EULOGY
In Loving Memory of My Beloved Father
Hem Persaud
Sunrise – February 25th, 1934 – Sunset December 22, 2013
We lost a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. Today, we say goodbye to a great Man.
Hem Persaud was born on February 25, 1934 in Diamond Estate, East Bank Demerara, Guyana.
His parents were the late Rattiram Ragunath and Beefiah Baluck of Diamond Estate, Guyana and he was brother of the late Phulmattie Bissesar and Jasoda Singh.
Dad migrated to the United States in 1984 with his family, where he resided in the Bronx, New York for nearly 25 years, then to Orlando, Florida for a few years, and finally, to Middletown, New York.
Prior to coming to the United States, Dad began his career as a young man with Diamond Estate as an office manager, then eventually moving to a number of estates, including Lenora, Enmore, Rose Hall and finally Wales Estate, where almost 40 of his best years were spent on the sugar estates.
Throughout his career in Guyana, my Father was known as a man of great character, for which he gained so many friends along the way. The outpouring of support from so many of you here today is a testament to what he meant to all of us. While living in the United States, Dad spent his last working years at Arc-Com Fabrics for almost 20 years, eventually leaving to enjoy his retirement with his family and beloved pet, Sammy.
My Dad was a man who was the most down to earth person you could ever meet and a man who was extremely accomplished not just in his career, but his personal life as well. He was a social staple at all the estate functions. He loved to dance so much at the parties and always living up to that reputation, he even danced on his final day with us. He had his normal routine that day, having his lunch, then a nap, passing peacefully while napping.
His move to Lenora Estate in the early 60's would be one of the best moves he made, because that is where he would meet a beautiful young woman with whom he would spend the next 50 years of their lives together.
That woman, my Mom, was the apple of my Dad's eye. She was the one whom throughout his life would be his constant and most loyal companion. They made the best pair and together traveled all over the world throughout the years.
Together, they raised 4 children and have always maintained a close family bond even though everyone had moved and began their own lives.
My Dad's presence in all our lives truly made a difference. His kindness, his humor, his cheerfulness, his character was an example of a true one of kind gentleman. His love for his family was evident in all his actions.
Besides having a successful career and raising a loving family, My Dad was also passionate about many things he enjoyed in his leisure time.
He was an avid sportsman, and for those who knew him well, I say to you one word: CRICKET! This was my Dad's true obsession. There was not a time I'd go to visit and a cricket match was not on, needless to say many times we'd catch him dozing away. I didn't inherit this passion for cricket, but my brothers and cousins can say more about this. When a cricket match was not on, I say 3 letters: CNN! Dad could watch CNN for hours and although he did so, I'd tease him sometimes and ask him what's on the news, but he wouldn't recall because he dozed off.
What I did inherit from Daddy was his love for cinema and taking pictures. Dad would never leave home without his 35MM camera, and I know many of you know that camera. In this day and age, it could probably fetch a good bid on eBay.
Dad also loved the movies. He knew names of actors and actresses of the classics and he introduced me to what would become my obsession, James Bond 007. He could watch his favorites time and time again like it was his 1st time.
So as well all gather here today to reflect and remember a great man, let us remember and cherish what he meant to all of us, us remember the funny stories, the riddles Dad loved to give, the good times.
As Dad got up in age and slowed down a bit, My Mom was there to take the best care of him. He was still independent and active in his final years, the two of them always still traveling and doing so much together.
Most recently, they were blessed to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Orlando, Florida at my brother and his wife's place. He was so happy to be able to celebrate the love of 50 years in Florida, which would be his final trip. So thank you to Ronald and Sabrina for a grand celebration in honor of Mom and Dad.
The bond my parents had was remarkable. They took care of each other in every possible way. In my Dad's best years he was the caretaker, and as time slowed him down, roles changed and my Mom took care of him, and that care was like no other. He could not ask for anything better.
My Dad received the best care he could from his doctors throughout the years, but we would like to especially thank Dr. Sandeep Singh, Dr. Sham Shivdasani and Dr. Navnit Patel, because they remained in contact with Dad long after he wasn't even their patient anymore, which speaks volumes of Dad's lasting impression he made on people.
Also, a special heartfelt thank you to Ms. Erica Gracia, who was Dad's nurse's aide. Erica was especially kind to Dad and she was instrumental in making his everyday life comfortable and was with Dad until the end. So thank you to Erica on behalf of my family and I, especially Mom.
Dad is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rajpatti Persaud, his 4 children, Sharon, Ronald, Devon and myself, Annandi.
He is also survived by his son in laws Deonarine Sawh and Kevin Singh and daughter in law Sabrina Persaud, as well as Ms. Luanna Persaud.
He was Grandfather to Sitara and Varin Sawh, Tiffany Persaud, Tyler and Sophia Persaud and Aidan and Tristan Singh.
Amazing Uncle to Anand, Davo, Sisi, B, Monica and Mohan as well as Chateram, Doris, Harold, Balram, Indra and the late Beatty, and many, many more of his extended family.
As you all share in our grief, we ask that you share in our pride as well for an amazing Husband and Father. Although his final years were clouded by on and off illness, my Dad never wanted to burden anyone with his aches and pains and never complained. Now that cloud has been lifted.
My Dad had a life fulfilled with love, success, happiness and pride and we could not be more proud of his legacy.
As former President Ronald Reagan said, "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life" – Well Daddy, it's your sunset.
Until we meet again, we love you and thank you for letting our lives be graced with your presence.
You were indeed one of a kind and I am certain that in my lifetime, I will never meet another like you.
May God bless you and provide a peaceful resting place for you.
I wish to thank the Bergen Funeral Home for their services, Pandit Mathura for conducting Hindu funeral services, Mr. Cecil Lallas, Mr. Siew Mangal and Mr. Rick Persad for helping us throughout the entire funeral proceedings and to all of you here today to help bid my Dad farewell. Thank you.
By: Annandi Persaud Singh
