Obituary of (Holly) John Nelson RAMDIAL

June 20, 1934 - San Fernando, Trinidad

January 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Holly Ramdial, beloved husband of Lynette Ramdial (Chankersingh), and father of Sharon Rose Ishmael, of Calgary, AB, passed away very peacefully, on Monday, January 27, 2020, at 4:10 PM, at the age of 85 years.

Holly was born on June 20, 1934, in San Fernando, Trinidad, to Sidney and Mary Cordelia Ramdial (nee Imambaksh).  He married Lynette, the love of his life in 1958.  He graduated from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad with a Bachelor of Science Degree, with Honors, in Management Studies. He, Lynette and Sharon immigrated to Canada in 1975. He was called to the ministry while working as a full-time, professional accountant in 1958. He continued both vocations until his retirement. 

Holly’s life has impacted many, inspiring, challenging and provoking change of minds and hearts.  He enjoyed playing and watching sports.  His love of music has been a constant throughout his life.

Besides his loving wife Lynette, and daughter Sharon, Holly is survived by his sisters, Mary Shand (Everard) and Selma Ballosingh (d. Winston). He is also survived by Tony Ishmael, father of grandchildren, Shane Ishmael (Saira), Kaylin Jackson (Justin), and great-grandson, Gabriel Alexander Ishmael; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Holly was predeceased by his brother George (Nell Ramdial) and sister Jenny Radhay (Rolph).

Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.  Tribute Reception to follow in the Hospitality Center at the Funeral Home. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Mustard Seed, www.theseed.ca, or to the Calgary Drop-In  Centre, www.calgarydropin.ca. Those wishing to submit video-tributes (no longer then one minute in length), may send them directly to Sharon Ishmael. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Holly’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com

A tree will be planted in living memory of Holly Ramdial. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.