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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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/

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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.