One of Suriname’s most influential legal and community figures, Humphrey Schurman, has been celebrated in a moving, state-backed farewell ceremony that drew hundreds of attendees from across the nation’s social, political and civic spheres. Schurman passed away unexpectedly on April 27 at the age of 72, just days after being admitted to hospital for a sudden illness, shocking the Surinamese community that had come to rely on his expertise and leadership.
Held on May 7 at the Pandit Jagdew Paragh Crematorium on Doctor Sophie Redmondstraat, the five-hour service showcased the extraordinary breadth of Schurman’s life and legacy. Speakers from across sectors, including representatives of the Surinamese Lawyers Association, fellow legal practitioners, banking leaders, local media outlet Starnieuws, and dozens of civil society organizations, took the podium to share their memories of a man whose impact stretched far beyond the courtroom.
Schurman’s career and character were universally described as defined by deep knowledge, unmatched professional expertise, relentless work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to lifting up his fellow community members. Fellow lawyers remembered him not just as a skilled master of his trade, but as a mentor and patron to generations of new legal professionals who entered the field. Father Esteban Kross, who led the religious portion of the service and counted Schurman as a friend for more than 30 years, offered comforting words to the gathered mourners.
In a deeply moving tribute, family members opened up about the personal side of the public figure. Schurman was celebrated as a dependable partner both in professional collaborations and private life, as well as a dedicated family man who prioritized his loved ones above all else. In a notable personal detail, Schurman married his long-time partner Firoza Gulzar just last year, after years of living together. Gulzar, Schurman’s widow, shared her reflections on their loving years together through her daughters, while Schurman’s own daughters, Anushka and Sayonara, described their father as a firm but deeply loving parent. His sister Wilma noted that Schurman had long been the backbone of the extended family, a person every member could turn to for support in times of need, adding that the loss is an enormous burden for the family to bear.
One of the most emotionally resonant moments of the ceremony came when the family shared intimate memories of Schurman’s final days during his illness, including the gentle words and shared songs that brought comfort to the whole family in their last moments together. The tribute left a profound impression on all attendees.
Beyond his legal career, Schurman served for many years as head commissioner of the Surinamese Boy Scouts, and the organization led a special tribute to his decades of service alongside honorary ceremonies from other community groups including Keep Fit and the local Freemasons lodge. Attendees included prominent figures from all walks of Surinamese life, a testament to the wide reach of Schurman’s community work.
After the conclusion of the service, Schurman was cremated, in keeping with his final wishes. A traditional phrase of farewell, *“Waka bun, meester,”* (meaning “Go well, master” in Sranan Tongo) echoed across the gathering of mourners, a final goodbye to a leader who touched countless lives across Suriname.