Merrill Fernando Cause of Death: Merrill Fernando, founder of Dilmah Tea, has passed away at the age of 93 and learn more about the cause of death and obituary of this iconic figure in the tea industry.
Who was Merrill Fernando?
Merrill Fernando was a prominent Sri Lankan businessman who gained international recognition as the founder and former CEO of Dilmah Tea, a popular tea brand known for its high quality single origin Ceylon tea. Born on May 6, 1930, Fernando has dedicated his life to promoting ethical consumption and building a sustainable tea industry in Sri Lanka. He has often been regarded as the “Tea Hero” in Sri Lanka and beyond, due to his innovative and socially responsible business practices.
Fernando’s love for tea began at an early age, as both his father and grandfather planted tea. After finishing his education, Fernando started working as a tea taster in Colombo. However, he soon became disillusioned with the tea industry’s focus on bulk tea and low prices, which often resulted in poor wages for those who worked in the industry.
Determined to change, he founded Dilmah Tea with the goal of producing quality tea that will benefit everyone involved in its production, from growers to consumers. Fernando founded Dilmah Tea in 1988, with the philosophy of “business with a purpose”. He was determined to produce tea that was not only of the highest quality, but also sustainable and socially responsible.
He introduced the concept of “single origin” tea, which means that the tea comes from a specific region or estate and is not mixed with teas from other regions. This approach ensures that Dilmah’s tea is always fresh and that the unique taste and character of each region’s tea is preserved.
In addition to his work with Dilmah, Fernando was also known for his philanthropic work through the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation. His foundation supported a variety of initiatives, including student scholarships, health care for rural communities, and conservation projects. He was also a vocal advocate of ethical consumerism, believing that consumers have the power to create positive change in the world.
Throughout his career, Merrill Fernando has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the tea industry and society. In 2015, he was awarded New Zealand’s highest civilian honour, becoming a Doctor of Commerce, and in 2023 he posthumously received the Oslo Business for Peace Award.
He has written a book entitled “The Story of Ceylon Tea Maker: Merrill J. Fernando”, which describes his personal journey in the tea industry and his thoughts on the future of sustainable tea production and ethical business practices.
Merrill Fernando Cause of Death
A prominent figure in the Sri Lankan tea industry, Merrill J. Fernando, the visionary behind Dilmah Tea, passed away peacefully on Thursday (20) morning. At the age of 93, Fernando has left behind an extraordinary legacy, building the Dilmah Brand into a tea empire driven by passion, quality and an unparalleled love for tea.
The Dilmah family took to Twitter to share the news, stating that Merrill J. Fernando has passed away surrounded by loved ones and his generation will follow him as he finds comfort in the arms of his Lord.
Known as a pioneering entrepreneur, he achieved the remarkable feat of introducing single-origin tea from Sri Lanka to more than 100 countries worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the global tea industry. In the early 1970s, Merrill J. Fernando laid the foundations of Dilmah Tea, revolutionizing the industry by bringing the concept of single origin Ceylon tea.
But Dilmah Tea was more than just a business venture; it was a reflection of Merrill J. Fernando’s deep devotion to tea and his sincere desire to share the unique flavors of Sri Lanka with the rest of the world.
In addition to his commercial success, Merrill J. Fernando was also celebrated for his philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the authenticity of Ceylon tea and improving the lives of those involved in its production. His contributions earned him not only the admiration of tea enthusiasts, but also the utmost respect and admiration of Sri Lanka and the global tea community.
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What happened to Merrill Fernando?
On July 20, 2023, the world said goodbye to Mr. Merrill Joseph Fernando, a visionary entrepreneur and respected founder and CEO of Dilmah, a renowned Sri Lankan tea company. For Sri Lankans and tea lovers, “Dilmah” has always been synonymous with the finest premium tea, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality.
Throughout his life, Mr. Fernando dedicated himself to the art of tea, tirelessly promoting Pure Ceylon Tea until the incredible age of 91, and continued to do so until his death at the age of 93. His departure is a huge loss not only for the country, but also for his beloved family and the entire business community.
At this challenging time, our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Merrill J. Fernando. The brilliance of this visionary creator of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company rested on his steadfast faith, unwavering integrity and boundless love for tea and family. He pursued his passion for integrity and excellence with the utmost dedication, urgency and kindness.
Merrill Fernando’s influence has spread far beyond Sri Lanka, making a significant impact globally. Dilmah Tea Company invites everyone to join in commemorating his extraordinary life.
On July 20, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, July 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., his remains will rest in the Respect funeral home. After that, a private burial will take place in St. Mary’s – Pallansena, Negombo.
Mr. Merrill J. Fernando will always be remembered for his deep humanity and his extraordinary achievement in personally and passionately uniting the world behind the noble cause of Ceylon tea with its unmistakable essence of taste, goodness and ethical purpose – a cause he passionately championed for an incredible 73 years.
How did Merrill Fernando die?
The world mourns the loss of the legendary teammaker, disruptor and compassionate servant, Merrill J. Fernando, who passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 in Colombo, surrounded by his loving sons and grandsons.
The heartbreaking news was shared on the MJF Foundation’s Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation page, a testament to the profound impact he has had on countless lives.
A true disruptor at heart, Merrill J. Fernando’s life was guided by his humble rural upbringing in Sri Lanka and the Christian values instilled in him by his family. His unwavering passion, dedication, love and kindness continue to serve as a lasting example to all, showing how one can strive for greatness while never neglecting to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
His legacy lives on through two generations, who are steadfast in carrying out the vision of the “Dedicated Founder”. Merrill J. Fernando’s devotion to his cause remains steadfast, even as he rests peacefully in the arms of his beloved Lord Jesus. His outstanding achievements inspire producers and future generations, motivating them to respect the principles of honesty and dedication in the field of tea.
His groundbreaking work to dismantle the exploitative colonial tea industry left an indelible mark, ushering in a paradigm shift towards ethical business practices long before such principles gained their current recognition. His efforts have forever changed the lives of producers around the world.
While many may be curious about the cause of Mr. Merrill Fernando’s death, the exact reason is yet to be revealed, leaving the world to remember him for the remarkable legacy he left behind.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education