Canute Ambrose Lobban

Canute Ambrose Lobban, AKA, “Eagle” was a rebel who didn’t play by the rules and did things his way. He was born on March 9, 1942 to parents Olive and Leslie Lobban in Fellowship Hall, Jamaica, and was the fourth of seven children. He was fun loving, curious, mischievous and grabbed life by the horns, living it to its fullest. He was charismatic, effusive, and welcoming, and people were naturally drawn to him. He lived a full life and was beloved by many family members and friends.

Canute had a great love for family. He was married to wife, Gloria, for over 37 years, with whom he built a life and shared many memorable, happy times. He took great pride and joy in his children; sons Anthony and Christopher from his union with his first wife Maureen Mignott; daughters Andrea Camille and Shawn by marriage to Gloria; and his grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply. Throughout his life he shared a strong bond with his siblings and cousins; they were among his closest friends and confidants. He was also a beloved uncle adored by his nieces and nephews. Canute made friends wherever he went and had many friends all over the globe. His strongest bond was with his life-long and best friend Sam Collins with whom he shared a lifetime of memories.

Among his other passions was a strong love for music that was as varied and complex as he was. His extensive collection of music was a great source of pride and joy. He loved to fish and was happiest when he was on the water, especially when he was accompanied by family and friends. One of the last fishing trips he took was with his son Christopher. Canute loved to socialize and was the ultimate “carouser”. He could often be found at his house, or someone else’s, surrounded by family and friends listening to music, drinking some white rum, playing some dominoes and engaging in a spirited argument, invariably started by Canute, over serious and inane topics alike. He reveled in a good argument and in playing devil’s advocate.

Canute was an intellectual and had a love for the sciences. He attended Ramble Elementary and Kingston Technical School in Jamaica before migrating to the United States. He received an Associate Degree from New York City College and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Richmond College.

Canute enjoyed a successful and diverse career that reflected his curiosity and love for science and adventure. Career highlights include:

• Service in the US Air Force from which he received an honorable discharge. He was stationed in Germany where he immersed himself in the culture, spending time with the locals and learning the language.

• A stint as a free-lance writer at a prominent music magazine covering musicians, concerts and sound systems. It was a labor of love and a source of great pride.

• Chemist at Dupont where Canute worked on many groundbreaking initiatives. None was more accomplished than developing the formula for the plastic that would be used in the first artificial heart transplant.

• A 27+ year distinguished career as a civilian working for the Federal Government. His favorite and most adventurous assignment was serving as a Chemical Engineer at the Health & Safety Division, Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines. While in the Philippines Canute immersed himself in the culture and built strong friendships with colleagues and local people alike. He took full advantage of the opportunity to travel and further explore Asia Pacific, visiting Japan, Guam, and Korea, where he explored local communities and experienced local food, culture, and history. Canute also had the distinction and honor to serve as the Division Head for the Safety & Health of the VA Hospital in Miami. He had multiple tenures at OSHA, in New York, Delaware and Florida.

• Establishing Ramasa Environmental Technologies (2007 to 2016,), his own consulting firm upon retiring from OSHA. His clients were the Department of Defense and the National Guard, and he sometimes joined forces with his brother Stalin. This allowed him to continue his love for exploration and he traveled throughout mainland US and Puerto Rico.

In March 2018 Canute’s life took a drastic turn when he suffered a stroke which left him immobile but left his mind intact. He remained at home under Gloria’s and his care-giver’s care until he was admitted to Wellington Regional on January 20, 2021. He succumbed to his infirmities and passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 23, 2021 with Gloria, his ever loving wife, by his side.

Canute is preceded in death by his parents Olive and Leslie Lobban and by siblings Constance Houchen and Ludlow Lobban. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria; children Anthony Lobban, Christopher Lobban, Andrea Camille Haskins, Shawn Tetelman; siblings Leonie Cacho (Cornelius), Dennis Lobban (Dorett), Norman Lobban (Lee) and Leon Lobban; grandchildren Alex, Dakota, Justin, Samantha and Ali; plus nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many close friends.

The family expresses sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and expressions of condolences received during this difficult time. We’d especially like to thank Canute’s caregiver, Hyacinth Walters, for her tireless service and devotion.

When it is safe to gather the family will hold a celebration of Canute’s life for his family and friends. In the interim, a virtual memorial tribute will be held on Saturday, February 6th at 4 p.m. Eastern for immediate family.

In Lieu of Flowers The Family Requests Donations To The United Negro College Fund