[UPDATED] UNC stalwart Clifton De Coteau dies

Last month Clifton De Coteau and his wife Linda celebrated 49 years of marriage, and the couple had plans to celebrate their golden anniversary in the US.

But the father of two died of a suspected heart attack at their home at Gajadhar Lands in Princes Town early on Friday. He was the grandfather of three.

"We had a good life. He was a good husband and father, said Linda De Coteau.

The former UNC MP, vice chairman and education officer was 78.

His widow told Newsday that at around 5 am, her husband went into town to buy newspapers, as he usually did. He returned and parked the car. At about 5.30 am, she went outside and saw him motionless on the ground next to the car.

“He was not sick or anything. When I looked at him, I knew he was already dead. He got a lash on his head when he collapsed,” Linda said.

"I love to read, so he bought all three (daily newspapers). I just took them out of the car. Every morning he always goes down to the town. I think he loved Princes Town.”

De Coteau was a former principal of St Stephen’s College, at Craignish, Princes Town.

Since news of his death broke, a number of people have offered condolences, including Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on behalf of the UNC’s parliamentary arm, national executive and all members of the party. In a release she referred to him as one of the nation’s finest sons of the soil, a stalwart, and a patriot, adding his death deeply saddened her.

“Clifton was a true stalwart of the UNC, offering our members, and by extension our nation, decades of committed service for the betterment of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“Few people have had the distinguished honour of serving at all levels of our great party as Clifton did, a testament not only of his commitment to the UNC but dedication to our country.”

A former MP for Moruga/Tableland, De Coteau served as a minister under Persad-Bissessar's People’s Partnership administration.

“He moved through the ranks of our party serving as local government representative, MP, Cabinet minister, alderman, vice chairman of the national executive as well as education officer,” Persad-Bissessar said. “Clifton was more than just a UNC representative, he embodied the true beauty of humanity in his actions of kindness, people-centered approach and love for those around him.”

These qualities enabled him, she said, to be the first UNC MP for Moruga /Tableland.

He was known as “Uncle Coto” and his service extended beyond politics. As a teacher, school principal and supervisor, he had an impact on the lives of thousands of students throughout the country, she said.

“Coto had an impeccable work ethic as I recall when he served as minister, he would be in his office by 5 am each morning. That was his dedication and passion for service,” Persad-Bissessar said. “We in the UNC have lost a friend, a brother, a father figure and most of all, a patriot.”

Current Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, like many other UNC members, took to social media to pay tribute. A post on her Facebook account said, “Heaven opened its door to a wonderful soul moments ago. A father, a mentor and a motivator for all who knew you. You were the pillar of my strength in my political journey.

“You always gave salient advice no matter how choppy or dim the journey may have been. Thanks for your immeasurable support. May your soul RIP Mr Clifton De Coteau.”

Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh remembered De Coteau as his former political comrade in arms, a faithful soldier of the UNC and a faithful servant of TT.

A release from Indarsingh said: “We sat next to each other in the Lower House, and during those wonderful five years, Clifton showed himself to be an expert at old talk, and loved showing off his collection of elegantly crafted pens and collectors' watches.

“Throughout his various roles, Clifton maintained a humility, a willingness to serve others before self, and, both figuratively and literally, a level head.”

The void left by his death has made our nation poorer, but his legacy and service has made TT richer, the release said.

Indarsingh offered condolences to the De Coteau family on behalf of his wife Allene, family, and constituents.

He said, “Clifton, you have lived a full life, and you now deserve your full rest.”

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has offered condolences on the death of former UNC MP, vice chairman and education officer Clifton De Coteau.

De Coteau, who lived at Princes Town, died on Friday morning of a suspected heart attack.

He was also a former principal of St Stephen’s College, Princes Town.

A release from Persad-Bissessar referred to him as one of the nation’s finest sons of the soil, a stalwart, and a patriot, adding his death deeply saddened her.

“Clifton was a true stalwart of the UNC, offering our members, and by extension our nation, decades of committed service for the betterment of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“Few people have had the distinguished honour of serving at all levels of our great party as Clifton did, a testament not only of his commitment to the UNC but dedication to our country.”

She spoke on behalf of UNC’s parliamentary arm, national executive and all members of the party.

A former MP for Moruga/Tableland, De Coteau served as a minister under the People’s Partnership administration led by Persad-Bissessar.

“He moved through the ranks of our party serving as local government representative, MP, Cabinet minister, alderman, vice chairman of the national executive as well as education officer,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“Clifton was more than just a UNC representative, he embodied the true beauty of humanity in his actions of kindness, people-centered approach and love for those around him.”

These qualities enabled him, she said, to be the first UNC MP for Moruga /Tableland.

He was known as “Uncle Coto” and his service extended beyond politics. As a teacher, school principal and school supervisor, he had an impact on the lives of thousands of students throughout the country, she said.

“Coto had an impeccable work ethic as I recall when he served as minister, he would be in his office by 5 am each morning. That was his dedication and passion for service,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“We in the UNC have lost a friend, a brother, a father figure and most of all, a patriot.”

Current Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, like many other UNC members, took to social media to pay tribute.

A post on her Facebook account said, “Heaven opened its door to a wonderful soul moments ago. A father, a mentor and a motivator for all who knew you. You were the pillar of my strength in my political journey.

“You always gave salient advice no matter how choppy or dim the journey may have been. Thanks for your immeasurable support. May your soul RIP Mr Clifton De Coteau.”