'GOODBYE DADDY'– Massy worker laid to rest after 37 days

ALLAN LANE Ramkissoon took his last breath on Father’s Day on June 18 in Colombia denying his daughters the opportunity to celebrate with him. Thirty-seven days later, his body was returned to Trinidad where his family and his daughters were able to say happy belated Father’s Day and goodbye.

There were no dried eyes at house of mourning at Barrackpore, on Monday, as friends and family gathered to bid farewell to a closed white-and-gold casket in which his remains lay. A photo was placed on the top of the casket, against a red-and-white wreath, to remember the man he was.

The body was brought to the home in a white hearse which followed a music truck with large banners emblazoned with photographs of the deceased. His widow Sarah held on to relatives and wept loudly as the body was brought for the last time to the home he shared with her and their two daughters, Emily and Emma Boodoo.

Rev Bachan Ramdhan and Pastor Rosemarie Mohammed conducted the service according to Christian rites.

In one of two eulogies, delivered by his two daughters, Emily recalled how happy she and her sister Emma were on that day in 2015 when Ramkissoon wed their mother, Sarah, making them a happy family.

“Daddy promised to love the three of us unconditionally,” Emily said, recalling that for the past eight years, he kept that promise.

“We loved him so much and he loved us in return. He would help us with our homework. He was the backbone of the family for his parents and for us. No matter what time his parents or brother or sister called for him, he would be there for them.

“We have an expectancy that he would walk through the front door. Emma and I are grateful to God for blessing us with a great father. We thank God for giving him to us for this short period. We will always love him. We have so many beautiful memories of daddy we will cherish for the rest of our lives.”

Her younger sister, Emma, recalling that he died on Father’s Day, spoke of the irreplaceable and special bond between a father and his children. She remembered him as the man who cared for them, nurtured them, and created a path to guide their future.

“Happy belated Father’s Day daddy.”

Ramkissoon, 35, a pipefitter employed with Massy Energy Engineered Solutions Ltd (MEES), was the son of Danny and Christine Ramkissoon.

MEES was contracted by NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltd (NETL), and on June 15, Ramkissoon, one of the workers carrying out the job for MEES, sustained 60 per cent burns to his body. He was flown to a specialist burns unit in Colombia, but died three days later.

The body was returned to Trinidad on Sunday and his father thanked God that he was finally home for his burial at the Rochard Douglas Cemetery.

His father, said his son made the ultimate sacrifice with his life.

He explained, “When someone was supposed to go up there (referring to his workplace at Niquan where the incident took place) he went in their place, just like Jesus who took our place on the cross.

“I think that he is in a good place that he has found eternal happiness and no more suffering.”

Ricky Fraser a co-worker, speaking on behalf of Farmchem teams said, while they were reeling from the loss of their colleague and friend who was a mentor to many, they were humbled and touched by the time he spent with them.

Fraser said “Short man” or “Shotto”, as he was called, “was a good role model for his family and would always express his concern for them. He made sacrifices to make sure that his wife, children, his mom, dad, and his siblings were all taken care of. His focus was on making them happy. He was a short person with the biggest of hearts. His heart was too big for his little body. He was always ready to assist wherever needed.”

Reflecting on the many who spoke of Ramkissoon's big heart and how he changed the community causing many to give their life to God, Pastor Mohammed said he may have completed his purpose for others to give their life to God, hence the reason he was called back home so early.

“Allan had a good heart, somebody has to continue his work. Don’t let it die with him.”