Winston Frankie ‘Gons’ Dayal (September 14, 1943 - November 24, 2025) passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 50 years, Marian, his precious daughter Trisha (Stephen) who was the apple of his eye, and his oldest sister Myrna Mustapha who resides in Trinidad.

He leaves to mourn his brothers-in-law: Michael Mohammed (Trudy), Clive Mohammed, Gregory Mohammed (Fariza), and Clinton Mohammed (Joan), and his sisters-in-law Karen Lall, Sharon Chanka, and Valerie Mohammed. He will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Canada, the USA, England, and Trinidad).

He will be fondly remembered by his neighbours, church families, the steelpan community, and his numerous friends and acquaintances, especially those on Facebook. He spent many hours daily keeping up with friends and families online on posts and sending out Whatsapp greetings.

Winston was predeceased by his father, Frank Dayal, his mother, Doris Dayal, sisters Lynette Soogrim and Marlene Dayal, and his brother Mervyn Dayal.

Winston grew up in San Fernando, Trinidad and travelled to Canada in 1971 to start a new life, mainly to support his father in Trinidad. His first job was at Pilkington Glass where he worked until the company’s closure. In the early 1980s, he began a new job with Canada Post where he worked until his retirement.

In 1997, Winston started playing his tenor steel pan to the glory of God which led to him releasing his first album, Anointed Pan, in 2001. He was very proud when he won the Covenant Award in 2002 for Instrumental Album of the Year at the Canadian Gospel Music Association (CGMA). That was his very first CD. He later went on to record Romantic Pan - 20 Favourite Love Songs on Steel, and Christmas Rhythms Medley on Steel.

In 2019, he was given a 10-year service award by St Paul’s Long Term Care and Seniors Home (SPLC) where he enjoyed being a frequent volunteer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pine Hills Funeral Home, 625 Birchmount Road (at St. Clair) in Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to God’s Love Ministries (Charitable Reg. No. 770047678 RR 0001), Warden Full Gospel Assembly (Charitable Reg. No. 866742331 RR 0001), or to assist with expenses to mariandayal@yahoo.ca.