Elon Baptiste

Celebrating the Life of Elon Baptiste Elon Baptiste was born on the Island of Trinidad and Tobago in Princess Town, on December 12, 1951 to Stella Baptiste and Vernon Cole. A bright and inquisitive young man, Elon, graduated from Cowen Hamilton High School at the age of 16. After graduation, Elon set his sights on pursuing a career in electronics. To accomplish his goals, in 1975, he migrated to the United States, landing in Washington, DC to pursue a degree in computer programming, and to help his sister, Mona, raise her children. As to be expected, Elon excelled in his studies and graduated with honors from the Control Data Institute. Immediately following his graduation, he began his career as a computer programmer on Capitol Hill working for former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He later joined the AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, as a computer operator and was quickly promoted to one of its top managers. Elon valued family and he was the glue that kept them together, especially through his motto “He is the Youngest of the Oldest, and Oldest of the Youngest.” He was a peacemaker; the go to guy - to talk, to vent, for answers, for help, for the latest music (Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop or R&B), computer issues or to find out about the latest electronics; and to plan trips to Trinidad and Tobago for Carnivals and vacations. He encouraged his children, nieces, and nephews to pursue an education, to treat others with respect, to see the good in others, to be entrepreneurs, and to never stop pursuing their life goals. He was a wiz with computers and anything electronic, as well as the latest technology. Elon was also an artist, who sketched objects and wrote poetry. Elon was very much into his “Roots and Culture.” Elon traveled the globe to attend various Caribbean festivals. He introduced the younger generation to not only Trinidadian art, music, and literature, but the Carnival experience and the need to travel the world to experience various cultures. He always encouraged the younger generation to keep their heritage alive, so that the “Trini” legacy would not be forgotten. Elon leaves behind his wife Jodi, his children Nigel Robertson, Simone Nelson, Shevon Baptiste, Sydney Baptiste, and Cayleb Baptiste; grandson, Aiden Nelson; surviving siblings Jean Baptiste, Mona Gnoleba, Marva Ferguson, Verna Jameson, Cathy Ann Grant, Vernon “Christopher” Cole, Jr., Ava Cole, Angela Lashley, and Collin Forde; Simone and Shevon's mom, Grace Arrindell; nieces; nephews; cousins; great nieces and nephews; and lots of friends near and far. Elon was preceded by his parents; grandparents; uncle; aunts; brothers; and sisters.