During his lifetime, pan icon Dr Jit Sukha Samaroo straddled the “delicate balance between dreamer and practical man.”
This, according to his daughter Amrita in a moving tribute read by Hollick Rajkumar during his delivery of the eulogy at the Service of Comfort in solemn remembrance of the life and work of Samaroo, held at the Aramalaya Presbyterian Church on Cochrane Street in Tunapuna, yesterday afternoon.
“He was a father who was firm but compassionate, a God-fearing man who respected all religions, and a man who faced adversity with courage,” she added in the tribute.
Samaroo was 65 years old when he died.
A close friend of Samaroo for more than 36 years, Rajkumar also made reference to other tributes from friends inclusive of Mark Lochan, Ainsworth Mohammed, Ray Holman, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Michael Marcano, and Sonilal Samaroo who all commented on Samaroo’s penchant for hard work, his disciplined lifestyle, and commitment to family.
“Jit was a proud Trinidadian who always referred to himself as a panman,” said Rajkumar.
“Pan was his life. He had no hobbies, played no sports, and mentored many pan players who have today become recognised pannists in their own rights.”
He contended that the Samaroo Jets Steel Orchestra formed in the early years of his life was “the laboratory” that tested Samaroo’s musical abilities.
Attending the service was President Anthony Carmona who, on arrival, was greeted by Samaroo family members with whom he spent some time in whispered conversation before taking his place in the church’s front pew.
During the procession of the cortege up the aisle, champion steelband music arranger Duvone Stewart rendered a pan solo of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, after which there were readings from the scriptures, followed by the congregation joining in singing the hymn How Great Thou Art.
Fitzroy Gajar and Camille Bassie read the Lessons after which Boogsie rendered his interpretation of the Mighty Sparrow’s Memories.
President of Pan Trinbago Keith Diaz and Presbyterian Minister Rev Daniel Teelucksingh also gave tributes, telling of the individual experiences they shared with Samaroo during his lifetime.
In delivering the sermon, Rev Harold Sitahal said both Samaroo and the steelpan instrument were holy revolutionaries that defied the odds of their origin to become celebrated worldwide.
The Samaroo family, in a message on the printed programme, expressed sincere appreciation and thanks to all who helped in any manner during their time of need.
Following the service, the body was taken to the Surrey Village Cemetery on Lopinot Road for burial.