Aaron Harripersad Koodoo

Aaron Harripersad Koodoo was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Aaron always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Aaron was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Aaron was born on September 6, 1941 at Lower Barrackpore in Lower Barrackpore, Trinidad. His parents were Koodoo Ramsahai and Mein. Aaron was raised in Lower Barrackpore, Trinidad. Always able to express himself well, Aaron possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Aaron was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Aaron was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Aaron was raised with 8. Joseph, Kaylo, Jonas, Bal, Hiraman, David, Jean, Joyce. Aaron had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Aaron showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Aaron enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in cricket and soccer.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Aaron was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Naparima College in 1960. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Jessica Lute.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Aaron. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Winnipeg in 1970. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters degree in Education in 1982. It took 8 years of part time school while working full time as a teacher at Red River to get his Masters degree.

      Friends and acquaintances found Aaron an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Aaron was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. After settling in Winnipeg, he became friends with Charles and Doris Baksh, Motie Singh, Jay and Judy Mustapha, Ray and Hazra Khan, Mahadeo and Marilyn Daulat, and Chris and Tara Nancoo.

      On December 21, 1969 Aaron exchanged wedding vows with Kamla Samsoondar at the Knox United Church of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Aaron was attentive to Kamla's feelings, and he charmed Kamla and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Aaron was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Aaron identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Aaron was blessed with 2 sons Stanley and Solomon. He was also blessed with three grandchildren, Athena, Adia and Angelo.

      Aaron was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Aaron’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Aaron was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Aaron could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was instructor. He was employed for 41 years by Red River Collegiate.

      Aaron enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were reading and leading service at church on occasion. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Aaron was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Aaron played cricket and soccer. In his college years, Aaron continued to stay active by continuing with soccer and cricket. Recreational sports included golf. Aaron was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf, hockey, football and pro wrestling.

      Aaron was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Aaron worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Aaron was an active member of the Windians Cricket Club and Caritoba Golf Club.

Aaron earned numerous awards over the course of his life - in 1985 he was awarded Soccer Coach of the Year for leading Solomon's team to a 10-5 record. In 2003 he was given an award by the Red River College Student Association for "Commitment to Developing Instruction of the Highest Quality."

      Aaron held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member at the Crestview United Church for nearly 50 years. During that time, he was involved in many church committees and would lead services on occasion.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Aaron truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included Cancun, Mexico, and travelling to the Holy Lands.

      When Aaron’s retirement finally came in January 3, 2014, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending more time golfing.

      Aaron passed away on July 27, 2022 at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Aaron had two subdural hematomas in a short period of time that lead to his death. He is survived by his sons, Stanley and Solomon; his grandchildren Athena, Adia and Angelo; his sister Jean. Services were held at Thomson In The Park. Aaron was laid to rest in Thomson In The Park.

      Aaron was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Aaron had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Aaron Harripersad Koodoo.

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Remembered With Love

Aaron was born to humble beginnings in the village of Lower Barrackpore, Trinidad on September 6, 1941. He was the 5th of 11 children.

He was educated in Trinidad and started teaching at the age of 20 where he taught from 1961-1966. He was involved in the religious education of children and also involved in the development of sports teams (cricket and soccer).

In 1966 he was accepted to the United College in Winnipeg and followed his older brother’s lead to leave Trinidad and come to Canada. He worked very hard to get his Canadian Grade 12 credits and worked for CN Rail to support himself. He supported his fiancé Kamla (nee Samsoondar) to join him in 1967. They married in 1968. He completed his Certificate in Education in 1972 and began working as a teacher at Red River College in the Adult Education Department. He completed his Masters in Education in 1982. He remained at the College for 41 years before retiring as the Chair of Construction and Trades.

Aaron had a strong faith and was a regular member of the Crestview United Church. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed soccer and cricket in his younger years and golf later in life.

Aaron passed peacefully on July 27, 2022 at the Health Sciences Centre. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the caring staff at the Health Sciences Centre and Concordia Hospital who provided care for him in the last month of his life.

He is survived by his loving family, sons, Stanley and Solomon, daughters-in-law Katarzyna and Sabrina, and grandchildren Athena, Adia and Angelo.

A memorial service for Aaron will be held at Thomson “In the Park” 1291 McGillivray Blvd on Thursday August 18, 2022 at 10 am. To view the service online please follow this link: https://youtu.be/_MrRtSIyKTw