OBITUARY

MILTON ROBERT AUGUSTUS PYDANA

January 27, 1950 - April 15, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Milton Robert Augustus Pydana, legendary Guyanese cricketer and beloved patriarch, who departed this life on April 15, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 75.

Born on January 27, 1950, in the village of Smythfield, West Canje, Berbice, Guyana, Milton developed his extraordinary talent for cricket at an early age. His remarkable journey from the dusty cricket yards of Berbice to international recognition as a wicketkeeper for the West Indies stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and deep love for the game.

Milton represented Guyana in first-class cricket for 17 seasons (1971-1988), played in three One Day Internationals for the West Indies, and captained Berbice in Inter-County Cricket. During his career as a player in Guyana’s first division cricket, he scored the most centuries, followed by the late great Basil Butcher. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and fearless style behind the stumps, he was widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted wicketkeepers to ever represent Guyana. Among his proudest accomplishments were being a member of Guyana’s Shell Shield championship teams in 1973, 1975, and 1983, and captaining Guyana to victory in the Geddes Grant Harrison Line Championship in 1985, becoming the only wicketkeeper to lead Guyana to a Regional One Day Championship.

His cricket Intelligence was remarkable; he was known for being witty in his knowledge of the game, offering insights and strategic thinking that elevated the performance of those around him. Throughout his career, he also played first-division cricket for Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

His contributions to cricket and Guyanese culture were recognized at the highest levels, including being honored by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, during a special ceremony in 2024. Throughout his life, Milton’s achievements were celebrated by cricket authorities, government officials, and dignitaries who recognized his significant impact on the sport.

But Milton’s dedication didn’t stop with cricket. He served his country with pride, first in the Guyana Police Force, which he joined in 1971, and later was associated with the Guyana Defence Force. After migrating to the United States in 1989, he continued to serve the game he loved through coaching and mentoring young players in the Brooklyn community.

Milton’s greatest legacy is his extraordinary family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey, who departed in 1986. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Kamala, and fifteen children: Romaine, Marcia, Leslyn, Imogen, Rochelle, Susan, Rondell, Clive, Collis, Vivian, Rohan, Godwin, Steven, Keron, and Alicia. Through his marriage to Kamala, he also welcomed Tony, Kerry, Julie, and Jamella into the family circle. His legacy continues through his forty-two grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and the many lives he touched.

Milton also leaves behind his siblings Victorine Abbey, Michael, Joan, Ivy, Jean, Gail, Glenn and Clifford; and was preceded in death by his siblings Keith Daniels, Clarice, and Gilbert. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Debra, Diane, Dacia, Dexter, Deon O’Neal, Mel, Glenn Jr., Janice and Maria.

His life embraced many children and grandchildren, all of whom he welcomed with open arms and a generous heart. The extended Pydana family includes members of the Benjamin, Telford, Ferdinand, Buckner, Donaldson, Trotman, Brouet, Bess, and Reid families, creating a rich tapestry of relationships bound by love and respect.

He was a man known for his sociable nature, his sharp sense of humor, and his phenomenal ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His influence stretched far beyond the cricket pitch, touching countless lives through mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support.

In Milton’s honor, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to youth cricket programs in Guyana at www.miltonpydana.com