Luther M. Bhola

Luther McLaren Bhola, was born on September 19th, 1938, in Bel Air Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana and was the sixth of eight children, born to the late Beresford Bhola and Georgiana Bhola (nee Clark). He peacefully departed this life on Sunday evening April 13th, 2025, at Schenectady Center in Schenectady, New York.

Luther attended Bel Air Lutheran and Kitty Methodist Primary Schools, followed by a Vocational School in Kingston, Georgetown where he developed a passion for Carpentry and Woodworking. This passion led him to become a skilled builder and artisan, using his education and expertise to build homes and high-quality furniture, like tables, cabinets, etc. He was a great asset to the construction industry.

Luther had a quiet, gentle spirit. He was easy-going with a fun-loving side. He enjoyed listening to music of many genres, especially the Oldies and was an avid collector of vinyl records and albums. Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ was one of his favorites. Luther loved to dance and play air instruments, specifically the trumpet and saxophone.

In 1970, Luther moved to Toronto, Canada, where he lived for over 23 years. In 1994, Luther moved to the United States and soon united in marriage to Grace Baird-Bhola, they shared over 30 years of love and companionship. Together, they built a life for their family in Albany, New York. Luther and Grace worshipped at Christ Church of Albany, where Luther was a devoted member for over two decades. The night before Luther’s passing, he and his wife Grace shared a very loving moment in their rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston, another one of his favorite songs.

Luther was employed at Albany Medical Center in the Transportation Department for over 20 years until he retired. While Luther was working, he was known for walking to and from his job, no matter the weather conditions. Luther was a devoted employee with a great work ethic and regularly received many awards such as being named “Employee of the Month”.

When Luther wasn’t working, he deeply cherished spending time with family and friends. Luther often connected with his buddies at his favorite S&A West Indian Grocery store. Some of his favorite solo pastimes were savoring a warm bowl of broccoli and cheese soup, cooking, or baking breads and cakes to share. He found joy in simple pleasures, such as catching up on the news and sports. Luther was a fierce domino player, he proudly called himself “Major Bulldog” during games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, William (aka Connie), and Philip; his sisters, Elon (aka Betty), Bertley, and Beverley; his nephew, Lincoln; his niece, Georgiana; and son-in-law, Audley, and grandson, Preston.

Luther leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Grace Baird-Bhola; five step-children, Francine (Robert), Denise, Anthony, Andrew (Rhonda), and Audrey; five grandchildren, Jasmyn, Austyn, Aaron, Micheal, and Allia; one great-grandchild, Leilani; two brothers, Malcolm (Jenny) and Pastor Errol (Pastor Yvonne); two brothers-in-law, Melvin and Michael; three sisters-in-law Pat Bhola, Faith, and Patsy (Larry); mother-in-law, Elma Small; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends including Paul, David, William Jr., Sean, Gavin, Mark, Jacqueline, Carmen, Maria, Grace, Elon, Amelia, Rhonda, as well as the Gardners, the Liverpools, the Sinclairs, the Marcuses, and the Savorys; special childhood friends, Cleveland & Evelyn Hercules and Morris Peters.

Funeral Service Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. The viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, New York 12205, with Pastor James D. Davis, Eulogist, and Dr. Anthony M. Baird, Funeral Officiant

Interment Memory Gardens Cemetery & Memorial Park 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, New York 12205

Flower Donations Please send to Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, New York 12205; 518-869-1005 by Friday, May 2nd, 3:00 PM