Richard Douglas Emanuel was born on January 17, 1944, to Richard Douglas Joesph Emanuel and Mary Rosetta Emanuel, née Douglas, in Greater Georgetown, Guyana.

With his siblings, Juliet, Victor and Shirley, he lived on Fourth Street, Alberttown, attending Ms. Nicholls Kindergarten and enjoying visits to Emanuel’s Drugstore, his father’s well-established pharmacy. He also bonded with his brother and sister Patrick Bendfield (deceased) and Jennifer Mitchell.

Visits to Kitty were frequent and when his mother, a nurse-midwife, was sent out of town to work, and with plans by his father for leaving the then British Guiana afoot, the move to 70 Queen Street, Kitty Village became permanent. On this other family property, supervised by a firm but indulgent grandmother, Angelina Albertina Douglas, and a loving, no nonsense aunt, Madeleine Douglas, a bucolic childhood reigned supreme often much to the amusement of his uncle John Douglas and uncle-in-law Bertie Rose. Visits to Mckenzie/Linden and outposts, such as Bartica and # 79, were regular as his aunts, Phyllis Douglas- Rose and Enid Douglas were stationed in these areas. All six grandchildren, Juliet (Patrick), Richard, Victor (deceased) , Henry (Jennifer), Shirley and Patricia, who all thought they were brothers and sisters, attended Kitty Methodist Primary School. All were confirmed at St. James the Less Anglican Church. School days were filled with growth and within a family structure that even while strict allowed for much joy and interaction in school and home.

Tutorial High School owned and operated by the Castello brothers was the next step in the educational ladder for Richard. Richard thoroughly enjoyed all levels of school and under the tutelage of Mr. Claude Holder from his primary schooldays, found his first job at Agricola Methodist upon graduation from Tutorial High. The qualities with which he seemed to be born followed him all his life. Loyal, protective, uncomplaining, kind, filled with a joy for living: these traits never left his character. These qualities stayed with him when he left Guyana for the USA in 1964.In NY, he attended Brooklyn College/CUNY and quickly found employment. His long periods at CBS, Aramark and Home Depot were characterized by duty and enjoyment of task.

His devotion to his friends remains encapsulated in the Friday Chats, with his “Buddies” of very long standing and the shock with which news of his death was received. He had always seemed untiring.

Richard Douglas Emanuel is survived by his beloved wife, Vilma, for whom he was the primary caregiver and whose son, Talbert (Butch), now deceased he welcomed as the child of his heart from childhood; his children Petra, Richlyn, Richard “Doug” Douglas (Jerien) and Elena; his many adored grandchildren, his siblings, nieces and nephews, dear cousins. Extended family and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Richard and family to Alzheimer's Association, 10 Executive Dr., Suite 202, Farmington, CT 06032. www.alz.org/ct