Deowraj Ramrattan's Obituary
Deowraj Ramrattan (Chimanlall Sookchan), age 77, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, with his family by his bedside.
Deowraj was born on March 29, 1949, in 45 Village, Corentyne Berbice, Guyana, South America, to his parents, Mangree and Ramrattan Sookchan. He graduated from Corentyne High School and later migrated to Montreal, Canada, in March 1972. There, he worked as a Supervisor/Machine Press Operator at Dometal. In July 1989, he moved to Tampa, Florida, where he worked as a window manufacturer at Jacobson’s Window Company.
While these accomplishments were meaningful, none compared to how deeply Deowraj (Ram) valued his family and friends. A chance encounter on a plane traveling from Guyana to Canada led him to meet the love of his life, Shanta Cumari Devi Sukhnandan. Their meeting blossomed into a marriage that spanned 53+years. Together, they raised two daughters, Kathy and Anita, whom Deowraj cherished dearly.
He loved cricket, fishing, and enjoyed soca and calypso music especially the dancing. He also enjoyed being outdoors, planting flowers, and connecting with neighbors in the community. He was always ready to lend a helping hand—whether fixing sprinklers, giving lollipops to children who lovingly knew him as “Uncle Ram,” or sharing fruits like starfruit and papayas from his garden.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shanta; his two daughters, Kathy (son-in-law: Christopher) Paul and Anita Ramrattan; his grandson, Damian Paul; and his great-grandson, Yazi Paul. He is also survived by his sisters, Ghourie, Kala, and Muda; his “sons” Kumal Singh and family, Omesh Dhaness and family, and Sona Sukhnandan (his brother-in-law, who looked up to him as a father); his mother-in law, Phulmatee (Betty) Sukhnandan as well as many cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He will also be remembered by his childhood friends, Balo (wife Bibi( Bowgee) Sukhdeo, Kumar (wife Baby) Ramsarup, and the late Priam (wife Pearl) Dhanraj.
Deowraj had a warm and generous heart and was always there for anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A wake to celebrate Deowraj (Chimanlall, “Uncle Ram”)’s life, share stories, and offer remarks will be held on Friday, April 10, from 6:00–9:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 9:30 AM at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity, FL 34655.
To view the visitation online head to the website below:
https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/XAEJLR
To view the service online head to the website below:
What’s your fondest memory of Deowraj?
What’s a lesson you learned from Deowraj?
Share a story where Deowraj's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Deowraj you’ll never forget.
How did Deowraj make you smile?
