By Sam Sooppersaud
Family members, friends, well-wishers, and a large contingent from the cricket fraternity gathered at the Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home in Richmond Hill, New York, to pay their final respects to Doodnauth Shivmangal, affectionately known as "Shook," who passed away earlier this week at the age of 73.

The outpouring of love and support reflected the profound impact he had on the lives of so many. To his family, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To the cricketing community, he was an organizer, administrator, mentor, and passionate advocate for the game he loved. To many others, he was a loyal friend, a generous supporter of worthy causes, and a man who stood firmly by his convictions.
Doodnauth “Shook” Shivmangal (2nd from right) pictured during a cricket match in the park in 2008, showcasing the passion, camaraderie, and enduring spirit that have made him a respected figure in the local cricket community. File photo by John Aaron

A Family Man Above All
The most touching tributes came from those who knew him best.

His children spoke lovingly of a father who led by example and instilled in them the values of education, kindness, hard work, and respect for others. They described him as a role model whose guidance helped shape the people they became.

His grandchildren remembered a grandfather who was generous with his time, wisdom, and affection. His great-grandchildren recalled the love and attention he showered upon them. Collectively, their reflections painted the picture of a man whose greatest pride and accomplishment was his family.

It was evident throughout the evening that Shook was deeply loved and cherished by those closest to him.

A Lifelong Passion for Horse Racing
Long before arriving in the United States, Shook developed a deep appreciation for horse racing in his native Guyana. His father owned racehorses, and growing up around the tracks fostered a lifelong passion for the sport.

When he immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s, he brought that passion with him. Once settled, he purchased his first racehorse and immersed himself in the racing world as an owner, trainer, and devoted enthusiast.

Over the years, he raced horses at tracks throughout the country, including the renowned Aqueduct and Belmont Park racetracks in New York. His family spoke proudly of the dedication and commitment he displayed to the sport, whether as a fan, owner, or trainer.

Horse racing was not simply a hobby for Shook—it was a lifelong love affair.

A Builder of Cricket
While horse racing occupied one part of his life, cricket occupied another.

I first met Shook nearly two decades ago at a cricket ground. I had arrived to umpire a Saturday League match organized by Peter Jolly. However, one of the teams was short of players, and the captain persuaded me to take the field.

When Shook learned that I was playing instead of umpiring, he immediately approached me and asked, "You came to umpire the game—how come you're playing?"

He was determined to get an explanation.

That brief exchange revealed much about his character. Shook believed strongly in fairness, accountability, and doing things properly. If something did not seem right, he would question it. He was never afraid to voice his opinion, regardless of who was involved.
Shook (second from left) joins guests during the presentation ceremony of the Ed Ahmad Cup between Guyana and Jamaica in 2008, celebrating a memorable occasion in Caribbean cricket. File photo by Shiek Mohamed

Alongside his close friend and fellow cricket enthusiast, the late Jimmy Maraj, Shook helped organize cricket clubs and leagues throughout the New York area. Together, they established a league that was played entirely at Flushing Meadows Park, providing opportunities for players and teams to compete and enjoy the sport. One of Shook's commendable efforts in cricket was his association with the New York Guyana XI in the Ed Ahmad Cup, a competitive tournament involving teams representing the Caribbean. He was an integral part of the management team of the Guyana squad, even touring with the squad as manager to his native Guyana.

Yet perhaps one of his greatest contributions to local cricket was reviving the once-proud Vikings Cricket Club.

The Vikings had enjoyed tremendous success during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s under the leadership of the legendary Julep Singh. As veteran players retired and the club gradually declined, its future appeared uncertain.

Shook refused to let that happen.

Although he was not among the club's regular players during its earlier years, he embraced the responsibility of preserving its legacy. Through tireless administrative work, recruitment efforts, and unwavering commitment, he helped rebuild the Vikings Cricket Club into a competitive force once again.

Under his stewardship, the club captured numerous additional championships and continued its proud tradition for a new generation of cricketers.

His contribution to cricket extended far beyond the boundary ropes.
Mr. Shivmangal and Steve Massiah with family members.

A Passionate Advocate and Friend
Anyone who knew Shook knew that he loved a spirited debate—especially when cricket was involved.

He was exceptionally knowledgeable about the game and possessed an impressive memory for statistics, history, and cricketing facts. More importantly, he was never reluctant to defend a position he believed was correct.

Once Shook formed an opinion, changing his mind was no easy task.

As some of his friends would jokingly say, if Shook decided that a roach was a butterfly, he would have an entire collection of facts and arguments ready to support his case.

His debates were often intense but always rooted in his passion for the game. Even when opinions differed, fellow cricketers respected his sincerity, dedication, and willingness to stand by his principles.

Indeed, there were occasions when his strong convictions influenced events on and off the field. Those who were present at a certain championship match at Whitestone Park still remember how firmly he stood his ground when he believed something was not right.

That was Shook—determined, fearless, and unapologetically authentic.

Giving Back to the Community
Beyond sports, Shook was a loyal supporter of community initiatives and charitable causes.

He was a steadfast supporter of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) and its President, Ralph Tamesh. The organization has long been recognized for its humanitarian efforts throughout the United States, Guyana, and the Caribbean. I will strongly recommend that Shook be honored at this year's ICF game in August.

Shook was a familiar and welcome presence at the ICF's Annual Cricket Festival and other community events. He believed in supporting organizations that sought to improve the lives of others and rarely hesitated when called upon to help.

His generosity, community spirit, and willingness to serve earned him the admiration and respect of many.

A Final Farewell
The large turnout at the viewing spoke volumes about the life Shook lived and the friendships he cultivated.

Among those present were Kamal Singh, Zamin Amin, Amar Ramcharitar, Ralph Tamesh, Ramsingh, the Sheriff brothers, Ajit Mootoo, Krish Prasad and his wife Dolly, Hafeez Ali of the Rockaway Group of Companies, JZ, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, and numerous other friends and members of the cricket community who came to pay their respects and offer support to the family.

Their presence was a testament to a man whose influence extended well beyond his immediate circle.

Shook's passing leaves a void not only within his beloved family but also throughout the cricketing and Guyanese communities he served so faithfully. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, the cricket clubs he helped build, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

To his family, we extend our deepest condolences. To his many friends, we share in the loss of a remarkable man whose passion, loyalty, generosity, and unwavering convictions made him unforgettable.

Rest in peace, Shook.

And if there is cricket in heaven, there is little doubt that you and your old friend Jimmy have already selected the teams, marked out the boundary, and begun debating the playing conditions.

Your innings may have ended here, but your legacy will continue for generations to come.