S.T. Ariaratnam
1933 - 2026
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sivakumar Somasundram uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 19, 2026
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We extend our sincere condolences to Professor Ariaratnam’s family and loved ones.
Professor Ariaratnam was a respected member of the executive board of the Tamil Cultural Association of the Waterloo Region during the 1980s, and a valued mentor and guide within the community. His life story remains a powerful example of determination and perseverance. Growing up in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) during a time of World war 2, he pursued his education under challenging conditions—studying by streetlight, often without books, and using a slate for his work. His dedication led him to complete his university degree at the remarkable age of 18. On his graduation, he received his own Mechanical instrument set from his father.
Recognizing his exceptional talent, he received special approval to attend the University of Cambridge in England, where he further distinguished himself academically. He later joined the University of Waterloo, where he made significant contributions to his field and the academic community. Upon his retirement, he was awarded Emeritus status—an honor that marked a proud milestone for the Tamil community in the Waterloo Region.
Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Ariaratnam, alongside his spouse Ariyarani, remained deeply committed to supporting and uplifting the Tamil community. His legacy of service, humility, and excellence will be remembered with great respect.
May his soul rest in peace.
Sivakumar Somasundram, Dharini Sivakumar, Kitchener, Ontario.
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Samuel uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Uncle, you are in the hands of JESUS. Please rest in HEAVENLY peace. We LOVE you
Samuel Selvendran Selvarasa ( First Nephew )
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Roshni Singaraja posted a condolence
Saturday, April 18, 2026
I have so many memories of Uncle Ariam. He was my first mentor, and taught me calculus during my first 2 years in Canada (grade 13 and first year Biochem at UW, where, although I wasn't into math, calculus was a requirement!!). I received 98% on a calculus exam, and excitedly told him. His response was "Why did you lose 2%?", which reshaped how I approached challenges for the rest of my life. He was extremely kind, thoughtful and endlessly friendly. I remember his visits when I was living in Vancouver and then Singapore. Each time, he arrived with long lists of friends to visit, and that's how we spent our time together. I met many interesting people this way. In Singapore, I was living in faculty housing. Uncle would often be missing, and would be found outside, chatting with some stranger, telling them about his life and career, and his continued passion for his work. He was also not just an intellectual - he taught me how to make an amazing chicken curry. I will miss him very much!
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Shemara lit a candle
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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My heartfelt condolences to (Grandma) Ariarani, Sam, Dan, Mike, Joe, your extended family, and your community, as you mourn the passing of an exceptional husband, father, professor, and cornerstone of the family’s Waterloo community.
As a child, visits and stayovers at the home of “Baby Grandpa” (as I knew him) were recurrent aspects of growing up. With regular experiences of Waterloo, I inescapably learned of Professor Ariam’s formidable academic accomplishments and mathematical ingenuity—which enabled him to precociously start university in Sri Lanka, earn a PhD at Cambridge, attain a professorship at the University of Waterloo, and mentor numerous students. I also understood his foundational role in establishing our familial community in Waterloo, as he (alongside his wife) sponsored several people, including my father, Thiru, to Canada—generosity that their beneficiaries are exceedingly grateful for, and which enabled them to establish their futures and families here.
I remember delivering a speech at his retirement party in Waterloo many years ago as a child and speaking of my experiences with him. Given that he was a stickler for proper academics—especially in math—I have youthful memories of him drilling me with mathematical problems, although he eventually came to understand that my primary academic interests lie elsewhere.
While his home typically served as the centrepiece of familial social gatherings and assemblies of visitors, he often maintained a distinctive presence from his surroundings. His quiet, intellectually focused demeanour often marked itself in environments of sociality and gatherings; while others would mainly socialize in groups, he often sat reading newspapers, maintaining an air of reflective individuality.
Though my subsequent academic commitments and relocations made visits with him less frequent as an adult, he remained in my memories as a dignified, wise, and composed elder of the family who contributed considerably to his academic discipline, family, and the broader community.
As I reflect on his passing, I remember my last in-person encounters with him some years ago; when I visited him following his bypass surgery, and again during Francis Grandpa’s funeral. He warmly received me both times, and I was glad to rekindle personal contact with him.
Although I am unable to attend the funeral in person, his memory, family, and close acquaintances will be in my thoughts and prayers today, as you all congregate to mourn his passing while celebrating his life.
While any loss undoubtedly leaves sorrow, we must foremost be grateful for his stellar life as a pillar of the familial and academic community—as someone who set a marvellous example of utilizing one’s innate gifts and enriching the lives of numerous others, all with a demeanour of gentle humility.
I (and we all) give thanks for your fruitful life. Rest in peace, Baby Grandpa.
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Samuel Selvendran Selvarasa lit a candle
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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My dearest Baby Mami, Samuel, Daniel, Michael & Joel, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I am unable to attend the funeral in person due to severe pain on my ankle, foot & toes. I am in spirit with you all
Uncle, please,rest in HEAVENLY peace.. Thank you & Baby Mami for bringing me to CANADA in 1984 August 10
GOD bless you all
Samuel Selvendran Selvarasa( First Nephew )
Andrew & Daniel Selvarasa ( My Sons )
Dhanwattie ( Niece )
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Kumar Thavakumar posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
Dear Baby-Mami and family
Our heartfelt condolences to everyone on the passing away of Uncle Ariyaratnam.
May our Lord Jesus Christ embrace you all at this time of your grief. I have met uncle briefly on two occasions. Once at Colombo and once at Kitchener.
The thing I noticed most was that he was a very down to Earth person.
God Bless You all
Kumar Thavakumar (Melbourne)
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Dev Handa posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
Dear Aunty Ariarani, Sam, Danny, Michael and Joel,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Uncle Ariam. I have such warm memories from your home, your 'farm', your visits to my parents' home and, of course, from the civil engineering department.
One strong memory: I recall my father bringing me over to Uncle Ariam for extra training in order to compete more effectively in UW's national math contests while I was in high school, a ringing endorsement of Uncle Ariam's brilliance given that my father was a fellow engineer.
Your family has always been a friend and support to ours and to my parents, Vir and Silvana.
I wish him and all of you and your extended family peace.
With warm regards,
Dev Handa, Alison Waltch and Marco and Zoe
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Silvana Handa posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
Dear Ariarani, Samuel, Danny, Mickey and Joey and the entire family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Ariam was a dear family friend and my late husband Vir's colleague from our earliest days in Waterloo, all the way back to the early 1960s. He was an amazing person, so gentle, caring, brilliant, trustworthy. I will miss him.
Please accept our deepest condolences on behalf of myself and my family. I will attend the funeral remotely.
Warmly,
Silvana Handa
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Meenaradchagan Vishnu posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
My condolences for Professor's family. I am quite saddened by the passing of Professor Ariaratnam. Since my arrival to Waterloo back in 1987, Professor had helped me immensely. He always had time for me. I will miss him dearly. -- Meenan Vishnu
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Sugi posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
I remember spending weeks at a time with Baby Uncle, Aunty & family last few years when I was in Michigan, and tried to help as much as I could. I enjoyed talking with uncle about current affairs and we also enjoyed trying to solve jeopardy and the wheel.. I loved hearing his stories from past which he remembered in great detail. His advice when we were younger regarding life, careers were appreciated by all of us. I am glad I was able to spend time with you and will have wonderful memories to keep We will all miss you so much. Rest in peace in heaven dear Baby Uncle. Dear Baby Aunty, Sam, Dan, Mike, Joel , We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will not be able to attend the funeral service but we will be there in spirit and will be participating virtually. Love & prayers , Sugi, Christine and Jacoba
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Dilan Singaraja posted a condolence
Friday, April 17, 2026
Professor Ariaratnam (Uncle to us) and his wife Ariarani (Auntie, my father’s sister) were responsible for sponsoring/directly settling and providing a foundation for several families and individuals who immigrated to Canada through the mid to late 1980s and beyond after some very turbulent/deadly times in Sri-Lanka, the country of birth for many of us. Uncle and Auntie’s house was the hub for our extended family where we congregated for several decades for major occasions, celebrations, memorials and socializing/visiting. Uncle was always very kind, generous, considerate, gentlemanly, wise, patient and upheld and taught us virtues from an older time. I also had the good fortune of being in Uncle’s presence occasionally at the back of Carl A. Pollock Hall (CPH) at the University of Waterloo in the early 90s, where Uncle was a fixture. As I completed my undergraduate degree in civil engineering, I carefully navigated course selections to avoid my “genius” uncle as a professor! There was a distinct aroma of his pipe smoke that would waft through the hallway as we approached the depths of CPH. I would stop in and visit with him occasionally and catch up on what courses I was taking and how they were going. We attribute so much of our successes to his and Auntie’s generosity and will be eternally grateful to them for their kindness and selflessness.
Our heartfelt condolences to Auntie, Sam, Dan, Mike and Joe.
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Neil Thomson posted a condolence
Thursday, April 16, 2026
I witnessed first-hand Ariam’s great intellect and integrity as a student and then a colleague in CEE. I recall us once discussing the finer points of a calculus solution. Not one to argue, Ariam grabbed some of his old notes from perhaps his days at University of Ceylon. He then quickly flipped to a page and showed me the worked solution in his handwriting and pointed out the “trick” followed by his distinct laugh. A gentle soul who will be missed by many.
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Daya Chandraratne uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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Dear Ariarani, Samuel, Daniel, Michael, Joel and family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Professor Ariam's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
I had the privilege of knowing him not only as a professor but, after graduation, as a friend. He was truly remarkable—an engaging and thoughtful person whose knowledge seemed to span endlessly across so many subjects. Conversations with him were always enlightening and never dull.
Beyond his intellect, he will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in others. I will always be grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.
He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
With deepest sympathy,
Daya Chandraratne
Attached a pic from a visit in 2014
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Carol Moogk-Soulis posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Please accept my condolences upon the death of Ariam. Ric had great respect and affection for Ariam both as his professor and later as his colleague.
Sincerely,
Carol Moogk-Soulis
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Sandra Machan posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Dear Ariarana and family,
So sorry to hear of Ariam's passing. I always enjoyed talking to him when I worked in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. Keep all your memories close to your heart!
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Nancy and Bruce Young donated to Parkminster United Church
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Dear Mrs. Ariaratnam, Sam, Dan, Michael, Joel and family,
You are very much in our thoughts as you honour and celebrate your wonderful patriarch. We have so many fond memories of your kindnesses to us from way back in the Lincoln Heights P. S. days. Dr. Ariaratnam always led with humility, humour and intelligence, as did his beloved wife and children. We have definitely spoken of you often over the years. Smiles always accompany those chats. We so wish we could attend Dr. Ariaratnam’s visitation or service this weekend but we are away in Niagara Falls with our family. Please know that we hold you in our hearts. If we could visit another time, we would welcome that opportunity. Caring hugs are coming your way. Nancy (Elston) and Bruce Young
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Peter Granic posted a condolence
Monday, April 13, 2026
Dear Ariarani, Sam, Daniel, Michael and Joey and family. Please accept my sincere condolences upon hearing of the passing of your husband, dad, brother, and grandfather. I saw Ariam's photo in this Saturday's Record while I was in town visiting with my mom and I recognized him immediately even though it has been 40+ years since we were neighbours on Keats Walk. I recall him well from that time, given on weekends especially, he was likely to be the one answering the front door to the Ariaratnam household when I or other neighbourhood kids were looking to rally players for our daily game. On weekdays he would always be courteous to drive his Volvo the other way around the crescent in order to not interrupt our game on his way home from work. May all of you cherish the special memories you have of him, and may those memories help you through the times when you are missing him dearly. May he rest in peace.
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Prema Arulpooranam posted a condolence
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May the Lord comfort and give you peace at this difficult time.
Prema Pathmaseeli Arulpooranam
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marc brz posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Dear Ariarani, Sam, Daniel, Michael and Joel
I was very sad to hear the news of Ariam's passing. He was a truly funny, warm and generous man and always had time for our many adventures together growing up. As you mourn your husband and father, please know that your sorrow is shared and that he lives on in the memories of all those people he taught, supported and charmed.
deepest condolences
Marc Brzustowski
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Clement Rajendra lit a candle
Saturday, April 11, 2026
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Our heartfelt condolences to Ariarani and the family for your loss. I will always remember with fondness my memories as a grad student at Waterloo and your many kindnesses. Rest in Peace. Clement and Subi Rajendra
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John Brzustowski posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Ariam was one of the closest friends of my late father, Tom Brzustowski. They both came to the engineering faculty at Waterloo around the same time (Ariam to civil, Tom to mechanical) and for a while, lived in the same apartment building. As bachelors, they enjoyed each other's company while watching the Maple Leafs lose hockey games on TV.
Naturally, two fine catches such as these did not spend long in bachelorhood!
I got to know Ariam because his eldest son and I were close friends from a young age. Along with our brothers, we eventually formed a crew of seven siblings who frequently played and adventured together! In various combinations, we would sleep over at each others' homes, and whenever this was at Ariam's, he was a most genial and engaging host, full of anecdotes about his kids, his grad students, and other people in the community. He was a very observant, kind, and forgiving person, as well as a man of great intellect and integrity. After I left home, it became my rare but great pleasure to catch up with him at family reunions and other occasions, often years apart.
Ariarani, Samuel, Danny, Michael and Joel - please accept my condolences for your loss. I wish for your peace and joy as you celebrate Ariam's life. Some of the best of him lives on in all of you.
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Arulnayagam Devendran posted a condolence
Friday, April 10, 2026
Our heartfelt condolences to family
Arulnayagam Devendran
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Selvendran Selvarasa lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2026
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Uncle,Please rest in PEACE
My heartfelt condolences
Samuel Selvendran Selvarasa
Andrew & Daniel Selvarasa
Dhanwattie
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Ponita Asokanthan uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 9, 2026
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My name is Ponita also known as Subi. Baby uncle is my mother's first cousin from his father's side and he is also my father's sister Baby mami's husband. Their marriage is one that God ordained marriage. Our Triune God lovingly named both of them "Baby" as their home name and also gave the legal names Ariaratnam and Ariarani. The first four letters of their names starts with "Aria".
I have been rescued from satan in 2009 by Christ my God and my Freedom Fighter and my Saviour. I am a born again Christian (born of The Spirit of Christ -Holy Spirit) and Christ is constantly fighting the evil spirits that I was born with (inherited from my original first human parents Adam and Eve) through the Power of the Holy Spirit to make me a child of God from a child of wrath (satan).
My God put the desire in my heart to visit Baby uncle and Baby Mami almost once a week. I live in London Ontario (hour and a half drive) and the last couple of years, God directed me to visit them almost once a week just to spend time with them listening to Christian songs, listening to my Church services, and most importantly having a relationship with God the Father, God The Son who is Christ, and God The Holy Spirit through prayers. Baby uncle fully recognized his sinful nature and realized fully that he desperately need the forgiveness from his Maker Christ Jesus who paid the penalties in FULL for his sins. Baby uncle also realized that all his, gifts, achievements and processions etc. are gifts from God and he definitely understood and firmly believed that none of them will grant him the entry into Heaven other than the Cross and the cruel death his Maker Christ lovingly endured for him victoriously. He started reading the Christian magazine called "Intouch Magazine" before bedtime before he became ill. Baby uncle's faith in Christ his Maker increased drastically during the last couple of years of my visit. Just like the word of God says "unless you have a child like faith, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God". Our worldly intellect makes us so prideful and prevents us from having a relationship with Our Humble God. Baby uncle became a real Baby in the presence of God to enter into the Kingdom of God. He stopped talking about his education, achivements etc. since the time he realized the reality of human condition. I am thankful to God for giving me the greatest privilege to spend quality and meaningful time with Baby uncle the last couple of years to finally witness his final entry into the presence of God through Christ. Baby uncle's precious soul is absent from his body and now his soul is in the presence of Christ, his Maker and his Author and Finisher of his Life. Baby uncle departed from his temporary earthly home and reached his final destination "Heaven", his Eternal Home. He is free indeed! The Glorious Victory belongs to Christ alone!
"GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD ( YOU AND ME), HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY BEGOTTEN SON (CHRIST), WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH IN HELL BUT WILL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE IN HEAVEN FOREVER. IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD. GRACE ALONE WE ARE SAVED, NOT BY OUR GOOD DEEDS. SO THAT NO MAN CAN BOAST ABOUT THEMSELVES. IF ANYONE WANTS TO BOAST, BOAST ABOUT CHRIST WHO TOOK THE PUNISHMENT THAT WE ALL DESERVE FOR BREAKING GOD'S LAW, UPON HIMSELF TO GIVE US FREEDOM FROM ETERNAL PUNISHMENT"
PRAISE BE TO GOD FOREVER!
May Our Triune God Bless and save all humanity through the Power of the unconditional Love of Christ that was displayed on the Cross. Amen!
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Professor Sarasanandarajah Sivananthan lit a candle
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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Deepest Condolences. May his soul rest in peace.
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Mallika Rajakukendran Posted Apr 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Ariam uncle was my dad’s first cousin. My grandma and his mum were two sisters. My grandma was the eldest in the family. His mum was youngest. He is such a nice person. We are proud of his achievements. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May the Lord Jesus comfort his family and extended family at this time.
Mallika Rajakukendran ( formerly known as Mallika Sebaratnam )
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Rene Kahawita posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
When I arrived at Waterloo as a young graduate student n 1966, Ariam and Ariaranee took me under their wing and invited me so many times to their home for lunch or dinner. Since I had no idea on how to cook Ariaranee gave me some elementary lessons. Although I was in Mechanical Engineering I gained valuable insight into how one conducts research. May God Bless him a true gentle soul.
Rene Kahawita
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Veluppillai Sitham Pillai posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Prof. Ariaratnam (Ariam) who was a leading light and helping hand to many aspiring young engineering graduates from across the world who dreamt of "a postgraduate degree" from an upcoming prestigeous University in Canada. The University was brand new, the Civil Engineering Faculty was was immaculate with freshly minted PhDs from University of Cambridge, England, a group of high caliber academics. Prof. Ariam Ariam was leading light of the Civil Engineering Faculty. Engineering students from all over the world were dreaming of getting a post-graduate degree from this young University which mushroomed out in a wheatfield in the hinterland of the blooming province of Ontario. Yet they came in droves. They did their grad studies, they learnt and fanned out across the world. Now sixty years later we can see the glory of a young University known the world over, but the leading lights have simmered down one by one. As one of those students who walked through the wheat field, and learnt from Prof. Ariam, let me pray and wish "the soul of Ariam, a great pioneer of UW -E Fac" to "Rest-in-Peace". Veluppillai Sitham PILLAI (Vancouver, B.C., Canada).
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The family of S.T. Ariaratnam uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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Friday
17
April
Visitation
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, April 17, 2026
Erb & Good Family Funeral Home
171 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Saturday
18
April
Visitation
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Parkminster United Church
275 Erb Street East
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Saturday
18
April
Funeral Service
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Parkminster United Church
275 Erb Street East
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Saturday
18
April
Interment
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Parkview Cemetery
335 University Ave, E
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
519-725-9280
The interment will follow the funeral service. All are welcome to join
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