Mark Loquan’s legacy in the energy and music industry should be carried on.

This was the sentiment shared by professionals in both industries at his funeral on April 14 at St Finbar’s RC church in Diego Martin.

Loquan, 63, died on April 6, 14 months after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

A chemical engineer by profession, he rose through the energy industry to become the president of the National Gas Company (NGC), but was also was also an award-winning composer, songwriter and filmmaker.

The church’s carpark and streets nearby were lined with cars, as throngs of people filed into the church, almost filling it to capacity.

The funeral service began with a soulful rendition of The Goodness of God by soca songstress turned gospel goddess Destra Garcia as Loquan’s body was brought into the church.

His son Evan delivered an intensely intimate eulogy, recalling moments between father and son often reserved for laughs around a dinner table.

He revealed although everyone knew Loquan for his accomplishments in the energy and music industry, there was a side of him some people would not have had the opportunity to see.

He noted, for example, Loquan rarely ever called him by his name, and instead often referred to him often as “son.”

“The way he said it (was) warm, supportive and encouraging.”

“He believed in me even when I didn’t.”

He said those around Loquan always knew he was destined for great things.

“After all, who excels in two sports, windsurfs, spearfishes and records a CD of his own music before the age of 18?”

Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd Vincent Pereira worked alongside Loquan in the energy sector.

He said everything Loquan did was aimed at making TT a better place.

“Mark loved TT with a passion. From coast to coast and all in between. He worked tirelessly to ensure every contribution he made, no matter how big or how small, whether it was through energy or arts and culture, was done in service and to make TT better.”

He said Loquan had died too soon as he had more to contribute to the country.

[caption id="attachment_1149617" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Etienne Charles plays Ave Maria at Mark Loquan's funeral at St Finbar's RC Church, Morne Coco Road, Diego Martin, on April 14. - Photo by Faith Ayoung[/caption]

“You work is done but the legacy you have created is intergenerational and will live on.”

Loquan’s compositions have been performed by winning small and medium bands in the National Panorama, and primary and secondary school bands in the Junior Panorama.

In 2004, he co-founded the Music Literacy Trust (MLT), a not-for-profit organisation which has provided music scholarships for young pannists, and introduced music education programmes for youth.

The organisation also preserves Panorama performances by producing musical scores for the pan arrangements in the competition and keeping a copy in their archives. In 2024, Loquan received the Order of the Republic of TT (ORTT) during the National Awards ceremony on Republic Day, at President's Hou