Obituary
Daddy, you were a man of many MANY many words. You know I’m a person of much fewer words and today I do my best to honour you with an abundance of most deserving tributes and my version of a Mike Naraine “sermon.” As you would say, push it to the limit. So bear with me, here goes nothing.
First, my appreciation to Pandit Sharma, everyone here today, physically and virtually, and especially to each person who helped contribute to today coming together and for being there this past year. And it’s been a year. I couldn’t have done it without your support. I know it’s from your heart and no thanks is needed, but taking a page from your life daddy, even to your last days, you always made sure to say thank you, even for the simplest of things like me giving you a drink of water, even when your voice wasn’t there, you would find the strength. If you could only say a few words, those are the words you chose. Thank you all.
It seems only natural to start with the Ford Motor Company. Daddy, your crusade against Ford for racial injustices is what I believe YOU would describe as your legacy. Although Ford consumed nearly half your lifetime and greatly impacted you and our family, and although YOU made ground breaking achievements when fighting racial discrimination was in its infancy, I believe your true and enduring legacy was the difference you made in people’s lives beyond your legacy as an activist. Most significantly with all the lives you helped to start a new beginning in Canada. As the first of your family to come to Canada by yourself at 19, you paved the foundation in a new country for not only your family, but dozens and dozens and dozens of other families. You were a pioneer of countless first roots in Canada. I hope you know how remarkable this was.
Recently, a few have shared their stories of the help you gave and the impact you made in their lives. And that was the thing about it, you just did it. It was who you were at your core. I’m so grateful and proud to hear all the incredible and amazing stories about you. I’m sure there were thousands more acts of kindness and generosity only you will know. It’s how you lived.
You gave me a bountiful life through personal sacrifices. For 9 years you worked in Windsor, living on your own for the most part and sending money back for us in Toronto. You were a provider and guiding light that included endless never-ending sermons as I’m sure you knew we secretly called them. At the time, I could not fully appreciate the “sermons” but know they provided value throughout my life. You gave us kids freedoms unheard of in other families. I reflect on your wisdom and unique trailblazing unconventional ways of doing things that made you the special soul you are. You did it your way, unapologetically, and LIVED every minute of your 78 years.
At times, you were a bit of mystery in your comings and goings but firmly committed to your daily routine and beliefs. You were an early riser, constantly on the go or up to something or the other, industrious and passionate by nature to whatever you set your mind to. Sometimes your ideas were bigger than you, but you always gave your best effort. It didn’t matter if you didn’t have the “know how,” you lived the “just do it” attitude. You would always find a way.
Other times, your ideas were too big for the world, but that’s the visionary you were. You dedicated yourself to a full lifetime of growth and learning. Looking back, your sheer willpower and strength of character helped you overcome all that life put before you and anything you wanted to achieve. You always tried to pass on your experiences and knowledge and then it was up to us. No reminders or follow ups, just letting us find our own way and keeping an eye from afar.
Whether it was renovating Rusholme or walking the streets of Toronto, you were always on the move. As a kid, there wasn’t a moment I wasn’t involved or doing something. The YMCA was a huge part of my childhood. At least 2 hands worth of extracurriculars. If anyone visited Rusholme, things you couldn’t do at your own home were only limited by our imaginations at our place. From the alleyway to bike rides and outings to Sunnyside Beach and all you can eat buffets around Toronto. You made sure we had the FULLEST of experiences. We didn’t have a lot, but you always made things happen, somehow, some way. And I don’t know how you did it, but you made us feel like we had it ALL. Your heart seemed most full sharing and creating experiences for others. Your joy in life came from our joy. I will forever treasure how much you gave of yourself to each of us.
You were a humble person. I don’t know anyone who went through more running shoes than you. The $20 ones were plenty. We could get you the best ergonomic pair and they would sit in the box. Gifts of socks we thought wouldn’t be overdoing it, remained unopened years later. You never wanted luxury or comforts or anything easy. Eventually I learned your extremely modest simple way of being, even to the point of living in hardship right to the end, seemed to stay with you from Guyana and throughout your life. It was your providence. I learned to accept that about you. I learned to see you more than my dad, as your own human person, and that gives me such perspective and insight and appreciation.
To contrast your simple humble ways, you made sure we were never without. No one you crossed paths with was ever in need. Whatever you had was given without hesitation, whether food to a stranger, the few dollars you had in your pocket, a place to stay, a helping hand, you were a GIVER. As I got older and visited you at Rusholme, I never left without you giving me a bag of fruit or something. You always went searching for something for me to take with me. At the hospital, in your last weeks when you lost your appetite, you would tell me to pack the hospital food and take it with me. Your mind was always still thinking of giving even when you couldn’t leave your bed. You never wanted anyone to be without. You knew what it was like for you growing up in Guyana and you applied those feelings to helping others, even if it meant you had none. We never fully understood you yourself being without or living the hard way when comfort was there, but it’s who you were and I grew to accept it was your journey and you always stayed true to yourself.
Daddy, you were about others, whether they were a complete stranger or family or anyone you met on your adventures, we all experienced your kindness and immense capacity for generosity and selflessness in all forms. I was often in awe of the countless people who knew you and who you connected with, but that was you, a man of the people.
I am grateful for all the joyful happy times over the years, from the perks of living on a dead end street beside a chocolate factory to unlimited Toronto and Windsor experiences and equally grateful for the hardships we had at times which ultimately shaped my own character and strength, same as you daddy, same as you. One of your many gifts.
Finally, thank you daddy, for 45 unforgettable years; for the opportunities and every sacrifice you made – known and unknown; for adventure and countless sports and activities that I will forever cherish; for being the over-the-top involved dad at all our schools including high school in which I’m pretty sure you were the only dad there and how impressed my teachers were in your enthusiasm; for pushing me to do better at whatever I did; for teaching the importance of exercise and being active which I’m glad to have shown you my home gym and videos of my recent training; for your courage and strength to live beyond our fears which has been invaluable in my confidence and doing more than I thought I could; for your determination and dedication at anything you applied yourself – nothing was too BIG or too challenging; for your passion and endless zest for life and what you can make of it; for your kindness to strangers in all walks of life, for your pearls of wisdom and all lessons – some I learned the hard way; for your sermons that I never thought would be music to my ears; for all the newspaper articles and quotes in our kitchen and recently found treasures you left behind; for the eternal optimist that was always in you despite the hardships; for being a doer and forger; for being a fighter for equality and justice; for being there for me every step of the way; for your belief and love for each of us EXACTLY as we are.
Although this past year was the most difficult of circumstances, I will forever be thankful for the time we had together daddy, and to be there for you. Know I am doing my absolute best for the would’ve, could’ve, should’ves and accepting it was ALL exactly as life was meant for us both during our time here.
Thank you always for keeping mommy in your heart and thank you most of all for being my dad. You never lost any of us and you never will.
I know you had the time of your life daddy. And you will continue to raise the bar wherever your journey takes you…
Miss you and Love you ALWAYS. Sharon
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For my father.
You did nurture our faith in miracles and made the impossible happen. You gave much and knew not that you gave at all. So I say to you now, that as we once walked in deep forests, and on green pastures and on shores of sand that when our time on this earth is through we shall walk hand in hand.
Love, Karen (Babes)
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Determined. Dedicated. Kind. Spiritual. Persistent. To my father and best friend, love always. Narendra (OJ, Big Guy, Budwa John)
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How will I remember Mike? Three words that echoes in my mind:
Discipline
Dedication
Desire.
This is one of his Mantras that he also applied to his life. He was a selfless being who saw the downtrodden as no less than himself. He opened and offered his home to anyone without fear just to LIFT them up in life even for a day.
He was at his happiest whenever these individuals would call out to him “MIKE” in recognition and his acceptance of them while on his daily journey, walking for two to three miles as part of his daily regiment as he would put it. These people saw him as the GODFATHER. Their Godfather.
Mike had no excuse for the way he lived. He lived it with all his heart and he did it his way. He didn’t care how society judged him. But, he lived with class and respect also.
CONTENTMENT gave him freedom to be, to help, to share. I can safely say Mike had no regrets in his life. He became the LAWYER he always dreamt of being but couldn’t afford to in Guyana. He would eventually WIN his Ford’s case. An accomplishment he died proud of fighting and as he always says “without dragging the Ford’s name through the mud.” He respected them even though it caused him the things that mattered most in his life. He knew when the calling came to be, Mike had Class and Respect.
Mike’s new journey has begun and he has left a legacy that we MUST do one GOOD DEED everyday even if it means you having the last penny. He always quoted Barbara Striesand
“Money is like manure you have to spread it around.” Mike lived, loved but never Lost. Knowing Mike, he’ll keep the pearly gates open for sinners and all. THIS is MY memory of Mike. May your soul be free as you were and may you rest in peace.
Savitri
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Tolashwar, my brother in-law, Michael. Mike, that’s what I like to call him, was a man of substance and integrity, he has demonstrated that to give to others is more important than to take from them. Mike created some significant memories for me which I remember with a smile. I loved to play cricket ever since I was a kid. The first time I ever met Mike was in Guyana when he came to visit. He found out that I played cricket, a few days passed and then I saw Mike again, this time he had in his hands an autographed cricket bat by the great Guyanese and West Indian batsman Alvin Kallicharran. How he did this I later found out that he knew this great man Alvin. That’s how humble Mike was. Little did he know that every game I played since, or looked at on tv, I thought of him. That was the first impact on my life Mike made. I am sincerely happy how it has impacted my life. It seems like a small thing, but to me it was a “wow” moment. Mike did some noble things for this family and others. Here is a wonderful story of Mr T., Tolashwar, that is. He borrowed my brand new Clark’s shoes on that same trip to Guyana to go to Parika. When he came back from that trip my brand new black Clark’s shoes were missing… Mike gave it to someone he thought needed it more than I did. I learnt from that what it means to see the needs of others before my own. I can go on but if you are reading this then you know, Tolashwar, my brother in-law or Mike, I like to call him that, because he was a significant man with simple needs.
OM TAT SAT.
Prem
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Uncle Mike showed me the true meaning of humility, selflessness and non-judgment of others.
His spirituality was profound and deep. He exhibited it by the way in which he conducted himself and lived his life as opposed to preaching.
His life experiences, good and bad, were shared openly with the intention of helping others navigate obstacles in their path.
Uncle Mike showed me how to be unafraid and unashamed of showing emotions. The liberation that followed from that power of example was life changing for me.
I will treasure and forever hold dear the stories he told me of my father, the man that he was and the impact that he had.
Rest in eternal peace Uncle Mike and be at one with God. You have reached your salvation.
Love Debbie x
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Mike, Uncle Mike, Nana Mike. For our little family, this is who he was to us. Those titles do not do justice to the impact that he has had on our lives. He was an integral part of helping us lay a foundation when we immigrated here in 1983. Driven, dedicated and disciplined – that is who he was to us. That is who he will always be to us. Characteristics that will remain a part of who we are. Never will he be forgotten. As we go through life, what remains are memories and moments. Stories and songs. Love and laughter. Thank you Uncle Mike – we are forever grateful.
With Love,
Baby, Kavi, Priya, Mala, Rishaun, Ava, Meisha and Lahna
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I took an Electrical class in high school, so Mike gave me a Milwaukee power drill to make the work quicker and more efficient. This tool is why I always finished my practical electrical work before the rest of the class. I would later use the experience I gained using this power tool to correct a couple of electrical issues I found in my own house later in life. Today we remember Mike Naraine the father of my dear friend Sharon and his family whom I will always be part of.
Keith Major
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I remember you Michael as a Gentle Giant with the biggest smile. Your Journey started 78 years ago and I was fortunate to have known you for 49 of those years. Those years revealed kindness, love, family and children. You lived by the principles that you believed in showing your character. I remember those Sunday morning prayers at Rusholme, and my first and last visit to Windsor. The trips with the whole family to the Dufferin Skating rink and the long walks. You loved your early morning Jogging and was as fit as a fiddle. Michael as you start your new Journey, may you have everlasting and heavenly peace. We all love and will miss you. RIP.
Indardai
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RIEP dear Mike you will always be remembered by me as a kind warm loving member of the family and I enjoyed your company whenever I visited Toronto. My deepest condolences to Savitri, Sharon, Narendra and Karen. I wish I could have been with you at this sad time. Love Bhoujie
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For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
-Khalil Gibran
On Death
Michelle
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Even though from a young age, I was unaware of racial inequality, it was through Uncle Mike’s childhood stories and courageous, don’t give a care of other’s mentalities of fighting justice, both personal and professional which attributed to my own mentality & view of prejudices in this world. He was the sole champion for his own causes. Go well Uncle Mike. We butted heads many times, but his love & obsession for proper health, determination & justice for social causes will always be remembered & has been shared with my own children too. I was happy we shared a memorable visit orchestrated by Auntie Savitri, for him to meet my kids & for them to put a vision to all my childhood Rusholme sweet memories. To a man who truly marched to his own tune. Safe travels.
Ur niece Shawna.
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With a heavy heart and sad emotions but also many happy memories do I think of my dear Uncle Mike. Thank you for giving me many great life lessons for me to use in my own life and pass on to my family. If I had to describe this man in one word it would be “LION”. A strong protector with a giant roar but still could be looked at as a big gentle human being. Rest In Peace Uncle Mike. – Rudy Naraine
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From the handful of times that I had the pleasure in chatting with Mike. He was always very down to earth. He always gave me his full attention and was always genuinely interested and invested in our conversation. I will always remember Mike with great fondness.
Brendan
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mike Naraine January 25 1943 May 6 2021 (age 78)..
Death notice for the town of: Mississauga, Province: Ontario