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Dr Mirza Ashraph of San Fernando, Trinidad passed away on September 28, 2022 at home with his son Ken and daughter-in-law Laurel, by his side in Houston, TX.  His valiant battle with Parkinson's disease over the course of the last 16 years, showed his courage in facing life challenges. Despite the struggle, Mirza came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.  This is who he was.

Mirza's life followed many twists and turns in his journey between Trinidad and Houston.  In his formative years, he completed his secondary education at Naparima College in San Fernando, going on to obtain his bachelor's degree at the University of the West Indies (UWI).  He took his studies seriously, but not as much as he did his role as Scout Master of the 3 ^rd Trinidad Sea Scouts.  He was renowned for leading his troop at Christmas time from house to house caroling and "paranging". His joy and enthusiasm had always been infectious.  This is who he was.

In 1976, Mirza met and married his sweetheart, Juliet.  They welcomed their son who he named Ken H. Ashraph after his father, in loving tribute to his parents.  This is who he was.

It surprised no one when Mirza found his professional calling in the medical field.  He attended pre-med at Andrews University (Michigan) and went on to pursue his medical degree at the University of Montemorelos (Mexico).  He completed his medical residency in Kingston, Jamaica and worked for 8 years at Port-of-Spain General Hospital (Trinidad). He then specialized in ENT in University of Barcelona (Spain) and returned to Trinidad to practice at San Fernando General Hospital (Trinidad).  He was well respected by his colleagues for not only his medical acumen but for the level of care he showed each one of his patients.  His kindness and generosity extended well beyond his gift of healing. All who ever encountered him were recipients without even knowing it.  He never asked for anything in return. This is who he was.

Mirza is survived by his son Ken H. Ashraph II and daughter-in-law Laurel, grandsons Ziven and Zane, is predeceased by his parents, Ken and Flora Ashraph and sisters Lystra and Marlene and leaves behind his sisters Sita, Merle, Lilla, Zorida, Gail, Betty Ann and his brothers Azad, Aben and Abdel.

One of Mirza's favorites is a Sioux Indian saying:

"The longest journey you will make in your life is from your head to your heart. "

Interpretation:

"We are always thinking, judging, or perceiving everything in our lives in a particular way. There is a safe feeling in living in thought, it's what you know, but there comes a time when you must realize you are not living and experiencing life to its fullest; instead, you are experiencing your thoughts about life.

Take the journey from your head to your heart.

Become aware of the stories and meaning you add to everything in your life. No judgement.

Without being consumed by thoughts or thinking, you drop into your heart space. Heart space energy is love energy. You will be compelled to treat all of life with loving-kindness. Negative thoughts are replaced with positive, uplifting and inspiring thoughts, which place you in harmony with your highest self.  As you lead an inspired life, you are in alignment with your heart space.

The journey between head and heart is fluid.  Notice, practice, release, repeat.

And so it is"

THIS is who MIRZA was.