Sydney Saul's Obituary
Sydney Victor Longfellow Saul AA
Sydney Victor Longfellow Saul was born in Hopetown, West Coast, Berbice (Guyana) on February 22nd, 1932, the second eldest offspring of the late Joseph Alphonso and Pearl Virginia Saul. He departed life peacefully, in the afternoon of Saturday August 24th, 2019 in Oakland, California, USA.
Consummately interested in the world, its people, and its politics, Sydney’s Primary and Secondary Education began in Guyana and continued in the United States at the Tertiary Level. He received his undergraduate degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he met his future wife, Nancy Holmes. They both studied and received graduate degrees from New York University and their union lasted for over 50 years.
Professionally, Sydney came of age during a time of historic transformation for his homeland. It was his singular honor and privilege to serve the newly independent Guyana and her people in a foreign service career that spanned 30 years. He began that service in the mid-1960s as an Information Officer for the British Guiana Information Office in New York and at the behest of the late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham he was instrumental in establishing Guyana’s Diplomatic Offices in the USA having been seconded to the Embassies of India, New Zealand and Canada for that specific purpose. He went on to serve in multiple roles, including Ambassador in the Embassy of Guyana to Paramaribo, Suriname, and Consul General for the Consulate General of Guyana in New York. He retired in 1989.
In recognition of his sterling contribution he received National Honours firstly The Distinguished Medal of Service and thereafter The Golden Arrow of Achievement in furtherance of Guyana’s Diplomatic Thrust
Sydney cherished the company of good friends and family, classical music in the morning, and the joy of cooking on weekends. His was a life of relationships, and he lived his days as a loving husband and father, a doting grandfather, and a true friend to many.
He is predeceased by his parents Joseph Alphonso and Pearl Virginia Saul, his sister, Daphne Giles, his brothers Dr. Slater Saul, Duncan Saul and Hutton Saul and his brother-in-law Dr. Gordon Baird.
In addition to his loving wife, Nancy Saul, his memory will always be treasured and cherished by his son Kasim and daughter Naledi; his son-in-law Matthew Brockwell and his granddaughter Athena; his brother Kelvin Saul and sister Grace Baird; his brother-in-law Malcolm Giles and a host of dear relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held for him in New York on September 28th at 4pm, at the Church of Advent, 555 Advent Street Westbury, Long Island, NY 11590 USA.
May his Soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory
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