Panman Alexis funeral in US

The funeral of Dr Clifford Alexis, pan educator, builder, composer, tuner and arranger, takes place next Tuesday at Anderson Funeral Home in Dekald, Illinois, US.

Asked if there would be a service in Trinidad, Alexis’ widow Yoko said she would call Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore about a memorial, since she was sure her late husband wouldn’t have wanted anything less. She said: “I know he will be present there. It would only be fitting.”

Meanwhile, one of Alexis’ protegés, Dr Liam Teague, expressed his sadness at his mentor’s passingm saying: “Dr Clifford Alexis was one of the best friends anyone could ever hope to have, and his legacy will live on through the many lives which he profoundly impacted.”

On a professional level, Teague said: “For me, there are not enough superlatives to describe Dr Clifford Alexis. He was a brilliant steelpan performer, composer, arranger, builder and tuner, and a visionary. He was never contented with personal success, as evidenced by his championing of so many young, up-and-coming musicians.”

Teague said Alexis made it possible for “a host” of Caribbean students to fulfil their educational goals at Northern Illinois University, and many of these graduates went on to share their knowledge at institutions such as UWI and the University of TT (UTT). Alexis leaves to mourn his sister Lorna Turner, brother Horace Pierre, six children and several grandchildren, most of whom live in the US.