Vincent Paul Ochoa Obituary

Vincent Paul Ochoa born Saturday 19th July, 1951 to Nathaniel "Natty" Joseph and Clothilda "Queenie" Ochoa on Rushworth Street, San Fernando. He was the 7th of 12 children.

While growing up in Tabaquite, he attended San Fernando Trinidad Muslim League (TML) and San Fernando Boys' Government School. Upon completion of elementary (primary) school, he left Tabaquite and returned to the city he loved – San Fernando, where he apprenticed briefly as a tailor and even tried his hand at other trades such as joinery/ carpentry, and eventually welding and fabrication, which he went on to master and build a career from. It was in San Fernando, he became Paul – "the music man", Paul "the Hatters man", Paul the "deejay". Let's not forget Paul the "sweet man".

Paul - the Father Paul was a loving father and grandfather. His children Keesha and Kadir were his everything, and his grandchildren Dominique, Joshua and Kael were all he ever spoke of. Paul would help anyone if they needed his assistance or advise. We love him dearly and would have fought for him to be with us longer. Coming from a large family of 12 children, Paul loved family and he appreciated all that it entailed: the birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births and even deaths. Those of you who have ever been a part of one of our family gatherings will know what I speak of…we are a vibrant bunch, filled with drama, but lots of life, love and laughter. When we come together, the reunions are spoken about for years after. Paul, like every other member of our clan lived for these good feels, the warmth, the love, the family. As siblings we spoke regularly, we said "I love You'" often, we reminisced and shared fond memories of the good old days and kept that love alive.

Paul the Uncle Paul has some nieces who considered him their hero. When he would arrive in Trinidad, and he stepped out the vehicle, he would walk in the house or even if he so much as called, they would go crazy for their uncle and come running. During the carnival season, as soon as Uncle Paul touched down at Piarco Airport, the whole place shell down…for J'ouvert morning, Carnival magnified who he was, and this was the same for Christmas as well as any other occasion. Bacchanal would ensue if one niece tried to lay claim ahead of the other and as these girls' parents, we learnt not to get involved. Can anybody guess who these girls are? As slim as he was, there was a piece of him for everyone to love. He loved the fanfare, yet he never showed favoritism. He was always there for their accomplishments, and their ups and downs whenever he could be there.

A Great Friend.

Vince as he was fondly called by many of his friends and acquaintances was the epitome of what a true friend was. He was always present and when he could not be there, he would be on the phone supporting. He spoke his mind, he gave his thoughts and opinions in his way (that can also include some expletives) and according to Paul…who vex, loss, and 2 minutes later, it was a belly full of laughter completed with tears. He loved jokes and could drop "piccong" on anybody. Ooooh that smile…that infectious laughter, most will never forget.

Hatters Life Paul was Hatters and Hatters was Paul. Paul became a member of the Hatters Steel Orchestra in 1971 with his trusted sidekick- Mary Judy, who also became an honorary member of the band. He was one of the lead tenor players. It was during this era that he met young Ken Philmore. In 1974 Hatters placed 2nd in the National Panorama Competition and they got the opportunity to tour Minneapolis and in 1975 they won a second time and toured Dallas, Texas. This trip lasted three (3) weeks and it was during this tour he gave Ken the nickname "Professor". Up until his passing in 2018, Philmore always boastfully acknowledged Paul as the person who gave him his stage name. In 2016, Paul returned to Trinidad and visited for an extended period. He reconnected with the Hatters gang, Whitfield Weekes, Rudy, Randy, Blackie, Gaston, Chris and even Ken "Professor" Philmore. Within recent times, Paul remained a very active member of the Past Players Association and who gave freely for event and fundraisers they held. He was honored recently at their award ceremony for his unstinted dedication.

Paul the Party King Paul loved music but it was his love of pan music …that rhythm, the beats, the energy that was the driving force behind his work when he took on the role of Inner-City DJ. He was a rolodex of music. Ask him anything about any song and he will pull it from his music mind. In any party or gathering Paul was "THE MAN" everybody wanted at their event. Wherever he was, be it Trinidad, Houston, New York, Panama, Miami, he was put in charge of music because he brought energy and vibes to every event with hits from every single genre but mostly soca and Latin music. He did not just keep his passion for himself… his son, Kadir, also chose this career path and his great nephew Nicolii, who also shares his birthday- and this love for pan and music.

As we gather here today to celebrate his life and time on this earth, we will fondly remember our beloved Vincent Paul Ochoa who died as he lived: surrounded by loved ones. And for now, Vince…Ciao! You did it your way! We can shed tears that he is gone Or we can smile because he lived; We can close our eyes and pray for him to return to us.

Or you can open your eyes and see all he has accomplished.

Our hearts can weigh down with hurt, tears and unspoken pains.

Or it can be filled with memories of joy, laughter, fun times and love.

We can forget tomorrow is coming and live in yesterday's despairs and regrets.

Or we can yearn for tomorrow because of yesterday's lessons and upsets.

We can remember our Pablo …. # 7 out of 12, and think that he is gone.

Or cherish every single one of our memories and let them live on.

He came, he saw and he conquered, he did what only he could do.

Fly high and soar on Vincent Paul; we will forever love and miss you Vincent Paul leaves to mourn: Children: - Keesha and Kadir Grandchildren: - Dominic, Joshua and Kael.