KOCHI: Thomas Joseph, 72, father of child prodigy Clint, is no more. He died at a private hospital here on Thursday following cardiac arrest. He was an official with Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and belongs to Mullapp-arambil family. He is survived by wife Chinnamma.
The couple had been living with the memory of their lone son Edmund Thomas Clint who died at the age of 7 in 1983 after creating over 30,000 paintings. The little Clint died due to prolonged kidney illness.
Clint used every medium, chalk, crayons, oil paints and water colours to create drawings and paintings that depicted the world as he saw it. His collection stunned art admirers and critics who were astounded by his maturity and artistic genius. Clint’s father was an ardent fan of the renowned Hollywood actor, Clint Eastwood, and named his son after the actor. After Clint passed away, Sivakumar, renowned documentary film maker from India, made a documentary on the young artist’s life and work. The film was shown at international film festivals and Clint Eastwood happened to watch it in Brazil. The actor was so touched by the story of Clint that he sent a message of condolence to Clint’s parents and expressed sorrow at the child’s untimely demise.
Clint’s father leaves behind a dream of building a memorial for the child prodigy. The body will be handed over to MOSC Medical College Kolancherry.
