words from the loyal fanz-
Dorathy on June 5th, 2007
Wednesday June 6, 2007
Hundreds pay respect to Alleycats' Loga
PENANG: Diehard fans of the Alleycats came from as far as Singapore to join hundreds of mourners to pay their last respects to Loganathan Arumugam.
A. Prakash and his friend rushed to Penang from Singapore on Monday immediately after learning that Loga died of lung cancer.
“We have been here for three days to pay our last respects to a legend. We are proud of his achievement.
“We will set up a website to keep his memories and songs alive,” said Prakash, 35.
The remains of Loganathan, who is popularly known as Loga, was cremated at Batu Lanchang crematorium at 11am on Wednesday.
Fans and well-wishers were at Loga’s family house in Jalan Azyz in Tanjung Bungah as early as 8.30am.
Also present were popular singer Datuk D.J. Dave, former Miss Malaysia and radio deejay Yasmin Yusoff and comedian Accapan.
Loga’s only son Vigneshwaran and relatives led the burial ceremony according to Hindu rites at 10.15am.
Loga, 54, also left behind wife Susan and daughter Priyadashini.
Mega Fortune Bikers Club convoy of big bikers escorted the cortege to the crematorium.
Persatuan Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez said Loga was among the very few Indians who had become a national icon.
“Loga was not only active in music. He was also very active in Karyawan.
“We encourage fellow Indians to emulate Loga and become national icons,” he said. PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB) chief executive officer Jaseni Maidinsa said he had known Loga since 1960s.
“I was 13-years-old then. We became close friends. Love for music bound us together,” he said, adding that Loga was the brains behind Alleycats.
“Alleycats started singing at Carmens ,” he said.
Jaseni said Alleycats had a big break, when an Australian deejay spotted their talent during a live performance in Penang in the late 1960s.
“The Australian deejay requested a demo tape from Alleycats. Their songs were aired in Australian radio. The rest is history,” he said.
Jaseni was the only non-family member who was with Loga when he drew his last breath at the Mount Miriam Hospital.
“After Tan Sri P. Ramlee, I can't think of other big names in entertainment industry who could bridge the racial barrier except the Alleycats,” he said.
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM
I spent 7 years of my life with Loga and the band. I was his brother, David’s wife then. I live in the US now and was devasted when I heard the news. I wish in more ways than one, that I could bring back time. I regret never having able to say my farewell. I will cherish my memories of those years and hopefully llive to someday tell about it. May he finally find eternal rest. Condolonces to David and family.