BORN

1921

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Wulff Funeral Home

1485 White Bear Ave

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Ragoobeer Ramcharit Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 27, 2014.

Tribute and Celebration of Ragoobeer Ramcharit

My dad, Ragoobeer Ramcharit, known locally in his hometown as Brother Tash, was born September 16, 1921, in Plantation Albion, British Guiana. At the time, British Guiana was a colony of Great Britain, located in the Northeastern part of South American. Dad was born into a Hindu family. He was the 7th of 8 children. After slavery ended, his father, Rajbar, immigrated to British Guiana with his family from British India to work as indentured laborers in the sugarcane plantations. After five years of indenturedship, they had the option of remaining in Guyana. My mom's parents also came to Guyana to work as indentured laborers. Some families returned to India but my dad and mom's family, like so many others, remained and were given small plots of land to settle down.

My dad left school only after grade 4 to find work and contribute to his family's livelihood. Though an arrangement between families, he got married to my mother, Sanichari, when he was 19 years old and my mom was just 15. As the custom was in those days, couples married very young. My parents were married in the Hindu religion. One day, not long after, two American missionaries were preaching at a local gasoline station. My dad and two friends were passing though and heard the two missionaries. My dad believed the message he heard. He returned home and told my mother that he accepted Jesus. My mom was glad and said that was very good.

A few months after my dad's conversion, my parents built a grass house, made from white clay, small bamboos and a roof of sugarcane leaves. My dad's Christian mentor came to their home and told my mother about Jesus. My mother told him that if my husband accepted Jesus, I will have to follow him; where my husband goes, I will also go. And from that day onwards, both my parents dedicated themselves to Jesus and were remarried in the Christian faith. My dad gave up alcohol and local wine. Between his daily chores to care for and provide for his family, he dedicated his life to being a missionary. He would tell my mother, "the things I used to do, I do them no more…"

After seven years of marriage, my eldest brother Samuel was born in the grass home. He is now 67 years old. He is not here today, but is attending another memorial for my father in Florida. A few years after Samuel was born, my parents build a new house made of wood. They had six additional children and they were all born in the new home-Daniel, Mary, Lynn, Isaac, Paul and Janet. Isaac passed away 17 years ago.

I recall many memories of the times we spent in Guyana. Our family life there centered around preparing the fields for planting and harvesting rice, tending to a kitchen garden, fishing and selling vegetables in the local markets. My parents made oil from coconuts. They also had a generator and provided electricity to the local community. My dad tended to his kitchen garden so well that he won the 'best kept kitchen garden' in our region two times. He also raised chickens and goat. As a kid, the fondest times for me were the evenings when we would gather around the lower level of our home eating dinner, chatting and sharing stories-sometimes for hours. My dad's friends would pass by and say hello or drop by and converse. Afterwards, my mom would wash our feet and take us to bed. My dad would fall asleep first as he was tired from working in the fields all day or tending to all kind of chores.

My nephew from Canada recalled one of those gathering and said:
When I was about 10, I remember we were having a family discussion; all his children and grandchildren were present. There was a certain problem that had to be resolved, I remember he got up and went into his room; he came back a few minutes later with his Bible. He found a scripture and gave it to me to read. Being 10 years old, I was a little nervous to read that openly, but with his encouraging expression and gesture, I read the scripture. That scripture was the perfect answer to the situation.

In 1996, my mom and dad immigrated to the United States to spend time with their children and families. It was a journey to a foreign land but they were ready to embrace the new culture and cold temperatures. It was quite different from the 80 degree average temperatures of their homeland of Guyana. Quickly, my dad got ready a kitchen garden and producing green vegetables, green onions, potatoes and herbs. He loved his garden. He kept himself busy. Over time, they made several trips with their family visiting other states and places of interest. Dad was always eager to show friends and family his garden. Most of all, he shared his bible, and beliefs with his friends, his doctors, nurses and the friends and strangers he met.

The past four years, my dad was on dialysis because his kidney function was slowing down. On Friday February 21st (a little less than two weeks ago) my dad went to his usual dialysis. We were told that he passed out during dialysis and was taken to Regions Emergency Room. We got the call afterwards and went to visit him. The doctors in the emergency room could not find anything wrong with him except for a high blood pressure. We arranged for dialysis the following day and then took dad home. He was in good spirits and as we took him in the car, I noticed that he prayed all the way home. On Saturday morning, my brother noticed that dad looked the best he looked in several weeks. I drove him along with my wife and Adalene to his Davita Dialysis in Maplewood. Within the hour we got a call that his heart slowed down and was again taken to the emergency room at Regions Hospital. We later found out that during dialysis his heart slowed down to the point where they could not find a pulse. He was revived and taken to Regions ER. When we arrived, he had breathing tubes and was asleep. Doctors did some testing and early the next morning, Sunday, called and told me that his heart could no longer take the stress of dialysis.

Later that Sunday, I told dad that "we would no longer do dialysis; we are going to take you home to see Ma. I also told him we will invite a pastor, some friends and family for a prayer, and to sing a few hymns. I also asked him jokingly if he like hymns. He smiled with a grin as if to say, really? It was heart-breaking news but my dad knew it was time and his rich pilgrimage on the earth was nigh. The following day, Monday, we brought him home in the mid-afternoon. In the evening, our house was filled with family and close friends. The pastor said a few words; we sang a few hymns and prayed. The pastor addressed my family and said that with the eminent passing of the patriarch, we should embrace reconciliation and family unity. This would be a great testimony to celebrate his life. The pastor went over to hold the hand of my dad, and prayed. My dad heard the prayer as he grasped the hand of the pastor as the pastor requested.

After everyone left by mid-night Monday, my mom, my brother Daniel and I watched over him as he was sleeping. About 2:45 am, there was a peace and calm in the home. I noticed that his breathing was beginning to slow. I held his warm, tough hands as he took long, slow breaths. And about 3:10 am, he took his last breath. We called my sister and nieces and we gathered in the living room chatting, crying and reminiscing of his memories until 8:00 am, when funeral home came to take his body. Last Tuesday, March 4th, he was laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery, on Joy Road, in North St. Paul. It was no coincidence that my dad was laid to rest on Joy Road. His essential values in life was capped by a most important and elusive quality of Joy. His shared joy with everyone he met because his heart was full of joy.

My friend, Francisco, from Mexico who spent many moments with my mom and dad said:
From the very first time that I met him, I realized his was a beautiful soul and spirit, the same as your mother. People like your parents, I think, go directly to be with the Lord and a wonderful welcome ceremony must take place in heaven when they arrive.

My sister from Janet from Canada wrote:
I will always remember the happy spirit he shared with his entire family. The joy of speaking of his friends of the past, the respect he had for all peoples regardless of differences. He was a total people person who always expressed hope for good. He was a deep thinker that always desired to share his thoughts to anyone who would listen. A fighting spirit is his signature feature that never had room to complain about anything. He lived his life as though it was too short to make mistakes. His pride was his work in his garden with his beloved by his side. His biggest and endearing passion was to honor his dear wife with all the respect and adoration that he could supply. He was a very simple man, with clear intentions praising and thanking his creator every day. He lived what he preached as he rode his bicycle all over his community back home to spread his joy and meaning of life. In the end, the dream he wanted, he lived with his precious wife and will always be remembered as a real godly family man!

We are sadden for the loss of dad for the same reasons we celebrate his journey-his passion for life, his love of work, his commitment to family, his dedication to his beliefs, his zealousness for sharing his religion, and his love and respect for all peoples and religions. He touched the lives of many, he preached in churches, in religious gatherings, he taught Sunday school, he visited the elderly, he prayed over the sick and the dying. He was a positive man and God blessed him with a long, full and abundant life. He was 92 years old and married to my mother for 73 years. He was the last surviving sibling of his family.

Dad enjoyed his pilgrimage on the earth. Our lives were blessed because of him. And as the heavens opened their door to accept his life, we are inspired by the memories he left behind. I want to close with what my eldest brother Samuel wrote before he returned to Florida this past week. He said:

You are the greatest dad we have ever seen and known. You were industrious, kind, loving, serving, caring and giving. You raised up, with the help of my mother, seven wonderful children. You gave us education, taught us moral values and above all, taught us to walk with God. You were a great preacher, teacher and counselor. You were not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for you know it is the power of God onto salvation for anyone who believes. Dad, you should be happy for living such a long, full and righteous life. You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you are now awaiting your Crown of Righteousness. And now, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious onto you. May the Lord lift his Holy countenance upon you and give you peace, and now, enjoy the hospitality of God's Kingdom and Eternal Rest in Jesus' name, Amen…

Paul Ramcharit (son)
Oakdale, MN

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Not sure what to say?

February 26, 2015

Paul Ramcharit

Dad, its been one year since your passing. I missed you very much and I will always love you. You bring wonderful thoughts to me everday because you were the greatest example of fatherhood. I will treasure all the fond memories of our times together, working, singing, attending church and prayer meetings, Sunday schools, trips, gardening and working around the home. I truly missed you and will share all your fond memories with my daughter, Adalene, who you so fondly call, Adalena. We will meet again one day in the glorious kingdom.

Paul Ramcharit, Son
2-26-15

March 28, 2014

Daniel Ramcharit

For my dad, family was important to him. He stood there at the forefront as the breadwinner and my mom as the nest builder. Together they struggle, weathering the storm of life to raise seven children. It was not easy going in those early days. He was passionate in whatever he believed in and taught us likewise. He was a staunch Christian and a loving father. He ensured his kids got an education which was quite a sacrifice. He was contented; never did I even hear him complain about food. Whatever he was offered he would finish. There are so many things I can recall but it was his commitment that matters. As a human being he was not perfect but perfect in his love and generosity. His life was gentle and the elements were so mixed in him that you can safely say, this was a man. Sleep on dad.

Daniel, Son

March 27, 2014

Paul & Unita Krautmann

To all our dear Ramcharit family: Unita and I have many fond memories of spending time with you all at your home in Williamsburg. Dad always greeted us with a warm and welcoming smile, and made us feel right at home, part of his already large family. We always marvelled at his gardening prowess - not leaving one square inch of the yard without some greens of some kind! We miss him and all of you, and look forward to the time when we will all be together again. Our deepest love and God's richest blessings to you all.

March 6, 2014

Ullas Kamath

Paul and family,
Ila and I have fond memories of your father from our visit to your place a few years ago. We vividly remember his and your mother's simplicity and how quickly they developed a genuine and loving bond with us. You must feel really blessed to have been with him and taken good care of him in his final days. With our humble prayers we share in the loss you and your family have suffered. Love and regards,
Ullas Kamath

March 6, 2014

Susan Seidl

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, Paul. I've been looking through the family pictures and I see that he lived a very full and happy life! The pictures are heartwarming, and I'm sure this is a very difficult and sad time for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Sincerely, Sue Seidl

March 5, 2014

We remember him singing a song for us at our worship service a number of years ago. That was a blessing we have treasured. Our hearts go out to you during this time.

Doug and Betty Johannsen - Ramsey, MN

March 5, 2014

Basdeo Samuel Ramcharit (son, age 67)

Dad, with deep emotions in my heart for you, I am proud to say you are the greatest dad I have ever seen and known. You were industrious, kind, loving, serving, caring and giving. You raised up, with the help of my current mother, seven wonderful children. You gave us education, taught us moral values and above all, taught us to walk with God. You were a great preacher, teacher and counselor. You were not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for you know it is the power of God onto salvation for anyone who believes. Dad, you should be happy for living such a long, full and righteous life. You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you are now awaiting your Crown of Righteousness. And now, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious onto you. May the Lord lift his Holy countenance upon you and give you peace, in Jesus' name Amen, and now, enjoy the hospitality of God's Kingdom and Eternal Rest.

March 5, 2014

Pa Vue

I am sorry for you loss Paul. Chan and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family during this hard time. It was a pleasure and a great opportunity to get to meet your father during the summer. Live in the memories that he left with you all. Our prayers goes out to you and your family!

March 4, 2014

Goraiah Papayya

I have fond memories of Brother Tash, especially my contacts with him in Williamsburg whenever I visit there in the past. He was a hardworking, active person even in his senior years. I see him on his 'carrier bicycle' fetching mold for his garden. His usual calm personality made him easy to chat with. He has touched the lives of his loved one, relatives and friends. They are the richer for it. His long life was a blessing. There is a longer life in eternity for him with God. May his family take courage and draw closer to one another because he lived for them.
... Goraiah Papayya (Guyana)

March 4, 2014

Roy Ramkissoon

Hello Paul,

Please accept my heartfelt and deepest condolence!

Your dad was much loved and I've always admired his ‘Bulldog' tenacity in leading and providing for his family.

Emily framed it well when she said that he was a ‘Man of the Bible' and I couldn't have said it any better.

I love your mom and pray for her continued strength.

My regards to all and my mom and the rest of my family send their condolences as well.

God Bless always!
Roy Ramkissoon (friend and prisoner of the Lord also!)

Posted by Roy Ramkissoon

March 3, 2014

Lynn Urbano

He was a man of substance: most gracious, loving, humble, respectful and blessed. He embraced strangers as his own. His generosity and down-to-earth personality have touched the hearts of many. Paul, you're a lucky guy to have enjoyed your dad for so many years. Cherish those precious memories!

March 3, 2014

Francisco Larios & Family

Dear Paul,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. From the very first time that I met him, I realized his was a beautiful soul/spirit, the same as your mother. People like your parents, I think, go directly to be with the Lord and a wonderful welcome ceremony must take place in heaven when they arrive.

March 2, 2014

Mary Veeramallay

You are the hero for your family, you describe it all, you are the best of the best dad. The value of a life well lived will be cherished in our daily thoughts and will be remembered as long as we lived. Rest in peace dad. Mary. Ivan. Rebecca. Naiomie. Salomie. Peter. Cynthia. Sarah.

March 2, 2014

Janet (daughter), Elvis (spouse), Tiatephi & Zebdiyel (grandchildren) Sankar

I will always remember the happy spirit he shared with his entire family. The joy of speaking of his friends of the past, the respect he had for all peoples regardless of differences.
He was a total people person who always expressed hope for good. He was a deep thinker that always desired to share his thoughts to anyone who would listen. A fighting spirit is his signature feature that never had room to complain about anything. He lived his life as though it was too short to make mistakes. His pride is his work in his garden with his beloved by his side. His biggest and endearing passion was to honor his dear wife with all the respect and adoration that he could supply. He was a very simple man, with clear intentions praising and thanking his creator every day. He lived what he preached as he rode his bicycle all over Berbice to spread his joy and meaning of life. In the end, the dream he wanted, he lived with his precious wife and will always be remembered as a real godly family man!

March 2, 2014

" A real soldier for fighting for the love of his family "

Janet, Elvis, Tiatephi & Zebdiyel Sankar (ON, Canada)

March 2, 2014

Earlene Emily Sukhdeo

To the best grandpa in the world. My earnest desire for the last 15 years is to visit you and my grandma and spend some time with you all. God has opened a door last year for me to visit...... I was so happy to be there and sit with you and talk and wait for you to come home from dialysis. I always remember how you will call me "sister Emily". God blessed you pa for living such a long full life. I admired you for being a calm, humble god fearing individual who always look to God. Your memories will live on and we will meet again. God bless. May your soul rest in peace

March 2, 2014

Lynette Sukhdeo (daughter)

To my loving and caring dad, God has truly blessed you with long life and you are a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather. I really enjoy the time I spent with you and the things we talked about. I'm so sad and depressed that I can't be there for your funeral. But I'm satisfied with the time we spent together. There is a part of my heart that is now empty but your memories will fill it and I will always talk about you as long as I live. I love you. May your soul rest in peace. From your loving and caring daughter Lynette and husband Cecil.

February 28, 2014

Rebecca Songster

Pa I missed you... Love always Rebecca....

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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