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Ramnauth Gokul Obituary

Ramnauth Mangra Gokul Born Dec. 4, 1946 in Berbice, Guyana. Died July 25, 2006 in Oakland, CA. Ram died unexpectedly from complications of surgery. He leaves his wife Julia Storrs; son, Noah Gokul; brother, Albert (Komal); sister, Dolly and numerous loving relatives from both sides of the family. Ram emigrated from Guyana in 1970. He received a BS from the University of Minnesota, Mankato in 1974 and an MBA from S.F. State University in 1983. In 1988, he completed an MS in counseling with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from S.F. State. He served as a therapist at Fremont Youth and Family Services for 12 years and helped many in his private practice of psychotherapy in Oakland. He was a gifted therapist working with adolescents and their families. He mentored family therapists by supervising and teaching masters level courses at many universities including St. Mary's and JFK. Ram's work to promote culturally respectful mental health services and systems has been an inspiration to many Bay Area therapists. As a member of Bay Area Partnerships for Social Justice, he worked passionately for just and culturally accountable mental health services. He was a valued collaborator with the Family Centre of New Zealand in teaching just therapy practices. Ram found joy in family, friends and life. We will try our best to follow in his footsteps of acceptance and account-ability. We will be wearing bright colors at a Memorial on August 12, at 2pm at Redwood Regional Park, 7867 Redwood Rd. (sites Owl/Quail). In lieu of flowers, send contributions to a family trust payable to BAPSJ, c/o Andrea Aidells, 5625 College Ave., #210, Oakland 94618.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 6, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
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Irene Tsatsos

September 13, 2018

It's been many years since Ram passed away, but I thought of him, his wife and his son today. I lived next door to Julia, Ram and Noah for maybe a year and the memory of their kindness as neighbors has always stuck with me. We really only interacted briefly, but those moments are still with me. I just wanted to let them know that. Wishing Julia and Noah health and happiness.

Julia Storrs

August 12, 2018

Just saw this guest book. Ram was my husband. Don't know if, after 12 years since he died, this post will reach anybody. Just wanted to thank those that posted about him. He was a wonderful partner and I was blessed to be by his side for 17 beautiful years. Our son, Noah, moved to Brooklyn NYC and is working with young adults with mental illness and performing hip hop. His focus on compassion and social justice mirrors my lovely husband. I have moved to Portland, OR and teach and produce art. Love to all. Julia.

Zach Newman

August 21, 2006

Julia,

What a shock and profound sadness. You probably don't remember me, but I was friendly with Ram and was his clinical supervisor when he worked at Geriatric Services in SF. I adored him - what a funny, bright, caring, sweet, passionate, compassionate soul. I remember well how excited he was when he met you and fell in love with you. You were designing furniture back then - are you still involved in that work? Unfortunately, I lost touch when I moved to Portland OR in 1991. I just heard from Marie Wren, also from Geriatric Services. My warmest wishes at this time to you and Noah and the rest of your family, Zach

Daniel Tesfu

August 12, 2006

What a loss to the east bay community. What a loss to me and my wife. He was an inspiration to us. We will miss him dearly. My wife Mennen could not help it but broke down in tears when we first heard of his passing. He was the a therapist that had so much impact in our lives. Condolences to his family and friends that he so lovingly talked about all the time.

Daniel Tesfu

August 12, 2006

What a loss to the east bay community. What a loss to me and my wife. He was an inspiration to us. We will miss him dearly. My wife Mennen could not help it but broke down in tears whne we first heard of his passing. He was the a therapist that had so much impact in our lives. Condolences to his family and friends that he so lovingly talked about all the time.

Sundria Sam

August 12, 2006

What a caring and motivating man. I thank God for the blessing of being his student. I have learned so much from him and will continue to share the cross-cultural and societal messages that he taught me with others. Knowledge like his and the unselfish desire to share it are rare. My prayers are with his wife and son as well as all those who are missing and will miss him. May his many lessons and his desire to create and promote social justice for all live on!

Carla Haimowitz

August 10, 2006

Ram, You had integrity. I remember bumping into you when you and Julia took Noah swimming. I thought, "Ram is such a good father, a real family person" You were always especially kind to me, helping me, for example, get units of credit for continuing education.You were kind but not flirtatious. I don't want you to be gone! The world was better because of you. My life was better because of you. With you gone we have to be more hard working and more generous, in your spirit, for justice and account ability. Your life was like a song--each note rare and precious. We were lucky to have heard the music.

Ileana Soto

August 9, 2006

I remember Ram as a beloved, vital and warm speaker, leader and human being. I send my deepest sympathy to Julia and Noah.



Ileana Soto

Marlette West

August 9, 2006

What a great loss for this world. I worked with Ram at New Connections. He was always gentle and joyful. An intelligent and patience man, but never prideful. My love and condolences to Julia and Noah.

Catherine Campaigne

August 7, 2006

I always thought of Ram as a wonderful, gentle man, full of humor and joy; a loving father and husband. I saw him as generous and caring. I can't believe he's gone! His community and his friends are blessed to have had him for as long as we did. All my love to Julia and Noah.

Sarah Stearns

August 6, 2006

I am deeply saddened that Ram has been lost so suddenly. As a former member of the family therapy community of the Bay Area and one who shared similar passions about multiculturalism and social justice, I mourn the passing of a man of vision and integrity, generosity and courage. I send my sympathies to all his family and friends on this great loss.

Marjorie Kewley

August 6, 2006

My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Ram briefly when I joined the staff of Geriatric Services 15 years ago. He was a fine, gentle soul who shined a light of inspiration on everyone who met him.

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