Harold Ricardo Persad

Harold Ricardo ‘Rick’ Persad, age 70, of Vancouver, went peacefully to be with the Lord whom he loved and served on July 8, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Ansel Persad and Monica Theresa (Douglass), and his stepfather Cephas Moe.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ May (McAvoy). One son, Philip Joseph Persad (Katie Howard). Brothers John Lester Persad (Joycelyn), Andrew Nigel Moe, and Colin Joseph Moe (Margaret Yu) all of Toronto. Brothers-in-law John Russell McAvoy (Coleen) of Burnaby, Larry Joseph McAvoy (Margaret) of Calgary. He is also survived by many other relatives.

Rick was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to Harold Ansel Persad and Monica Theresa (Douglass). Rick’s father died suddenly when Rick was only 18 months old and his brother, John Lester, was 6 months. Monica moved back home to the busy and loving household of John Messiah Douglass and his wife, Thelma (Soden). Rick and Lester grew up surrounded by their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and dozens of cousins. In 1966, Monica married Cephas Moe, and they had two more boys, Andrew Nigel and Colin Joseph.

In 1972, the family immigrated to Canada. In Toronto, Rick experienced a big change in his life when he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ on his 20th birthday. Rick loved the Bible and boldly told others about Jesus. His new faith was a great comfort to him when his mother, Monica, passed away from cancer.

After high school, Rick trained as an apprentice carpenter. In 1985 he graduated from Brock University with degrees in Computer Science and Education.

Also in 1985, he married Elizabeth ‘Betty’ May McAvoy whom he had come to know in London, Ontario 8 years earlier. Philip Joseph was born the following year.

Rick worked at Calgary General Hospital’s Computer Department before running his own medical software business for 12 years.

In 2001, Rick went to Bible school in Anaheim (known as FTTA) for two years and then served with a Vancouver team among students in the Christian club at UBC and SFU.

In 2011, Rick became a realtor and later a productivity coach to beginning real estate agents.

Rick will be remembered for his Caribbean cooking for Wednesday night Bible studies in his home, his hot sauce, his storytelling, and his love for the Lord and for people.

The Memorial Meeting will be held in The church in Vancouver, Hall 1
     Address: 105 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver
     Date: Saturday August 9, 2025
     Time: 2-4 pm (followed by light refreshments)
     Parking: Due to construction and road closures, it is advised to allow time to use the Langara College public parking lot ($4.25 per day on weekends) accessible from Main Street and 51st Avenue.

Rick’s ashes will be inurned August 8 in a family gathering at Ocean View Burial Park
     Address: 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby
     Section: Chapel Courtyard
     Niche: Brick Niche Wall-D, Space 2E & 4E

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s name to Bibles for Canada
     (by cheque), Mail cheque to 3508 Benton Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2L 1W8
     (by e-Transfer) donations.biblesforcanada@gmail.com