He oozed love for country, be it politics, culture or servant leadership.
The community’s beloved Selwyn Bartholomew Joseph – known as Selo – passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 5, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 23, 1939, Joseph was the devoted husband of Suzanne Joseph for almost 51 years.
“Humanity is certainly at a loss because of your transition. I thank you for the laughs, for the words of wisdom, for the fun times of telling a joke, talking of our families, breaking bread or even beating some iron!” said friend Jeoffrey Serrette.
He added, “just to see you dance with your life partner, Suzanne, or to even hear you vocalize a calypso, in the days of Coconut Club.”
Joseph was well known for representing the PNM in Toronto.
“My most sincere condolences go out to Suzanne and her family. My prayers go out for Selwyn and his family, May he rest in peace,” community Mas man Rudy Vincent Rampersad said on Facebook.
On the parade route during Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Joseph was always there with his umbrella, doing his thing. Rampersad posted a photo on Facebook with the caption “Selo and I. Caribana, good time.”
“Selo used to teach pan at Stephen Leacock Collegiate back in the day, I believe,” said pannist Winston Dyal.
“RIP Selo, long time customer, always appreciative of anything we did for Tringo,” noted businessman Tony Chankar.
Joseph was the father of Sean (Elizabeth) Stacey, Stefan and Spencer (Donna), the grandfather of Charaine, Chelsea, Savannah, Alexis, Sheldon, Satchin, Isabella, and Soleil and great-grandfather of Rehanna, and Lenaya.
Visitation is tomorrow (Feb. 12) at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, from 4-8 p.m.
The funeral mass will be on Saturday at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, 59 Heather Rd., Scarborough, at 11 a.m.