75 of Tampa, FL, passed away on September 17, 2020.
Sajeevan “Saj” Ramkissoon Mathura, age 75, passed away on Thursday September 17, 2020 at the Pepin Heart Institute in Tampa, Florida – due to heart complications. He was born in Debe, Trinidad, on February 10, 1945 to Ramkeesoon and Phulbasiya Mathura, the last of their nine children.
He attended high school at Naparima College in Trinidad and received a scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering at Paisley College of Technology in Glasgow, Scotland. He also graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of the West Indies.
A recognized authority in the field of engineering in Trinidad and Tobago, he is best known for his work on remodeling the Naparima Bowl – at that time, the largest performing arts center in South Trinidad. He was elected Past Master of Lodge Naparima and District Grand Officer for Trinidad & Tobago.
Saj also frequently worked as a consultant and lead engineer for some of North America’s top engineering firms, leading large-scale projects in Canada, the US and as far afield as Malaysia. Many younger work colleagues describe him as an indispensable mentor and not only respected his expertise but also his easy going and jovial nature.
In 1969, he married Judy Parsad Mathura, a teacher and his high school sweetheart. In 1971 and 1974 respectively, he welcomed his two daughters Karyn and Shalini, who were the most important part of his life. He was a devoted husband and father and took great pride in the stellar academic and career achievements of both of his daughters. Saj was also a lifelong tennis and cricket fan and would spend hours playing these sports with his daughters and his many nieces and nephews.
He took care of Judy when she was diagnosed with breast cancer until her death. During this difficult time, he found great solace spending time with his three grandchildren Justine, Brandon and Ela. He was a karaoke aficionado, and loved playing the guitar and belting out Elvis’ greatest hits for them.
From his siblings, he is preceded in death by Hardaye Debideen, Dr. Gharbaharan Mathura, Gangadaye Dinanath, Sajandaye Supersad, Dr. Rajandaye Ramkissoon, and Dr. Sugandaye Ramkissoon – and survived by Dr. Jeevan Mathura and Sabita Harry.
After his first wife Judy’s death, Saj remained close to her siblings. He is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Krishna Parsad and Shastri Parsad – and is survived by her sisters Joan Samlalsingh, Jean Chong Ping, Nita Chan Sing and Lynette Maharaj. Saj eventually remarried his childhood sweetheart Betty Karmody, with whom he enjoyed a happy and full life until his death. He is also survived by Betty’s sisters Barbara Hubah and Deborah Martirosian, and brother Lloyd Mohammed, and is preceded in death by Winston Mohammed.
A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00pm on September 24, 2020 at Cremations of Greater Tampa Bay. A zoom link to view a live stream of the service will be provided prior on the website or via email.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Sajeevan Ramkissoon Mathura to Shriners Hospital at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/.
- You may change the donation to any amount you wish.
- Please check the box that says “Dedicate my donation in memory of someone” and enter his name, Sajeevan Mathura.
- Please direct your donation specifically to SHC – Tampa.
12 Comments
Ronald P. Byank, MD
Our deepest condolences to the entire family and his many friends.
Anonymous
Thank you Dr Byank. God Bless!
Anonymous
Dear family, please accept our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. Rest in peace Uncle Sajeevan. I will always remember your cheekiness which always smile to all you encountered. I bet having only just arrived in heaven you have already found the tennis court, signed up for Zumba, got an all fours tournament going and are teaching everyone to dance to soca :). Don’t tease Aunty Judy too much though:). You will be greatly missed but we all carry you in our hearts and prayers always. All my love Sush xx
Carlos Tassistro
Dear Betty and Saj’s family, please accept my deepest condolences.
My dear neighbor Saj. I keep in my memory the god times having beer and talking about the intricate mechanics of our AC units, you were never short on good advise, and thanks to you, my family has a splendid temperature at home every day. Will miss the good conversations in the driveway, the laughs and your singing and guitar I could hear from my house. Rest in peace now knowing how much good you did while with us and sing now in heaven.
With much appreciation, Carlos
Kamlesh Darji
My prayers and deep condolences on the passing of a great soul
🙏
Legends never die. They leave legacies.
Sandra Moonan Raccha
We hold you close in our thoughts and hope you know you can lean on us for whatever you may need.
Sending you lots of love and comfort, we are so sorry for your loss.
From the Moonan, Raccha and Sagasti Family.
Bill Matthews
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of a wonderful and unique individual, and a good friend. Sajeevan was both a very competent engineer and an exemplary relationship builder during the time I was privileged to work with him. His positive attitude and sterling character was revered and welcomed by all in our team, and his willingness to go beyond what was required to provide excellent results made him a central figure in each success we enjoyed. His love for his family and others was evident in so many of our conversations, and it is reassuring to know that he made the lives of everyone he knew better by his kind and thoughtful words and influence. I will miss my dear friend greatly, and will ever cherish the times that we enjoyed together.
NG, VM, DG
Deepest Sympathies to Karyn, Shalini and family. Uncle Saj will be deeply missed. He lived a full and successful life. However he is in a happier place now and will look down and be smiling and will look after you.
Christlyn Greaves
Sincere condolences on your loss. While this may be the natural order of life, it is never easy saying goodbye to a parent
Susanne Bromfield
Please accept our deepest condolences to you, Karyn, and your family on your tremendous loss. Sajeevan sounds like he was full of life and love. You are blessed to have so many happy memories of him.
From your family at Citi, please accept our sympathies.
Susanne Bromfield
Our deepest condolences to you Karyn, and your family, on your tremendous loss. Sajeevan sounds like he was full of life and love. You are blessed to have so many wonderful memories of him.
From your family at Citi, please accept our sympathies.
Krishna Maharaj
Dear Karyn and Shalini, your dad was one of Naparima’s finest guitarists. He participated at our talent show in the 1960’s. I lved opposite him on Westwood St and would boast with my friends that he lived opposite my house. At school he was a prefect and was always an inspiration to us lower form students. My deepest condolences to you both. The memories of him will remain alive in our hearts. He was a good citizen and son of the soil. May he rest in the Heavens untìl another soujourn on the Earth again. The soul is eternal and lives in bodies many times.