PERSAUD, Bidda Ganga - Born on April 26, 1927 in Kingston, British Guiana. Passed away peacefully at Wenleigh AgeCare Centre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the age of 98.

Beloved husband of Vernie Gwyneth Persaud for 71 years. Loving father of Danny (Orie), Jagg, Raj (Rosie), Bimal, Vee (Lyn), and their only daughter Jan (Michel).Treasured grandfather of Frederick (Vanessa), Dina (Dominic), Daniel (Tacha), Dominique (Justin), Rosanna (Ivan), Josée (René), Joey, Nathan, Natalie (Max), Natasha (Joe), Chikara, Nickolas, Rianna (Milton), Lilika, and Reyna.Great-grandfather of Aaron, Mayla, Amira, Unity-Orion, Anakin, Eaven-Sage, Theodore, Christian, Dahlia, Moosa, Olinda, and Maryam.Survived by siblings Champa, Savitri, Shri (Doreen), and Taran (Mon).Pre-deceased by Andrew, Sat, Bram, and Rohoni.

Bidda shared a very special bond with his Papa and Mummy, and will rejoin them having fulfilled his roles as Eldest Son, Big Brother, Husband and Dad with absolute distinction! Bidda will be remembered with absolute love and affection by his family and friends. He brought a smile to everyone he met with his wit, infectious laugh and peaceful presence. He was known as the Domino Master, winning games even toward his final days, and was often heard to proclaim "Look up in the sky!" immediately prior to playing the winning domino with a resounding bang.

Bidda was a champion open water swimmer, and engaged in several other sporting activities, ranging from boxing to cricket in his younger years, and later in life stayed active by swimming, walking, cycling, going to the gym, and doing yoga. He was recognised for saving a number of swimmers' lives in the treacherous waters of the estuary of the Atlantic Ocean and the Demerara River, once managing a double rescue which made headlines. He was also in the first batch of Lifeguards to be qualified in British Guiana, a distinction of which he was rightfully proud. His great swimming partner John Phillips declared him the "Best in the Land of Many Waters", high praise indeed from a man who was a legendary swimmer himself! His other friends, Rudolph King, Aubrey Knight and his dominoes partner Dario, told tales of his exploits. So did his family buddies, Biran, Rama, Buddy, Paru and Norman.

He was often seen dancing with his lifelong partner, Vernie, who was enchanted with her Prince to the end of her days on Earth and they must both be thrilled to be reunited to continue their magical partnership.BGP, as he was affectionately known to many, had many little proverbs including “Nothing good comes before the right time”, and he chose the right time for his departure… he will be deeply missed by all, but has bequeathed us an enduring legacy.

A private funeral will be held. A final ceremony for all family and friends will take place at Radha Krishna Mandir, 101 Westmore Dr. Unit 106, Etobicoke on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM.