Dear Dad,

It is with much sorrow and broken hearts that we find ourselves having to announce your passing on March 15th after yet another fight with cancer. We have marveled at the strength of your fight and resilience in the past as you told many cancers and Covid “not today”. Sadly, this was the battle you just couldn’t win.

We knew why you fought so damn hard to stay alive all those times.

It was for Sheila… always for Sheila.

Your beloved wife of 58 years and our beloved Mom whom you have lovingly and thanklessly looked after for almost 25 years with no complaint. You did so, so that we didn’t have to and could go and build our lives. We will be eternally grateful for your sacrifice… although you would never have called it that.

We hope and trust that you are reunited with your parents Jose and Muriel and dancing with your brother John and sister Jean and all the friends who have passed before you in the eternal light.

We are left here to mourn and remember, laugh and cry, pick up the pieces and carry on along with your siblings Julie, Frank, Lynette, Joel, Caesar and Claire as well as all your nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours who had the pleasure of getting to know you for a little or a long time.

How do we sum up a life of 85 years that began in the sun of Georgetown, British Guiana and ended in the snows of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada?

Quite simply, we can’t.

But we are left with all the advice, lessons and memories of you being…

A reliable friend and loyal crony

A generous heart

A proud Guyanese and an even prouder Canadian

A constant whistler

A bearer of black pudding

A secret Hawaiian

A wannabe Calypso star

A follower of The Ramblers

A crafter of garlic pork

A curry critic

A connoisseur of pepper sauce

A lover of recliners

A distributor of Dad jokes

A fan of speeches… most especially your own

A planner of parties and a dancing fool

But most importantly and most dear to us…

A devoted husband and caregiver.

A wise and loving father.

An amazing Grandfather.

We, your wife Sheila, sons Jeremy, Jonathan and Jamie, daughters-in-law Lydia and Jenn as well as the apple of Papa’s eye your granddaughter Ella will miss you terribly and will love you forever.

Thanks Dad… for everything… now rest.

In lieu of flowers please give your loved ones a big hug and tell them you love them.