James Baggal Obituary

BAGGALJames "Grandpa" Baggal, passed away on Saturday, June 11th, 2005 at the age of 88. He was surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Tyson, his four grandchildren, Michelle Tyson, M.D., Kevin Tyson, M.D., Melissa Tyson, D.V.M. and Amber Tyson, M.D., and three great-grandchildren, Kevin Tyson, Alana Tyson and Austin Hagopian. He is also survived by his two sisters, Emma Sukra and Ina Lawrence and many dear friends and relatives. Grandpa was born Saturday, June 7th, 1917 in Jamaica, West Indies. Grandpa learned the value of hard work early in life. As a teenager, he began driving trucks for the West Indian Sugar Company. During his twenties, he met and married the love of his life, Cislyn Essuie. After receiving a loan from his father-in-law, he bought his own truck and began to build what became one of the largest trucking companies in Jamaica. Grandpa retired from the trucking business in 1973. After retireme nt, Grandpa and Cislyn moved to the United States and ultimately to Pasadena, California to live with their only child, Maureen, and her husband, Dr. Betrand Tyson. From the time that Grandpa moved to California, he dedicated his life to raising his four grandchildren. This role became all the more indispensable after the passing of his son-in-law, Bertand. Grandpa committed his life to ensuring that his family would he healthy, successful and happy. He succeeded in this goal. Grandpa was a truly remarkable human being. He was a grandfather and friend to the multitudes of people in his life. This role extended well beyond his immediate family. He touched so many lives. Grandpa's life is one marked by accomplishment. He fulfilled and satisfied his biggest hopes and dreams. Although Grandpa was blessed with a long life, we all wished he could of stayed with us forever. A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 16th, 2005 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cabot & Sons Funeral Home, 300 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena , California, 91103. The funeral will be held Friday, June 17th, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 151 South Hill Street, Pasadena, California, 91106. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Phil Simon Tanzania Fund, c/o The Huntington Memorial Hospital, 100 West California Boulevard, Pasadena, California, 91105.