Kenwyn Dyalchand Rattan

Ken/Kenny Rattan 83, passed away on June 19, 2025 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, surrounded by his wife and three children. Born in 1941 in Tunapuna,Trinidad, Ken was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Gyany and a loving father to Kevin (Yasmeen), Charlene (Claude) and Ricardo (Veronica). He was also a cherished Grandfather to Taeryn, Aliyah, Keeran, Kaiden, Johnathan and 4-legged fur baby Milo.

Ken is survived by his wife whom he adored for 62 years, sisters Shirley and Omela, and brother Dipchand. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Jean Rattan, and Brothers, Carl, Rudy, and Krishna.

Ken moved to Winnipeg from Trinidad in 1964 with his wife Gyany to continue his studies in Business at Success Career College. Ken and his wife were the pioneers and first to bring Caribbean food to Winnipeg by opening the Hummingbird Restaurant in 1970 on Broadway Avenue. Ken then shifted gears, went into Real Estate, and opened his own company called Rattan Realty and Insurance Agency.

Ken was heavily involved in the Caribbean Community in Winnipeg and was instrumental in the building of the Cari-Cana Hall on Clifton Street in the 80’s. Ken, his wife & children ran many components of Folklorama at the Cari-Cana Caribbean Pavilion at Grant Park High School. He was also on the Executive committees for the Indo-Caribbean and Cari-Toba Associations.

Long before the introduction of food trucks in Winnipeg in the early 1990’s, Ken, his wife and family opened the first Caribbean Food Truck called Roti on Wheels which was located on Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba and was part of many Caribbean festivals. They were the pioneers of the food truck industry.

In the mid 90’s Ken, his wife and two sons moved to St. Lucia where they ran three successful businesses; a mobile food truck called Roti on Wheels, a sit-down restaurant in the Marina called Trinidad Roti King and a Bed & Breakfast.

In 1998 Ken and his wife moved to Trinidad, built a home and Ken continued his Real Estate Business.

In 2007 Ken and his wife returned to Winnipeg, Manitoba to be with their children and grandchildren and settled in St. Vital.

Ken was known for his passion for gardening, beautiful flowers, food, and his love for entertaining friends. He also loved music and was a DJ who played at many Caribbean social events. Ken and his wife were the first to start the Winnipeg Caribbean New Year’s Eve parties which was held at a hall on Taché Avenue and continued having New Year’s Eve parties over the years at his home on Riverbend Avenue. Ken’s legacy is one of caring, compassion, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Since Ken moved to Canada from Trinidad he was a Blood Donor to the Canadian Red Cross and donated 74 times.

As Ken always quoted “when your number is called…you have to go!”

A private family memorial service has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in his memory.