Papa-Ji, a blessing to all

Hubert Bhagwansingh was a man who left a legacy for his family as well as generations of strangers to appreciate and enjoy.

So said Rev Adrian Sieunarine in his sermon during the funeral service of the founder and chairman of the Bhagwansingh’s Group of Companies, which was held yesterday at the Aramalaya Presbyterian Church, Tunapuna.

Both Sieunarine and Bhagwansingh’s granddaughter, Arianna Bhagwansingh Ragoo, described him as a hardworking, generous and humourous man.

Sieunarine quoted the Psalms saying, “The hard work of God continues, creating peace and love and hope for a world that desperately needs it.” He said Bhagwansingh followed God’s example and worked hard.

“He came from humble origins and he reminded himself about that and he reminded others.

“He would often take us all on a journey through his childhood and his early years to remind us that struggle and sacrifice and service were his way of life.”

He said Bhagwansingh built his life, the lives of the people around him, churches and communities. He always had an eye for what could be improved – a building, piece of land, a project, and even people.

Sieunarine told the mourners in packed and overflowing church about the time the church asked Bhagwansingh to help them clear a shipment of chairs. Not only did he help figure out how to clear the shipment, but he paid for the chairs they were all sitting upon.

“In his building he was always blessing. He always blessed the people around him with his love and compassion and charisma. He lit up a room. He brightened lives.

“He showed us that in building there was belonging, we belong to each other and we belong to his family... The effects of Mr Bhagwansingh’s life will continue to bless countless generations, people who will never meet him in the body, but his spirit will continue to bless them.”

He added that Bhagwansingh left a living legacy of love, life and laughter.

In the eulogy, Ragoo described how her grandfather created his own language, as well as nicknames for his wife and business partner, Helen, his four children and eight grandchildren. She spoke of his love for technology, Indian music and the sea. And of his career as a radio operator at the Piarco International Airport, the couple’s purchase and development of K-Donna Drive In, and the establishment of Bhagwansingh’s Hardware and Rainbow Construction Ltd.

“Papa-Ji was kind, generous, jovial, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather... May his legacy of goodness and humour live on as we say goodbye to Papa-Ji.”