Michael Oscar

Today we gather to honor the life of Michael Oscar, born on July 11, 1949, in Port Mourant, Guyana. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family and among many cousins who helped shape his early years. He was the eldest child of Nellie Somrah and Oscar Kanhai, and the protective, guiding older brother to Norma, Rudolph, and Randolph, all of whom have since passed. From the beginning, he carried a quiet strength and a natural wisdom that made him someone others looked up to. At 17 years old, he embraced his calling as a teacher — a role that became one of the great foundations of his life. He taught with patience, intelligence, and heart at the schools of Alness, Cove and John, and Skeldon Anglican, inspiring multiple generations of students. His mind was sharp, curious, and always thinking forward. On December 25th, 1972, he married his beloved, Usha, beginning their lifelong partnership built on devotion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Together they raised three beautiful children — Angelique, Sherry, and Derek, who were the pride of his life. His family grew to include six grandchildren, Christopher, Tracy, Cristina, Joseph, Kimberly, and Cristian, as well as two great-grandchildren, Michael and Abel, each of whom he cherished deeply. Seeking greater opportunities for his family, Michael and Usha moved to French Guyana, where he worked in the mines to build a better life. Through determination and skill, he rose to leadership and earned deep respect for his discipline, decision-making, and work ethic. His perseverance eventually opened the door to new possibilities in the United States, where he later brought his family. With the help of a cousin, Michael arrived in South Carolina and began rebuilding his life, working at Ryan’s Restaurant as he took his first steps in a new country. From there, he moved to New York — the place he would call home for the rest of his life — working various industrial jobs to give his family stability, security, and the opportunities he had always envisioned. He was a man who loved his family — including his loyal dog Randy, and the many dogs who came before: Romeo, Ralph, Ringo, and George. Every creature, every person, every moment mattered to him. To his family, he was our supporter, our superhero, and our confidant. He was intelligent, respectful, honest, and a truly beautiful soul, with a quiet strength that we knew we could always count on. He made time for everyone, making each one of us feel seen, valued, accepted, and supported. He also made sure we knew he was always one phone call away. Michael was an artist in every sense — a writer, a video maker, a dancer, a lover of music and of life itself. Creativity flowed through him naturally, and he shared it generously. He was remarkably resourceful and always ahead of his time, whether he was solving problems, fixing anything placed in front of him, or thriving with new technology. Michael also loved attending horse races at Belmont Park, Aqueduct, and Off-Track Betting locations, a pastime that brought him excitement, laughter, and many friends over the years. He lived with purpose, loved without hesitation, and gave without limit. His legacy is not only in the memories we hold, but in the people we have become because of him. Though he has left this world, he will never leave us. His presence remains in every lesson he taught, every dream he encouraged, and every moment he made brighter.

Michael Oscar

July 11, 1949 - August 7, 2026