Eulogy deliver by his sister Susan Benjamin-Mlynarczuk
“My journey was short but sweet” was the last comprehensible sentence Trevor Benjamin spoke to his mother, Ancilla Benjamin. This is just like Trevor to give his Mom such an honourable goodbye. Trevor has always been that very thoughtful and caring son!
As a young child, Trevor grew up under the care of his grandmother Virginia Benjamin (Ms Sim) and the watchful eyes of his mother, Ancilla, and father, the late Kenneth Benjamin. He was groomed at a very young age to prepare for a life in the family business. After the death of his grandmother, Trevor's father took control of the business and encouraged all of his children to participate and support its progress. After the death of his father, Trevor took the reign as head of the family and the business—Benji Bakery (over 100 years old) located at Guaico Tamana Road, Sangre Grande—with his Mom and sister Ingrid at his side.
Trevor was truly the quintessential man; an example of a man who many would love to emulate. Trevor connected and formed lasting bonds with all. Be it the two-year-old coming to the bakery or the 90-year-old—age was never a factor when expressing that overwhelming love he held in his heart. Trevor did not have any children of his own, but many kids came calling—not daddy, but “Uncle Trevor.” Parents were left in wonder, how their children attached so naturally to him. As my neighbour Indra Ojah-Maharaj reminded me recently, “Trevor was the Santa Claus for all the children of Guaico.”
Friends meant the world to Trevor. Those like Brahma, Roslyn, Tara, Seeta and Billy, Vidia and Mitra, the Indois, the nursing staff of Sangre Grande Dialysis Unit including Ms Cheressa Stewart, his dialysis mates like Gillian and Ann Marie, and many more have been the staple of joy and support in Trevor's everyday life.
As a brother to his seven siblings, Trevor was always at the centre of the family's controversies but somehow he managed to maintain his role as big brother and peacemaker in the family. Trevor's absence will truly be felt. His influence will continue to connect his family especially in moving ahead. That's the kind of example Trevor set for his brothers and sisters. He never let an opportunity go by to express his gratitude for their presence in his life.
Trevor witnessed his parents living their daily contribution to humanity and he proudly picked up the baton of this tradition to the very end. Trevor lived each day in service of others—turning no one away. His generosity extended to all neighbouring communities and beyond—in places like police stations to community groups, hospitals, churches and numerous other institutions and individuals. Gone is a man with a bold spirit and a gentle soul.
Trevor lived a meaningful life—dusting his sparkles along our paths and enlightening all with wonder! This was a humble man—a gentle soul in a big body. Many have shared in Trevor's journey in what he considers as his “short but sweet life”. For this, the Benjamin family is eternally grateful. Remember your Trevor for who he was, you created the man, you created his legacy.
Special thanks to Dr Morgan Basanta, Dr Murlin Leelah, Dr Joel Teelucksingh, doctors and nurses at Ward 6 of the Sangre Grande Hospital and the Dialysis Unit at the hospital.