Herman Roger Ramdeen

I met Herman 20 yrs ago. I had moved to RI from Jamaica for school and he and his family where my neighbors on Ringgold Street. He was smart, kind and highly intelligent. We were 3 international students from the Caribbean but he looked out for us. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I didn't have a job and needed money. He was a general contractor at that time and he hired me to work with him as a painter. I didn't know anything about painting but he had faith in me ........it figured it out. I left RI and went back a yr later for my graduate studies. I hadn't secured a place to live and it was Herman who came through for me and rented me his 1st floor apt at Lockwood street. Again I didn't have a job and I painted for him until I was able to find something at the university. He knew my friends and my mom. He wasn't just my neighbor or my landlord, he was family because that's how we lived. He looked out for me and ensured that I was ok. He showed his support by attending my graduation. Even when I had moved back to NYC he called me to come help out with his son Winston for 2 weeks and I gladly came.

Words can't express what you meant to me or how you impacted my life. I'm happy that I had the opportunity to get to know you and had you be apart of my life. Sleep well dear friend. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, One Love

My Dad was a father figure to more than just his blood kin. He coached and mentored a whole neighborhood of kids, here in Pawtucket, RI. He always took the time to teach us, and other youths life skills that we are still applying to this very day. He inspired us to chase our dreams, and become masters in what we do.

From his best friend, Peter (Wales, UK). Herman was an amazing rally racer, I was his navigator. We raced the countrysides of Europe in the early 80's.