David de Groot cremated at Memorial Gardens –after moving Thanksgiving Service
President Donald Ramotar signing the Book of Condolence yesterday for the late Mr David de Groot at the Memorial Gardens Crematorium, where a Thanksgiving Service was held before he was cremated
President Donald Ramotar signing the Book of Condolence yesterday for the late Mr David de Groot at the Memorial Gardens Crematorium, where a Thanksgiving Service was held before he was cremated

THE body of Mr. David de Groot, member of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL) and former Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Community Development in the Office of the Prime Minister, was yesterday cremated at Memorial Gardens Crematorium, Plantation Le Repentir, following a moving Thanksgiving Service for his life at the venue.The service was conducted by Pastor Lurlene James.

Among mourners and sympathizers joining the bereaved relatives in paying their last respects to Mr. de Groot, were President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Home Affairs and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Clement Rohee.
Mr. de Groot died last Tuesday after a period of illness. He was 83. He was born to Arthur Van Ryck and the late Gertice de Groot on May 3, 1932.
Among moving tributes, his substantial service in the following capacities was acknowledged: Member of the Board of Directors of the GNNL, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the President’s College; and past member of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation and past Secretary to the Guyana Cricket Board of Control.
In his tribute on behalf of himself and siblings, his eldest son, Nicholas de Groot remembered him as a wonderful husband and father, a man of dignity and honour who remained married and committed to his wife, Cheryl, for 44 years. In his words, “Loving her was paramount.”
By the same token, he loved and valued his children, spent quality time with them at work and play, and instilled in them organizational skills and values, which continue to shape their goals and pursuits in life.
As a politician, he was disciplined, committed, loyal and a force to be reckoned with. Nicholas recalls his father in his early political life, having had the distinct honour of dining with her Majesty the Queen of England on an official assignment.
Friend of 25 years, Bish Panday, with whom he worked on Guyana Cricket Board of Control (GBC), acknowledged his significant contribution to the Board, recalling that his meetings were always animated.
“He was a man of superior wisdom; always committed to doing something for his country or the organization he served without looking for any reward,” Panday said.
Meanwhile, Mr. de Groot was eulogized by his sister-in-law, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, as being an accomplished individual, and a nationalist who had his country at heart. He saw the development of his country as second to none, and was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. She recalled that he served on many Boards, and with distinction.
Mention was made of his significant contribution to the enhancement of the entities, through his visionary ideas, wise counsel and timely advice. And although he was preoccupied, he still found time to set up and manage his own business in plastic and packaging.
Ambassador Harper alluded to de Groot’s passion for writing, and his contribution to both the Guyana Chronicle on whose Board he served and the Weekend Mirror newspapers. He was also remembered for the programme ‘Radio Review’, which he hosted on the GBC during the 1990s.
Having initially served under the Burnham administration, he later adapted to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and in time became a strong supporter and remained committed to the time of his demise.
She described him as one who was resolute in his outlook, and never gave up in defending his ideas. She passionately recalled his contribution to President’s College as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and his intrinsic desire to see the institution remain one of the top schools in Guyana.
Mr. David de Groot will be missed by those whose lives he touched in diverse ways… and he will be missed for the spicy relationship he shared with his wife, Cheryl, she assured.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Mrs. Cheryl de Groot, six children and other relatives and friends.

 

 

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