top of page

Rennie Sookram

Image by Nick Andréka

RENNIE "RENE" SOOKRAM

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother, uncle, and great friend Rennie (Rene) Sookram.  Rennie passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

Celebrating his 61 years of life are his siblings, Leechan (Cynthia), Bharat (Dorothy), Pat, and Tara; nieces and nephews, Ryan, Leanne, Melanie (John), Chad (Adrienne), Melissa (Ross), and Candace (Mike); many great-nieces and nephews; devout friends, Steve, Bev, Wade, and Penny and many other caring friends.  He was predeceased by his mother Paula; his father James; and his brothers, Ralph and Cocoal.

Rennie was born in Trinidad and immigrated to Canada in 1970 with his family.  After attending school in Winnipeg, he worked for a concrete construction company, and continued to work in various construction trades over his lifetime.  Rennie was devoted to learning and understanding the bible, and he dedicated his life to helping others including faith-based groups in the West End, charitable organizations and troubled youth counselling to name just a few.  Rennie was a warm, kind, selfless and thoughtful man who always offered kind words of support to anyone. He used what he learned out of his own life experiences to help guide and lead others onto the right path.  Anyone who knew Rennie knows that he had a heart of gold, and he truly leaves a void in all the lives he has touched but we are all better people for knowing him.  You will always be in our hearts; we love you and we miss you.

 

Rennie had many close friends who shared these words: Saying goodbye to a dear friend, who was known for spreading kindness and love.  He was an extraordinary human being who was equally at home with church folk as he was under bridges with his friends on the street.  He persevered in hardship and was studious in his beloved scripture.  His hands on approach and hearty laughter endeared him to many people.  He had close connections with residents at Lion’s Manor, as well as faith groups in the West End – Living Bible Explorers, Calvary Temple, Agape Table, City Church, Lazarus and Nehemiah Housing (New Life Ministries), and Watershed.  He will be greatly missed. 

The family would like to extend a Special Thank You to Pastor Tim Nielsen for officiating, to Wade and Penny for all their assistance, and to Shane from Ethical Death Care for all of his guidance.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rennie (Rene) Sookram to Naomi House City Church Refuge:  https://naomihouse.info or Agape Table Inc. https://www.agapetable.ca/

Cremaiton has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at City Church, 484 Maryland Avenue, 11:00 am.  Following Provincial guidelines, proof of vaccination will be required to attend the service, and masks are mandated while in the Church.  Interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

7 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)
Select up to 5 photos

Dennis Devey

February 4, 2024 at 6:47 AM

I’m am shocked to read this now.  Rene lived with me and worked with me for 3 years when he was 33-36 years old.  He was an amazing man of god wise in such a deep way/. Yet a child still in so many others .  I moved away and had not known how to reach him for the last 18 years.   I so wanted to know of his journey again.  If you knew Rene in the last 10 years of his life please contact me to chat.  I can be reached at 647-381-3733. Dennis Devey ( Ontario, canada)

fiona thiessen

November 9, 2021 at 10:08 AM

my heart aches for the pain that death brings to those who love.   but my heart rejoices to think of rene and steve catching up in heaven right now.  glory!   fiona thiessen 

Jared

November 9, 2021 at 9:14 AM

I worked with Rene at Lazarus Housing for a number of years. He was kind, easy to work with, and modeled his new-found life by always finding opportunities to spread kindness and teach the word of god to others. Since working together, we stayed in touch over the years by either catching up when we would see each other on the street, on the phone, or periodically going out for coffee. He will certainly be missed. My condolences to his close friends and family… ❤

Agnes

November 9, 2021 at 3:37 AM

❤Dear Tara... Bud,  My deepest condolences to you, and, your family... on the passing of your dearest baby brother "Rene".  His work was completed, and now, he is resting as promised, at Peace in Heaven, but, will forever be present in your hearts❤❤  Sleep In Peace Rennie!

Paul Patterson

November 6, 2021 at 11:56 AM

While I have not known Rene long, every bit of the moving video and the obituary rang true to my fleeting perceptions of him. He was exactly that kind of character. He has honoured both his God and others through his cross-shaped life. Under the Mercy, Brother Paul 

Carla

November 6, 2021 at 10:41 AM

My condolences to the family , I remember Rennie he was a young teen .  He loved his family especially his nieces and nephews .  Rest In Peace 

Annette

November 5, 2021 at 5:30 PM

Tara.. my dear friend, My condolences to you and your family. Your brother Rennie will always hold a special place in your heart and thoughts. Love you my girl  Annette 
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page