Leopold M Ooft

Leopold Maurice Ooft was born on October 25, 1936, in Paramaribo, Suriname. Through union of Augusta McIntosh and Leo Ooft, he was the fourth of thirteen children. He leaves to cherish his wife, Helen, of 32 years, five children, Sonja, Vera, Nina, Maurice, Duwayne, and two step-children, Barbara and Brian.

He was introduced to the truth of Jehovah's Witnesses, and was baptized in 1985 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses at Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY. He served Jehovah's Witnesses faithfully for 33 years and his favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding, in all your ways take notice of him and he will make your paths straight."

Leopold was employed with bauxite mines of Suriname, using excavators and heavy equipment. He was a professional athlete where he was involved in a number of sports; Soccer, Boxing, and Body Building. He came to America in the early 1950's, where he settled in New York for several years as merchant seamen. Later in 1971, he became a Stone Derrickmen and Rigger in The Iron Workers Union Local 197. As an apprentice, he mastered his trade as a Stone Derrickmen and Rigger. He also worked on many of the skyscrapers that make up New York City Skyline.