sources were overflowing outside the church premises on to the main road.
I had never seen such a large crowd of mourners attending the funeral of a journalist in Bangalore in the last four decades.
I have lost a dear freind who was my neighour before his marriage. May Allen’s soul rest in peace. I pray god to give courage and strength to Allen’s wife, Sandhya, their son Aditya and his parents Mr and Mrs Charles Mendonca to bear the loss.
Photograph: Krishnamurthy Vidyaranya
Also read: Allen J. Mendonca: rest in peace
IJR 
Our condolences to the family. May Allen’s soul rest in peace.