Mysore/Mysuru: Maletira B. Thimmaiah, (83) former Attorney at Law, Federal Court of America, originally from Kukloor Village, Virajapet Taluk, Kodagu, passed away at his residence in New York, the United States of America (USA), at 9.30 am (IST) yesterday.

He leaves behind his wife, Chondu Chondamma (Machamada), and sons, Pavan and Ashwin, residents of New York.

Maletira B. Thimmaiah was the author of a book on Kodavas titled, ‘Who are we Kodavas?’ (English) and ‘Navyaaru Kodavaru?’ (Kannada).

The book was released in Mysuru on Nov. 25, 2018 and it traces the origin of Kodavas, their customs, the rich history of more than 5,000 years and how a land of such uniqueness was being systematically ravaged by invaders, modern laws and urbanisation.

A memorial service for Thimmaiah will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 25) in the late afternoon into the early evening at the Matthew Funeral Home in Staten Island, New York.

The cremation will take place on Wednesday morning (Nov. 26) at the Rosehill crematory in                   New Jersey.