Bishnu Kanaya's Obituary
"Bishnu (Vishnu) Kanaya, affectionately known as “Banks,” was born on February 5, 1955, in Butler Village, Central Trinidad. He was the beloved son of Kanhaiya Reddi, whose name was changed to Kanaya upon arriving in Trinidad as an indentured servant, and Lutchmie Sammy. Vishnu had a half-brother, Krishna Boodoo."
A lifetime honor student and self-taught scholar, Vishnu pursued his dreams with unwavering determination. He ventured to New York to fulfill his aspiration of moving to America but returned to Trinidad after four years to care for his aging parents.
In Trinidad, Vishnu found love with his neighbor, Anne John, who lived just two houses away. They married on July 13, 1978, and were blessed with two children, Andre Desi and Andrea Amy.
Vishnu’s professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. He worked at Caroni Limited, one of Trinidad’s largest companies, where he managed operations and received support for his education, housing, and salary. He graduated with honors in Animal Science and Agriculture from the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) and was fondly known as “The Student Teacher” for his nightly tutoring sessions.
He furthered his education at the University of the West Indies on a full scholarship. In search of better opportunities, Vishnu moved his family to America on June 1, 1990. He initially worked at Home Depot for minimum wage before securing a position at the University of Miami as an animal technician, eventually becoming a supervisor. His tenure at UM lasted 13 years, followed by a managerial role at the Mannheimer Foundation for seven years.
At the age of 54, Vishnu pursued a new career path, becoming a registered nurse and working at Baptist Health in Miami for about two years. His love for learning was evident throughout his life, as he continually read and studied various topics.
Vishnu had a passion for food, especially a good buffet, and enjoyed playing and watching cricket, football, and fishing. He loved exploring back roads and finding new routes, often getting “lost” on purpose. Known for his inquisitive nature, he could engage in lengthy conversations on any topic and was always generous and willing to help others.
Vishnu lived a life of loving sacrifice for his family and friends, going to great lengths to provide for and protect those he loved. His legacy of kindness, curiosity, and dedication will be cherished by all who knew him.
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