“HE was a modern-day Renaissance man. A man of great substance and depth.”
This was how Evan Loquan described his father, former National Gas Company (NGC) president, composer, filmmaker and national award winner Mark Edward Loquan, at the funeral service for him yesterday at St Finbar’s Roman Catholic Church, Diego Martin. He noted he was speaking on behalf of his mother Patricia Loquan, who “loved Mark, and supported him wholeheartedly”.
Expounding upon his character, he recalled: “He had the rare ability to synthesise insights across disciplines with ease. What stood out most was his character. He almost never called me by my name. To him, I was simply ‘Son’. The way he said it—warm, supportive and encouraging, carried more meaning than any title ever could.”
He added: “He’d read to me. Improvised stories. Good computer versus the bad computer. Good curtain versus the bad curtain. He felt creativity and morality are powerful assets. Not only in business, but in life.”
AMONG THE MOURNERS: Prime Minister Stuart Young, centre, Attorney General Camille Robinson-Regis, left, House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George and Zalayhar Hassanali, right, attend yesterday’s funeral of Mark Loquan at St Finbar’s RC Church, Diego Martin. —Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY
He said his father understood the importance of archives and history.
“Dad believed in documenting what mattered like the family tree. He captured our legacy in photos, stories and names and ensured it lived on for generations,” he added.
He said amidst his father’s myriad accomplishments and extraordinary career, he possessed character and treated people kindly and with respect. He carved a special space in his heart for family, including his mother, siblings and close friends, he added.
Loquan, 64, was diagnosed with brain cancer in February 2024 and died on April 6. A chemical engineer by profession, Loquan served as the NGC president for eight years. He was also an ace musician, composer and performer. He was the recipient of the Order of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024 from President Christine Kangaloo, in the sphere of national service for energy and steelpan innovation.
The younger Loquan recalled his father’s words after he learned that he had brain cancer.
“Dad taught me a lot through how he spoke to me. Shortly after his diagnosis, he sent a message. He said: ‘Hi, Son, I know it is hard and certainly this is not what I imagined talking about a couple of weeks ago. Life is full of curve balls, which we cannot control. The best I can do is face the challenges with a positive spirit, thankful for the journey so far. I love you, son, for who you are, and while I know there is a lot going on, look forward to the time we have left.’ The message was him—calm, present, loving without condition.”
He added: “On his deathbed, he looked at me and said he gave everything. And he did give everything. What he wanted most was peace and more time with the ones he truly loved. Now that he has peace, we will miss him dearly. Dad, we remember your wonderful smile. Your lessons will live in us. You walked with integrity, honour and empathy for all. And with that, we will carry your strength, wisdom and love forward. Above all, dad, we love you.”
Star-studded musical tributes
In a most fitting tribute, chief celebrant Fr Urban Hudlin asked the congregation to stand and give Loquan a lusty round of applause as “he entered heavenly realms”. Hudlin praised him for devoting his “life, music and service to country”, and in doing so, “We glimpse the face of God.”
Loquan’s music punctuated the service with his composition “Another Time, Another Place” played by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra and arranged by Amrit Samaroo. The communion hymn was another of Loquan’s compositions “A Better Tomorrow” and the recessional hymn was Loquan’s “My Home”, again performed by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra and arranged by Etienne Charles.
The prelude was conducted by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra and featured Akinola Sennon (double second steelpans) and Duvone Stewart (tenor steelpan).
Destra Garcia sang the gospel hymn “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Ace pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe performed “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and Etienne Charles led everyone in the meditation of “Ave Maria”. Arranger Ray Holman played “On Eagles’ Wings” during the incensing and blessing of the body.
Tributes were also paid by those in the energy field, namely president at Point Lisas Nitrogen Fitzroy Harewood and Atlantic chairman Vincent Pereira, who hailed their “enduring friendship which spanned 40 years”. Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Dr Mia Gormandy-Benjamin recalled late musicologist Pat Bishop had dubbed Loquan as “formidable”. In 2004 he launched not-for-profit organisation Music Literacy Trust which has supported pannists and communities.
Among those who in attendance were Prime Minister Stuart Young, UTT chairman Prof Clement Imbert, House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George, Attorney General Camille Robinson-Regis and Public Administration Minister Allyson West. A cross-section of prominent personalities from academia, entertainment and culture were also gathered to honour Loquan.
