Toronto - Freeman John Lalla, 65, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at his home following a brief illness. He leaves Fitzgerald Lalla; his son, Candice Lalla; his daughter, Henry Lalla; his son and many close friends and family in Trinidad. Born and raised in Trinidad, the son of Frank and Agnes Lalla, he grew up in Trinidad, in his later years moved to New York and then Toronto. He spent his last 26 years in Toronto.

At the age of 14, Mr. Lalla was forced by his father’s passing to leave school and find work to help his family. He worked his way up from a delivery boy to Plant Manager and partner at Oscar Francois Limited. Mr. Lalla spent 20+ years at Intersol Ltd. (part of Oscar Francois Limited), which distributed and manufactured cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Oscar Francois took Freeman under his wing, a reminder of his own story. Mr. Lalla was educated in business management, cosmetic chemistry and production management.

He was meticulous and determined to meet every challenge with hard work and perseverance. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Mitchel Chunniesingh, one of the many people he mentored, became his best friend and brother.

Over the years, his expertise and knowledge allowed him to apply his skills to other manufacturing industries and the construction sector.

An avid reader and passionate golfer, he took every opportunity to play on courses in Toronto, Dominican Republic, USA and Trinidad & Tobago. He loved music from every genre and was a pretty good impersonator of Jim Reeves and Barry Manilow. Mr. Lalla life philosophies aligned with that of Tibetan Buddhism and ancient cultures. One of his favorites, the golden rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.

A funeral service will be held December 15, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Center, with private cremation.