It is with extreme sadness that I say goodbye to Dion Patel, who died in Trinidad on Sunday Dec. 21st. It is hard to lose one of your students, and with Dion it is even more gut-wrenching - he was one of my favourite students and one of the most enthusiastic and liveliest people I knew. Dion was always smiling, always laughing, always a good-natured young man. You could not help but smile and feel good around Dion; his sense of fun and his good nature was infectious. He was definitely the "life of the party".

Dion took the infamous pictures of me and Wendel Clark at Monaghan's! What a memorable evening that was.. It sounds funny, but I always think of Dion when I show off those photos to people. He also lived in the same building complex as I did so I would often see him around the neighborhood. He would always be in a good mood - if I asked him how his classes were he might tell me about the huge workload he was currently dealing with and all the exams he was trying to study for, but he would always laugh about it, like it didn't bother him at all! He definitely was one of the most interesting students I've ever had, and I'm really glad I had the chance to know him.

Dion leaves all his classmates, teachers, friends and family with a lot of wonderful memories, most of which include his huge, warm smile. I'll really miss him.

Posted by SHAWN KING @ 01/11/2004 04:22 PM EST

Dion was a very good friend of mine in college and university. He called me when he was leaving for Trinidad and that was the last I heard of him. I recently heard of his passing through a mutal friend and was devasted. Dion was an amazing friend and I will miss him always. Shawn, if there is some way I can reach Dion's sister Satcey, can you please tell me? Thanks.

Posted by Marlene D'Souza @ 07/28/2004 04:48 PM EST

I was totally shocked this morning when my little sister passed this on to me...As I read it I was flooded by numerous memories but at the same time my heart felt lighter to know that my baby brother was so fondly remembered.

To all of you I say thanks for the lovely heart felt words that you have left with us... it heals so the anguish to know that people remember what a warm loving person he was...he may be gone but this site proves to me that the love he has for everyone still lives on in all of us!

His warm smile touched a lot of hearts..and though we may not be able to physically see that smile...the memory and warmth of it still is alive in all of us. He touched many and I say to all of you please keep his memory alive in your hearts...

And to his teacher...you must have been a computer teacher because I know his one true passion was computers so that had to explain the smile despite the workload....

Thank you again for the heartfelt words, from my entire family ... thank you for the love!

Posted by Stacy Patel @ 11/16/2004 08:39 AM EST

D was mixing drinks behind our bar at home, liming with our family & folks, jawing with my kids & then he was gone.. my memories of that last evening he spent with us that Decemeber are of a wonderful, great jolly guy full of love & laughter, caring for everyone. He was irrepressably kind!

We miss you Dion..

Mo & Gary, Patrick, Raigan & Rory

Posted by Maureen & Gary Legge @ 11/16/2004 09:07 AM EST

I met Dion years and years ago, through his sister Stacey, when we were all university students in Montreal. Dion was always so much fun to be around - the real life and soul of any occassion - I have this picture in my mind of one New Year's eve - all of us had come back from a party and were sitting in the kitchen winding down, talking and having fun......and Dion was right there in the midst of us making his speciality - "floaties" for us all to eat!!! This and other great memories of happy times spent in his company stay with me. A great guy and a great friend.

Posted by Annmarie Swai @ 11/17/2004 12:15 PM EST

I also met Dion back when we were all students in Montreal, and remember that New Years Eve all too well. We ended up at Stacey's place eating fry bake and Kentucky fried chicken. Dion was right into things making us try his floaties and just cracking jokes and livening things for us all that evening. I also recall that everytime I met him he was always cheerful and happy and I am so glad to have met him through Stacey, because he will always be fondly remembered with a smile. Be happy always Dion up there!

Posted by Rachel De Souza @ 11/17/2004 12:55 PM EST

I too met Dion through Stacey in Montreal and thought for the longest time that they were both freshmen at the university as Dion was always happily smiling in university cafe. Somehow, one could always sense Dion's jovial and vibrant presence each time they walked in the cafe. He gave out a glow like no other and I'm certain his spirit does the same up above! Keep smiling Dion! Love and strength to all the Patels.

Posted by Sarafina @ 11/17/2004 03:26 PM EST

Thank you all for your deep thoughts and emotion,we pray everyday for dion and we are confident that he is happy looking after us daily,that everlasting smile will always remain in our hearts as we bear the daily battles.
Dion touched the inner soul of many people who we never met and when we hear the little things he did ,we feel that GOD only gave him precious moments with us.We miss him dearly and it will not be easy ever to forget our short memories with him.
We hope that more of his friends will visit this site and become closer to us.
LOVE YOU ALL
Pat&Chers

Posted by patrick&cherryl patel @ 11/17/2004 11:49 PM EST

When another instructor (Wendi) sent me a message about this site I wanted to add that I have also been thinking about Dion lately. I've received several e-mails recently from former and current ITSS students at Sheridan talking about remembering Dion at this time which just shows how lives can be touched by someone who had such a positive, happy spirit.

Posted by ann cadger @ 11/18/2004 02:43 PM EST

I can remember one christmas we spent in montreal together...freezing cold outside......man we just sat down there with a bucket of KFC and thought how depressing this is......our families are home enjoying a huge christmas feast and we are suck here in this -25 degrees weather eating KFC.....but no matter how bad it looked it was actually one of the most memorable christmas......with our busy schedules it was the first time that I really got to know Dion.......he turned that -25 degrees weather into +25 degrees Trini heat......we had a blast together.....I suppose anyone who knew him will say the same.......that he had one jovial personality......he would always make a joke or two to get you to smile be happy.......
Thanks Dion for all your jokes, and smiles.....and most of all Stac.....who with your help became one of my closest and dearest friends......
much love to the patelRaechel and the gang

Posted by raechel imam-razafy @ 11/18/2004 11:52 PM EST

Now that winter is coming to Montreal, we think of how you and Stacey, would be attending school here,dressed in light clothing and sandals on your feet.Dion, you were very special to us with that charming smile.We miss you and think of you often-today and always. Thank you Stacey,Kelli,& Keevin for letting us in on this memory lane. ...Love you all.From Auntie Irene& Uncle Larry.

Posted by Auntie Irene & Uncle Larry @ 11/20/2004 11:52 AM EST

It is so amazing and wonderful to see all these lovely comments and stories about Dion! I only knew him for a short time, but as I said in the entry above, he will always stand out as one of my favourite students. After the class I taught was over, I got used to seeing him every morning as I walked up the steps to the building where my office is located. He would be out there with one of his classmates and as I passed by them on my way to the entrance, he would point at the coffee cup in my hand and laugh, "..got your morning coffee fix yet, Wendi?" so I'd stop and chat, find out how he was doing and how he liked his classes. He had such aspirations and the skills to match, and I recall feeling proud that he would be one of the ones who made it, who would do something amazing, and wow, *I* had a chance to teach him! Even after this much time, it still feels wierd to walk up those steps alone and not see him standing at the top waiting to talk to me...

Does anyone have a picture of Dion to post? You can post it in a comment using the IMG tag, but if you don't know how, you could email a photo to me and I can put it right up at the top in the main entry... I have no photos of Dion and I would love to be able to see him again, and I know his other teachers and his classmates would, also...

Posted by Wendi @ 11/20/2004 07:04 PM EST

Upon receiving Stacy's e-mail, I was taken aback that it has been almost a year when Dion passed. As with all anniversaries of this type, one starts to remember, to think back. I do so with sadness but with a feeling of how very lucky I am to have had Dion touch my life, to have the Patels in my life. I thank Michael for that gift.
One of my clearest, fondest memories of Dion is when we were all in Tobago many years ago. Sasha was about 7 years old, which would make it about 10 years ago. I remember Dion discovering a book that Uncle Mike had brought on the trip. It had something to do about forensic psychology. Dion picked it up and hardly put it down again until it was finished. I have one picture in my mind of Dion sitting at a table, under an umbrella, next to the pool that we were all frollicking in.The actual photograph that I have is also as clear as the memory in my mind.He loved that book and found the content very interesting. It was like when you find a novel that you won't put down! I will always remember his smile as long as I have known him and the ease to speak with him, sitting on the veranda, talking about so many different topics. Besides being smart, he was very intersting! Our love is with all of you at this time. Know that Dion has found peace. Love, Alex and Sasha

Posted by Auntie Alex and Sasha @ 11/21/2004 03:37 PM EST

I met D through his brother Keev when they moved to Westmoorings. D is truly a wonderful person. He became more than a friend, but a brother. His entire family, Uncle pat, Aunty Chers, Stac, Kel and Keev are no longer friends, but family. When we are home on vacation, their home is like a second home, D always made it welcoming, whether we were cooking or just liming. I know he loved his family very much and I know he is looking after them from heaven. It does not seem right when we are liming now and D is not there, there is something missing, but we know in our hearts that he is there...smiling and laughing and crying with us. We miss you D, but your love and your smile remains engraved in our hearts.

Posted by Barry @ 11/21/2004 08:13 PM EST

I cannot believe that one year has passed since that fateful morning when I got 'that call' from Stacy. I remember the times we spent on the kitchen table playing 'electricity'. Dion taught me that game. Stacy is my friend and I got to know the entire Patel clan through her. Dion was a product of his wonderful parents and family; they are close and loving and so was he. He will always be remembered fondly and for eternity. Know that he's an 'ANGEL' watching over you all as are your good friends.

Posted by Nicole Coggins @ 11/23/2004 11:12 AM EST

There are so many wonderful things that I can say about my cousin Dion ,qualities that have touched so many people who had the opportunity to know and love him as I did.The time that I had with Di may have been short but I'm truly grateful for the memories I have of happy times I had with him,the times he would tease me or make me laugh hysterically.Seeing Di so close before the time of his death is something that I've agonized over,but remembering that smile that he had on his face is something I can never ever forget.Di I just want to tell you that I think you fulfilled everything and more that you were here on this earth for.Thank you so very much from the depths of my heart for the person that you were and the angel that you are.Never will I forget you my dearest.
LOVE ARR!

Posted by Arriel @ 11/24/2004 08:09 AM EST

Words cannot really express my feelings and as I try to write this I picture him 'winking' at me saying 'write the darn thing nah man'. When he came home last Christmas and just liming and said 'You'r my Godmother and so long you ain't even take a picture with me' and hugged me and got that picture taken - I would never have imagined it was going to be his last Christmas with us and the last picture I took with him!! I will always treasure that picture Di. Know that even though you have left us so sudden and I did'nt even get to say 'bye' you will continue to live on in our hearts - that love will always be there for you!! Continue to 'smile' down on us Di and lots of love from Eens too. Rest in Peace darling - I will continue to pray for you and do the same from your end. This is the hardest thing I've to do in a long time - I have been putting it off and off since I got the e-mail from Stace.

Posted by Thors @ 11/24/2004 09:06 AM EST

It's not easy to avoid being philosophical in order to deal with Dion's absence especially as Christmas draws near(but I won't be). I will always remember him at our session by Pa; always enjoying the company of everyone and being right at home with that broad smile on his face. His propensity for connecting with everyone is one of the things I always remember about him. I have vivid memories of his engaging personality as he made every effort to attend to the needs of the uncles and aunts when we were on those 'dong de islands' jaunts. Even if he had only a short time he would always duck in by us for a visit once he was in the area. In my recollection of him, i see him as a bright and effervescent spirit that made many lives brighter. May his soul rest in peace. Amen

Posted by john & marie @ 11/24/2004 09:08 PM EST

Every time we think of Dion we remember his ever present huge grin, always polite and well mannered to me and so warm,I know you are up there with the Big Guy Dion smile on us.
You are missed.

Posted by Susan, Gerard, Jon and Jodelle @ 11/25/2004 08:51 PM EST

Dion was my cousin but has always been more like a brother to me. Growing up together on Midway Rd, I have vivid memories of DD always trying to organise all 4's lime, and telling my dad, 'Nel make a mango chow for we nah!' Whether it was down de islands, by Pa, or anywhere, DD was always trying to bring his family together and making sure that everyone was having a great time. It is so difficult to believe that he is no longer here with us, but we are comforted by the fact that he is in a better place probably organising an all 4's game as we speak!

On behalf of the Arouca crew...DD we love you and we will never forget you. To Chers, Pat, Stace, Keev and Kels..you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Maybe sometime we should try to organise a big all 4's lime on DD's behalf. I know this will bring a huge smile to his face....God bless.

Posted by Neela @ 11/29/2004 07:32 AM EST

I'm at a loss for words.... When I got this email from Bhish, my heart started racing all over again... I recently lost a cousin in an accidentand it just brought Dion's passing right back to me... Just Friday night we were talking about him... I was looking through our pictures just this weekend... our famous camping trip to Ausable Point, D making me breakfast after my tequila episode, him saying he's never going camping with us again... Man I miss him, he was always there with a smile, a kind word, a hug if u needed one....
I remember once we had a "Simoni House Party", he came down to Montreal for the weekend, and we went to the metro to pick him up, he had bought Simz' christmas gift and was nervous, wasn't sure if she'd like it.... I know she did... We had such a blast that weekend, he got up one morning and made tomatoes chokha w/ pita bread for us, (really now, who making roti after a night of liming??? )

I know he's in a better place, and that he's always watching over us... even though it still hurts and I still miss him like crazy, I end up smiling and laughing more often than not when I remember the good ole days in Montreal....

Love u tons D, I know u'll always be with us...

Posted by Nadz @ 12/01/2004 08:21 AM EST

Hi my name is Karen, I am the daughter of aunty Irene. I also live in Montreal and briefly knew Dion, whenever I did see you, you were always smiling and laughing with me. I adored this man, he always had gone out of his way to make first move in a conversation and asked how life was treating me. I love the family, they are so beautiful and full of life, everytime they would come to Montreal I would see them and it would make my day! I love you all, and Dion you are sadly missed in my heart and everyone elses too! I know you are watching over us!

Posted by Karen Brown & Otto To @ 12/02/2004 09:34 AM EST

...I am shocked. Got on the computer and did a Google search on Raechel Razafy trying to get in touch with old friends and got this shocking news. I remember your brother Dion most notably at Jean Yves and Raechels wedding..very cheerful and we hanged out a few times on the West Island in Mtl where his best friends from school lived. We will definitely miss him and God bless!!

Posted by Reuben Bukachi @ 12/04/2004 02:06 AM EST

...I am shocked. Got on the computer and did a Google search on Raechel Razafy trying to get in touch with old friends and got this shocking news. I remember your brother Dion most notably at Jean Yves and Raechels wedding..very cheerful and we hanged out a few times on the West Island in Mtl where his best friends from school lived. We will definitely miss him and God bless!!

Posted by Reuben Bukachi @ 12/04/2004 02:06 AM EST

Even though we were not blood related I still considered Dion my bigger brother, always looking out for me, always made me smile but at the same time made sure I wouldn't slip up. Its weird because just last night on my way out I heard that song from Rupee, "enjoy yourseld in de mass because you never know when it could be your last" and Dion passed through my thoughts, because we really need to appreciate our time because we really don't know when God is ready for us. None is us ever expected it but God had bigger and better things for him. Even though you are not here in flesh your spirit still lives on, Love Ya D and miss you very much

Posted by Leeanna Legall @ 12/12/2004 11:00 PM EST

Dion and I met at Dawson College on the first day of school. We accidently bumped into eachother in the hallway and started talking. After that day, we would always intentionally bump into eachother. I spent alot of my breaks with Dion and the gang back in college and those memories will always remain in my heart.
Rest in Peace Dion.

Posted by Bindu Patel @ 12/13/2004 05:34 PM EST

I miss this younger brother of mine.Forever remembered and adored for the pureness of his heart and kind natured person he is!!! Knowing he will be smiling on all of us this Christmas as we remember him.Give the big man upstairs a high five...Dion.with luv. Kiran ,Sanjay,Candy.
Luv to the Patels(see you all soon)!
: TRUST IN GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING:

Posted by kiran @ 12/14/2004 01:47 PM EST

I miss this younger brother of mine.Forever remembered and adored for the pureness of his heart and kind natured person he is!!! Knowing he will be smiling on all of us this Christmas as we remember him.Give the big man upstairs a high five...Dion.with luv. Kiran ,Sanjay,Candy.
Luv to the Patels(see you all soon)!
: TRUST IN GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING:

Posted by kiran @ 12/14/2004 01:52 PM EST

A man, philosopher, associate, friend /
Don't know where it ends, or where to begin /
But I'll try - and that's something that I learned from him /
To try - and keep trying...you can soar like the wind /

Who else could I conversate such deep things with? /
Music, art, politics and language /
Lost all track of time as we debated the rhyme /

Always wanted to learn things from his perspective /
Complex views, his opinions eclectic... /
He saw without judging, and listened without prejudice /

Moved to Toronto, but too busy to call him /
It felt like we didn't speak for many months or more /
But when we did - it always felt like we'd chatted the day before /

A thousand words can't describe the friendship we had /
Even pictures find it hard to contain that smile /
Shining warmer than the mid-day sun in Trinidad /

But my mind reflects his image when I close my eyes /
And my soul thanks heaven for having known his /
Before we were ready, he left this world /

You are free, Dion...as you always were.

Posted by Pum @ 12/21/2004 06:24 PM EST

There will always be the question of why the good die young... so it is evident the D had to go at this time, because will always be one of the best.
You would never stop to think that the last time that you see some one will be the last time that you see them, because you never have thoughts like that when you are young and invincible.
There are way too many memories of the times that we spent together to try to list them here; good, bad & ugly. From Valsayn Tennis court fetes, to dong the islands, liming late playing cards and talking s*@t,and something that will be very hard this year, making the "rounds" by Pa, it was always non stop, self-made entertainment. It is hard to truly let it sink in and actually realize that the fire of someone so beautiful has been extinguished so prematurely. Even now I still think about seeing him home. Some one who has contributed so much to other peoples lives, just by being around them; someone who would try to make others around him happy even if he wasn't in the best spirits, someone who should have been around, in my mind, for a much longer time, has left us with only memories.
But the same memories that made me cry when I heard the news, are the same ones that bring me the most joy, and the realization that small amounts of time spent with D, were a thousand times better than if I were never able to be with him at all. I love you Dion. I know that know even heaven is a better place with you there. I go definitely take one fuh yuh!!!
I wish the family all the best and I apologize for not being able to be there physically in your time of need... but you are always in my heart.

Posted by Mogie @ 12/23/2004 12:21 PM EST

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