Venu Laforest

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Venu Laforest, on Sunday August 9, 2020 (age 69), in Aventura, Florida. His passing comes after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease and more recently, an unfortunate battle with COVID-19. Venu was a phenomenal, hardworking man who made a great impression on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He instilled a great deal of knowledge and wholesome values into his siblings and children. He was tough on those he loved only because he wanted them to achieve their greatest potential in life, he wanted them to be their best! Born in Pestel, Haiti on June 3, 1951, Venu grew up in a rather large family. Being one of 12 children had its benefits and setbacks. It was great having the love and support of a sizable family but this also meant having great responsibility. Venu had to grow up rather quickly. He took on a father-like role to his siblings and made sure they received a quality education that he was not able to take advantage of himself. While in Haiti Venu had five children: Yanick, Frantz, Wilner, Ernst, and Sherly. In hopes of finding a better future for himself and his children, he embarked on what we will call an “adventurous boat ride” to Miami, FL in 1980. This unprecedented trip allowed him to leave his homeland and everything and everyone he's known, to begin a new life in the United States. As he sought out his own American Dream, he was able to find steady employment in the transportation services. Though he had many aspirations for himself, he put his dreams on hold so that he could continue to support his siblings and children in Haiti. While in Florida, Venu had four more children: Evans, Nardege, Venice, and Diana. Venu made it known to his children that having a good education was his top priority in life. While in grade school, he expected us to have the best grades and to be number 1 in your class. Being able to watch television was never a priority in our household, “those actors are already rich, you are not, go study”, was a line you would often hear from our father. Because of his hard work and personal sacrifices, his children were able to achieve his educational dream of obtaining Bachelor and Master’s degrees in multiple fields. On weekends, Venu enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed working on and fixing cars, great music, exciting soccer matches, the Miami Dolphins, long walks on a nice day, and great food. I hope they have DRY barbecued chicken, cold ji sitwon ak lèt, and mayi moulen in Heaven because they were some of his favorites here on earth. He knew how to relax and have a good time. He was the freshly ironed, always smelling good, one finger in the air while dancing, sharp gentleman in the room. He loved to watch people and crack jokes, all in good fun of course. Our father will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness towards others and his sacrifice of self. He opened his home to many and never asked for anything in return. He never forgot where he came from and maintained a deep love for his country Haiti. Venu is survived by his 9 children, 28 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. To an amazing father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, you are loved, you are missed, and will never be forgotten. Your memory and legacy lives on in your 9 children: Yanick, Frantz, Wilner, Ernst, Sherly, Evans, Nardege, Venice and Diana and your 28 grandchildren: Kelly, Nehemie, Talka, Beverly, Melissa, Jeffrey, Fedia, Saina, Anael, Yardley, Naima, Ivan, Joey, Sydney, Aubrey, Chelsea, Gaud, Alichea, Bradley, Jenny, James, Carla, Kerson, Lamsky, Sagge, Evans Jr., Naomi, Serendity; and your Four great grandchildren, Amara, Javeon, Kayla and Abraham.