Ronald lived a life influenced by four distinct lands, having been born in Balham, England on
May 25 th , 1965 to Marjorie Hinds (Blackman) of Trinidad and Tobago, and Ricardo Blackman of
Barbados. At two years old, Ronald migrated to the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and
Tobago to live with his grandparents, Philip and Thelma Hinds, and there developed a close
relationship with his aunt, Esmee, along his cousin, Edwin, who was also residing there at the
time. Once he became of school age, he attended the Barataria Boys' Roman Catholic School,
which was literally a stone's throw away from his grandparents' Barataria home; and after
successfully passing the national Common Entrance exam, Ronald went on to attend the San
Juan Government Secondary School, where he excelled academically.
After completing his secondary school education, in August 1983, Ronald began new and
exciting chapter in his life, migrating to the United States at the age of 18 to be reunited with
his mother, Marjorie who had moved from England to pursue her nursing career in New York
City. Always well spoken, it was no surprise that he would eventually be enrolled into the New
York Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English; and while
attending college, he was proudly initiated into Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. On April 21 st , 1985, six
brothers, including Ronald, crossed the "burning sands" to become members of this great
fraternal brotherhood – one in which he held multiple leadership positions, both while as a
student and as a professional.
Upon completion of his Bachelor's degree, Ronald's career included the co-ownership of a DJ
company known as Jam Mix Productions. He also worked for several years as
telecommunication giant, Verizon, as a Customer Service Representative and enjoyed what he
did. While residing in New York, Ronald reconnected with his childhood friend Natasha Simon,
who originally lived around the corner from the Hinds home in Barataria. The two eventually
began dating and their liking for each other blossomed into love, and on September 27 th , 1997,
they were married. Four years later, in July of 2001, the Natasha and Ronald relocated to
Maryland where their son, Nakeem, was born as a Valentine's Day gift on February 14 th 2006.
Two years onward, the family headed southward towards the warmer climate of Florida,
settling down in Orland in 2008. As the years passed, both Ronald and Nakeem grew closer,
enjoying each other's company and shared a common love for history and karate, which they
talked about frequently.
Extremely intelligent and articulate, Ronald was a man of diverse tastes and passions. He was a
lover of music, especially classical, calypso and soca – and was particularly fond of "Woman On
The Bass" by Scrunter. Having grown up in Trinidad and Tobago, and especially growing up in
the Hinds household, it's not surprising that he too followed in the tradition of playing steelpan
with Starlift Steel Orchestra, having competed with the steelband for Panorama in the late
1970s. As a youth, Ronald enjoyed playing cricket and football. Was he any good at them? Well,
the debate is still out…but one thing is for sure – he definitely enjoyed playing them; and as he
got older, he continued to watch games whenever he could. He also enjoyed dominoes with
friends; and one day, was introduced to the game of paintball, immediately falling in love with
the excitement of action-packed shootouts with friends and strangers at the range. If you've
ever gotten shot with a paintball, you'd immediately realise how much Ronald HAD TO love the
pastime to keep playing. Trust me, it's NOT for everyone.
Ronald was also a big fan of sci-fi shows and movies, and in fact, was an avid Trekkie…a follower
of the Star Trek series, and was actually a member of a Star Trek Fan Club, attending numerous
conventions and meetings on the series, and had a significant influence on his younger cousin,
Stefan's love for the series and genre. One of Stefan's most cherished memories of Ronald was
being picked up and carried back home by him through the pouring rain of a New York
thunderstorm in 1983 after they both went to the movies to watch Star Wars Return of the
Jedi.
Yes, Ronald was a lover of many things…and one of them was his belly – although you'd never
have guessed it looking at his wiry frame in his childhood photos. He could often be seen
"destroying" some doubles, aloo pies and many other Trinbagonian delicacies. He always
enjoyed a good Sunday meal, and regularly wolfed down Natasha's happily prepared
combination of macaroni pie, callaloo, white or saffron rice, stewed chicken, red beans, potato
salad and sweet plantains. His favourite drink was Pepsi, but he didn't mind a good, cold Carib
Beer or a Sorrel or Ginger Shandy. After a meal, you'd often hear Ronald express his pleasure in
his best Trini voice:"Oh darlin', yuh eh bet yuh outdid yuhself again!" along with another of his
popular phrases: "Food supposed to soothe the palette, not grab the throat."
Although ill, Ronald continued to express his love and appreciation for the support shown by
Natasha and Nakeem, his mother Marjorie and his aunt, Esmee. While his life was shaped by
four countries: England, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the United States, Ronald loved the
twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and hoped to have returned to the place he truly called
home one day. He precedes his mother, Marjorie and father, Ricardo, and leaves behind his
lifelong supporter, friend and confidante, Natasha; his sons, William Lysaght (in Colorado) and
Nakeem Blackman, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, fraternity brothers and
friends.
While he is gone in body, rest assured that Ronald Blackman is still with each and every one us,
living on in our hearts and minds. Those we truly love never leave us. His legacy lives on in his
sons and although he called Trinidad and Tobago his home, I believe that today he is resting in
the eternal paradise that is indeed his true home above all homes…heaven.
I also believe that if Ronald could speak to us right now, he'd say it's okay to cry…it's okay to be
sad. But also, remember this: Grief never ends. But it changes. It is a passage, not a place to
stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.
For those wishing to attend virtually please click this link at the time of service: https://www.facebook.com/DeGusipeFH/