This year, my family is honoured to share the story of my late husband, a beloved father, uncle and brother — Lall Persaud. He was and is, the thread that weaves the fabric of our family together and his life and legacy continues to inspire us.

Lall was both kind-spirited and kind-hearted. He was a man who had a deep love for his family and Community. After arriving in Canada from Guyana in 1991, he built a life in Cambridge and together we raised two wonderful children—Elicia and Jordan (both born at Cambridge Memorial).

As Lall’s wife, I am very proud that his joy came from helping others. Whether through his skilled work as a master mechanic or his remarkable gift for writing. The family knew “If you gave him a sentence, he could write a book!”

When troubling symptoms began—a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and lingering congestion—Lall tirelessly sought answers. It was an emergency room doctor at Cambridge Memorial Hospital who took decisive
action, running tests that ultimately led to the life-altering diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

True to his character, Lall faced this news with strength and determination, learning as much as he could and sharing his knowledge with others. Like so many other people facing a cancer diagnosis, he become an expert on his disease and an advocate for improved
treatments in our Community.

Lall was always generous and though it was hard for him to accept help, he did so with grace. Even as he battled his illness, he continued to protect our family from the worst. In December 2023, Lall travelled to Guyana to fulfill his father’s last wish to be cremated there. This journey took a heavy physical toll on him.

Even as his health declined, Lall ever resourceful, found ways to hide it. He grew a beard to make his face look fuller after losing weight–because that was Lall, always trying to find a way to make things seem better.

He turned his love for cricket into a way to raise funds for Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He took great pride in these efforts, and each visit to the Foundation office brought him quiet joy. Lall was a humble, unassuming man, but the deep fulfillment he felt from giving back was clear to everyone—a side of him that touched us all. He inspired the entire family.

Looking back, I find myself wondering if I should have asked more questions, spent more time with Lall during his cancer treatments or done things differently. He often shielded us from the full extent of his illness, leaving us unprepared for his passing in January of this year. In his final moments, Lall was surrounded by family at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, with me by his side, holding his hand. I believe this is exactly how he would have wanted it.

Lall inspired us with his commitment to supporting Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He never left a job half-done. After his passing and in that same spirit, we took up his work to raise additional funds with the support of family, friends, and with the help of his beloved cricket community.

While his loss this past January has left a profound void in our family’s lives, we find solace in the love and memories he left behind which will carry us through this upcoming holiday season. Our first without him.

Light Up Lives This Holiday Season

This holiday season my family encourages you to turn your cherished memories into a powerful force for good—lighting the way for those in our Community who need it most. Write the name of the person you wish to honour on the enclosed sticker and return it with your donation to Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation, using the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

Your donation will directly support the many essential services provided by Cambridge Memorial Hospital—services that were vital to Lall throughout his journey.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity during this special season of caring. Lall would be humbled to know that his story is inspiring others to give and make a difference in the Community he loved.

With warmest regards,

Kumarie, Lall’s Wife

and the Persaud & Pooran Families