Robert Dookie, aged 70, passed away peacefully on April 26th, 2024.

He was born in the rural village of Ecclesville, Rio Claro to Rebecca and Matthew Dookie on August 12th, 1953. Fondly called “Danny” or “Brown” by his close family and friends, he spent most of his life in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago where he cultivated lifelong friendships and cherished memories. “Brown” was the nickname he got after a famous footballer, but more about his football prowess later.

To me though, his one and only daughter Chantal, he was simply Daddy.

Daddy also leaves to mourn his cherished grandchildren Josiah and Mila, his three surviving sisters - Venice (Jessie), Marina (Annie) and Lorna and two brothers - Joseph and Kelvin.

He was the last child of 11 siblings - 5 brothers and 6 sisters. He, however grew up with Kelvin and Lorna as the others were much older and had already started high school or were busy working to earn a living. All his surviving siblings, though, spoke of the fun times growing up, the jokes they all shared and the memories made when those who migrated, were able to visit the family home on special occasions. He often spoke of the good old days when the family got together at Easter and Christmas with Ma and Pa. His big brother Joseph shared that he would carry him to secondary school daily and one day he reported to his mother that he saw Danny by the bar with his friends after school. Of course, being the last child, his mother didn’t scold him.

Daddy lived a fulfilling life defined by God, love, laughter and resilience. Circumstances in life led him closer to God and he was known to have read the bible cover to cover at least 3 times. A pillar of strength in times of adversity, he faced challenges with courage and grace, inspiring others to do the same. One of my earliest childhood memories is of him sitting on his bed , saying his prayers daily, every morning and night at the same time. One of his favourites that he talked to me about at an early age was Psalm 27.

He was remembered as a jolly happy soul, who gave freely and helped those in need. My cousin Jenny shared that he would sit for hours and chat, but you had to be a good listener and not interrupt him or ask any questions. She especially enjoyed the times he stopped to see her when he passed on his way to his brother, Kelvin’s house. He once shared with her that she reminded him of Nani, his mother as she often offered him something to carry or eat.

The story continues as when he left Jenny’s he visited the family home where he spent time with his brother Kelvin, Sabita, Valarie and later Kendra and Olivia. My cousin Valarie especially remembered the Sunday visits when he brought the newspaper and they would read the comics and jokes. He always had a joke or a trick question to ask. They would always go looking for fruits to make a chow, a skill she later developed on her own. One year they ate so much green mango chow together Valarie ended up in the health center and after that they didn’t do it as often.

He was like a dad to Val. They would play football, cricket, and make kites out of book pages. She enjoyed every minute with him. He spent time with her kids (Kendra and Olivia), and he never treated them differently. Kendra remembered how he would play board games with her, and then they would fall out with each other. She also remembered how he would pass gas and then jokingly ask if she did it, or his famous line “who did that?” Truth be told, he did that with all of us.

“Uncle Danny” always had a witty remark when he was asked anything, like if he was asked if he ate beef, he would say only when he gets it, or if he was asked if he wants a piece of cake, he would say you, asking answers man. Sometimes when he hung out with us and we passed him with a plate of anything, he would wipe his hand together and say “aye that's for me”.

Valarie shared, “I would really miss him. I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend more time with him as I got older, I also know my kids missed out a lot with him too.”

His Ecclesville chronicles continued further down the road as he was identified as the first and long standing client of my Aunt Sabita’s hairdressing business situated in the family home. Years later, when she succeeded in the business, he reminded her of how she started off with him, so she always made time for him. She said she enjoyed their long conversations together even though he was a very private person and didn't like anyone asking him too many questions. He would do the asking and telling. She said he taught her how to mix the different provisions to make a soup and she didn’t know that could be done. Up to this day, she still makes soup this way with a mix of provisions.

In 1975, he was a groomsman at his sister Lorna’s wedding. Soon after, he left Ecclesville for greener pastures and moved in with the newlyweds in Laventille. There, he spent a lot of time with his brother in law Renison playing savannah cricket and excelling at football, a feat he boasted about to me. His good friend Ralphie and his cousin from Diego Martin would show him the lay of the land in Port-of-Spain often participating in carnival, going to fetes and playing sports and cards. In those days he was an avid card player and followed the horse races. In the later years, he tried his luck at play whe and often recommended “marks” and discussed with his siblings what mark to play whenever he or they dreamt.

He was a dapper dresser and enjoyed looking his best all the time, but that never changed his personality as he was a down to earth humble guy. You can see in the slideshow today, although he loved to look good, he preferred to take photos showing his “better” side and looking away from the camera.

He often travelled to his sister Lorna’s residence in Freeport and spent many weekends with the family especially his nieces Renata (myself) and Liandra while enjoying his sister’s home cooked food. On his last trip to Trinidad, he and Renata (I) often shared time driving to massage appointments, going to the doctor and just talking about what went on in both our days - him while at home and her (me) while at work. My cousin Liandra shared “ I would always remember Uncle Danny as being funny and always trying to make us laugh. Last year for his birthday, I messaged to wish him happy birthday” and he replied, “Hi. Everything is fine, I am good. Just going to the zoo to visit the family”. He was quiet but always had a witty remark.

He joined his daughter and grandchildren in Boston for a few years. During this time he and Josiah grew closer on afternoon trips from school to home, playing soccer and basketball in the backyard and helping him with his homework. Jo especially remembered playing nerf guns with him in the kitchen. He helped with his newborn granddaughter and often attended doctor’s appointments. As they both grew older, he shared many outings to the beach, zoo and the park making special memories with them. They will miss him dearly. My most recent memory with dad is watching the recent partial solar eclipse together with him. We sat outside with our special solar glasses and watched the weather change from warm to cold as the sun was mostly covered. Daddy was amazed and happy he got to experience this once in a lifetime event.

His sister Annie shared “It’s been the hardest thing to lose you. But the memories I have of you will never fade growing up as children. You remain a part of me. I will miss your jokes and those sent on whatsapp. God has called you to be in a better place, you no longer have anymore pain and no more suffering. I will cherish the memories growing up and all the times we spent together. I will hold them closely to my heart, for now until we meet again.”

As a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather and a friend - you will be cherished with memories indelibly printed in our hearts forever.

Robert Dookie, may your soul rest in perfect peace.

Till we meet again Daddy, I love you.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, at 11 o'clock. Visiting Hour 10 - 11 am. Interment Private.