David Maharaj

Sadly, our family announces that David has passed away peacefully at River Park Gardens on Monday, July 27, 2015. We have grieved the gradual loss of Dave over the past 15 years and now find peace in his freedom. He has completed his life journey and is released from all pain and suffering.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Dianne, his daughters Robyn(Thomas) and Alison(Trevor), his sister Bado Ramdeen in Toronto, brothers Kenrick(Jean), Dipnarine(Jacqueline) and aunt Pari(Laker) of Florida, brothers Krishna(Sheila), Capil(Mala) in Trinidad, and sisters-in-law Gloria in England and Tara in Trinidad, as well as numerous nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his parents Sieujattan and Poptie Maharaj, his brothers Indar and Vishnu, his sister Doy Vincent, and his nephew Roger.

In our hearts he will be sadly missed, remembered always, and loved forever.

David was born in Esperance Village, Trinidad, West Indies on February 12, 1936 but lived in Palmyra Village. He attended San Fernando Boys School and Naparima College. With the support of his siblings and parents-who valued a good education- he left Trinidad for Canada to pursue his education and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1958. In those early years as a student, Dave was able to explore his new home country via CNR; working to pay living and school expenses.

He attended United College (The University of Winnipeg) before transferring to the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1962 with a B.A. After meeting at the university dance in 1963, David and Dianne married on June 26, 1965. He later completed a B.Ed. at the University of Saskatchewan and a M.Ed. at the University of Manitoba. He worked as a social worker in Lakeshore before beginning work as a teacher at Stony Mountain Penitentiary as well as many schools including Marymound Youth Social Services Organization and school divisions such as Lakeshore, Seine River, and St. James Assiniboia where he began a life-long passion and focus on the education of children and youth with special needs.

When his health was good, Dave enjoyed reading about WWII history, civil rights and home and car repair. He also loved working on cars, watching classic war and espionage movies, swimming, shopping for tools and car parts, attending Folkorama, and holidays with Dianne and the girls. Dave also looked forward to getting together with “the boys” for Caribbean cooks as a way of keeping in touch with friends. While working fulltime and raising a busy family, he also continued his education in pursuit of a PhD in Education as a part-time student.

The family invites you to join them in a service to both celebrate of his life and say goodbye at 2:00pm on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities – Youth Programs, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5 or to a charity of your choice.

Many thanks to Homecare and staff at West Park Manor and River Park Gardens for their dedicated care over the years.