It is with sadness I learn of the passing of famous, popular umpire Nabbie Baksh of Queens, formerly of Guyana. The funeral was Wednesday.
Nabbie Baksh or Umpire Baksh or Teacher Baksh, as he was called, passed away on Sunday night after a fall at his home. He succumbed to his injury.
A tribute and wake for the deceased was held at the Al Rahman Masjid, Queens Village Monday night. The prayer hall was packed with Guyanese of all faiths, including the well known Swami Aksharananda of West Coast who was visiting NY at the time, Pandits, imams, and pastors. Many paid tribute, describing him as good natured, humorous, warm, highly respected, humble, down to earth, among other glowing adjectives.
As Dr Tara Singh, a former classmate and friend, stated in an invited comment, “Baksh was an outstanding educator, caring for students, hard working, and always respected and cherished for his grace, amiability and politeness”.
Baksh served as a true inspiration to youngsters pursuing education and to the cricketing fraternity. He felt no one should stop learning, and he did his best to train students at a young age. He encouraged people to pursue higher education.
Baksh was also passionate about cricket from childhood. In cricket, he was known for fair, balanced, neutral umpiring. He was one of the most respected personalities of the cricketing arena, known for his honesty and straightforwardness. Growing up, we tuned in to radio during his umpiring.
Those of us who know him recall that he possessed an outstanding memory of past cricket events – his vast experience in local, Shell Shield and Test matches. His encyclopaedic knowledge of cricket made him stand out as one of the best cricketing umpires from Guyana. Indo Caribbeans admired him as among a few Indians called up for regional umpiring.
Guyanese of all ethnicities were proud of his achievements. He was a role model for Indians as many looked to his achievements.
Baksh was also an outstanding educator and family man. He was highly revered. Those who followed cricket knew him well, and students respected his educating skills at Common Entrance. He produced some of the best Common Entrance students. He taught in several schools in Guyana to share his knowledge. But he was better known as a national and international cricket umpire by the whole country and internationally by those who followed games.
He was born in Good Hope Canal No 1 Polder from where several outstanding Guyanese hailed. He was educated at the famous Gillivary CM School where his school mates were major Joe Singh, Asgar Ally (former senior minister of Finance), Professor Ramnarine, Pt. Narinedat Seodat, Dr Tara Singh, among others. He was known for his humility, a wonderful gentleman on and off the field, honest, forthright, and warm hearted. His simplicity and humility shone, and his former students thank him for their successes in Guyana and in America.
In New York, he taught for several years at a denominational school until his retirement. He was a proud son of Guyana, attending events related to Guyana. And he traveled yearly to his homeland to renew his contacts of his former homeland.
Nabbie Baksh will be remembered for services to cricket, education, hard work, and his faith. May his soul rest in peace. May his family be comforted that he lived a comfortable life and that he made an enormous contributions to his homeland and region in cricket, and disciplined and trained many youngsters to pursue education.