Dr. RAMCHARAN, Subhas Ramcharan

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 30, 2025, at the age of 81. Beloved husband to Margaret (née Naimool). Proud father of Adele (Carl) and Chantele (Olivier), and predeceased by his dear son Nigel (2024). Cherished grandfather of Cassia, Keir, Noah, Cedric, and Solange.

From Claxton Bay, Trinidad, born to Mynee and Harry-descendants of indentured labourers from India, Suby was the second of three siblings: Ewart, Ingrid, and Rudy. He attended Presentation College in San Fernando and earned his B.A (Hons) in Sociology and History from the University of the West Indies, where he met his future wife, Margaret, while riding his bike around campus. After marrying in 1967, they moved to Jamaica, where Suby pursued his Master’s in Sociology and became part of a vibrant intellectual movement. Standing up for academic freedom and social justice, he was teargassed during the 1968 UWI student protests. The couple immigrated to Canada in 1969, where he completed his PhD in Sociology at York University.

Drawn by the promise of the mildest Canadian winter, in 1973, he joined the University of Windsor as a professor. Throughout his distinguished 40-year career, Dr. Ramcharan held various leadership roles, including the Head of Sociology and Anthropology Department and the Ombudsperson and Race Relations Officer. Opinionated and outspoken, he challenged conventional thinking on race and power. He received several notable honours, including the Right Hon. Herb Gray Award for Racial Harmony and the Award for Teaching Excellence. He authored countless publications, including the groundbreaking book Racism: Non-Whites in Canada in 1982.

Dedicated to the betterment of Canadian society, Dr. Ramcharan devoted himself to community service, including with the Multicultural Council of Windsor, United Way, Windsor Police Services Board, Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ontario Historical Society, Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. An avid traveller, Dr. Ramcharan represented Canada all over the world, including as Head of Delegation for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation at the United Nations Conference on Racial Discrimination in South Africa.

For 58 years, Suby and Margaret were inseparable, sharing deep devotion, laughter, and playful bickering that kept their spark alive. In Windsor, they built a community of friends who became family. As a lifelong learner with an easy going attitude, Suby was admired for his distinctive expression and natural charm. A devoted father, and doting grandfather, he treasured his grandchildren, delighting them with “jumbie stories”, songs, and tales from his childhood. Subhas Ramcharan leaves a legacy through his family, community, and the countless lives shaped by his scholarship, courage, compassion, and wisdom.

At Dr. Ramcharan’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Banwell Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. (519-253-7235), on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In celebration of his love for both his birth country and his chosen home, donations in memory of Dr. Ramcharan may be made to the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Alliance Network