Marty…
REMEMBERING
O
ne can only imagine the glorious morning of January 3rd 1956 when Martin Fredrick Horace Allen was born to his parents Melvin Edwin Griffin Allen and his wife Norma Angela Dillet- Allen in the close- knit community of Talbot Street. Martin would be the second of three children and their second son.
“Marty” as he was affectionately called, like most little boys in the Centerville area, played marbles; rounders in the side street and built and sped his box cart down Hawkins Hill .Marty’s favourite childhood pastime was playing games with his cousins Adalai (Sharl), Anthony, Steve, Fletcher, Foster and Rod. After moving into the Allen homestead in Stapledon Gardens, Marty’s new past time became walking with Niven to Harold Road to hang out with his cousin Danny. Marty began his early education when he was enrolled at the Sands School. The product of a devoted Roman Catholic home; it was natural that he then went on to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School. Upon completing his primary education in The Bahamas he and his brother Niven began Secondary education at Calabar High School, in Kingston, Jamaica. Due to the change of climate in the Bahamas, Marty returned to The Bahamas in 1968 and attended Saint Augustine’s College. During his academic career at St. Augustine’s, Marty was an active member of the Key Club, Boys Basketball Team and Track and Field Team. After graduating from St. Augustine’s in 1973, Marty enrolled at the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute where he pursued Technical Drawing and Auto Mechanics. In his teenage years, Marty was taught the trade of upholstery by his
father Melvin, whom he accompanied to work on various jobs. After graduating from the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute, Marty sought employment with Bahamas Air in 1977. In 1981, Marty was blessed to meet the acquaintance of a beautiful budding young woman named Sherry Denise Rigby. The handsome, quick-witted rebel wasted no time in making it known that he wanted her to be his. As the pair fell deeper and deeper in love he asked her to take his hand in marriage after a short time of dating. The 21 and 28 year -old pair were joined in holy matrimony on August 4th 1984. Marty was a loving husband who provided for his wife and ensured that they made strides to achieve the goals that they had set as husband and wife. After 6 romantic years of honeymooning, God blessed Marty and Sherry with a beautiful bouncing baby girl whom they named Anya Hollie Gabrielle. Anya’s arrival took Marty’s life by storm as he proudly approached the journey of fatherhood with a smile on his face and a heart filled with joy! The only thing Marty loved more than being a husband was being a father. The bond that he and his daughter shared is indescribable. Marty’s lifelong career which spanned over forty-three years afforded him the opportunity to serve Bahamas Air in many different capacities. Marty was an astute, no nonsense, diligent and dedicated worker. He was truly one of Bahamas Air’s finest. In January of 2021 Marty celebrated his 65th Birthday & Retirement surrounded by his family and close friends. Unbeknown to us, it would be his last. Marty leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and those who knew him. He has left behind wonderful memories of a Loving husband father and friend. We are grateful for each and every day we got to see his glowing smile, and for the lessons learned and all the jokes we shared. Marty set an exemplary example as a husband, father, sibling and friend. He was spiritually strong and compassionate, and had a clever sense of humor. Above all, he loved and cherished his family and friends.
Left To Cherish His Unforgettable Memories Are: His Wife of 37 years: Sherry Denise Allen; Daughter: Anya Hollie Gabrielle Allen; Brother: Niven F.N. Allen; Sister: Hyacinth M.W. Allen; Mother in law: Ethelyn D. Smith Brother in Law: Kevin J.A. Rigby; Sisters in Law: Linda C. Smith and Patricia A. Rigby; Nieces: Terez L. Albury, Solangé A.M. Allen, Kellyn B. Rigby, Kaylee P. Rigby; Nephews: Todd K.W.Simmons, Corey J. Simmons, Brandon Rigby; Numerous Close Relatives & Friends Including But Not Limited To: Diane Maycock -Williams (John), Carmetta Maycock , Beverly Maycock, Anne Curtis (George), Grace Sullivan (William) & Family, Harold Skees Sr. (Judy) & Family, Fritzearl Skees, Tennessee Malet & Family, Iris Dillet- Knowles & Family, Joan Bethel & Family, Hedi Friend & Family, Michael Dillet & Family, Anita Dillet & Family Heather Dillet-Smith & Family, Adlai Dillet (Jean) & Family, Foster Dillet (Debbie) & Family, Rod Dillet, Zina Dillet, Simone Michel & Family, Carl Dillet & Family, Dr. John Dillet, Anja Dillet & Family, Francise Wilson (Larry) & Family, Paige Mitchell & Family, Gillian Moss (Andre) & Family. Jarret Major, Lauren Symonette, Felice Saunders (Ken), Jodi Curtis, Kristina Saunders, Rose Huyler & Family, Monique Treco (Patrick) & Family, Linley Stevenson & Family, Donahue Stevenson & Family, Barbara Usher & Family, Andrea , Tina, Micheal a& Karla Knowles, Elaine Bannister, Denise Dorsett & Family, Billy Godet(Rosie) & Family, Gaynell Bullard & Family, Charles Dillet(Lelia) & Family, Albert Dillet(Kathy) & Family, Thelma McWeeney & Family, Zoe Galanis & Family, Z. Allyson Maynard
-Gibson(Max) & Family, Vita Foote (of Canada) & Family, Samuel Carey Sr. & Family, Lloy,d Carey, Cindy Morley & Family, Delphine Carey & Family, Chris Carey, Dewy Carey ,Derick Carey The Most. Hon. Hubert A. Minnis & Family, Cheryl Minnis & Family, Andrew Mckinney & Family, Anita GomezRoberts & Family, Veronica Gomez, Cornelia Mackay, Denise Dorsette, Patricia Francis & Family, Theron Hepburn (Marie), Terry Fountain (Patty) & Family, Kerry Fountain(Michelle), Trevor Roberts & Family, Stephen Storr, Brian Albury & Family, Evan Reid, Noel Munroe , Dr. Tyrone “Butch” Bartlett, Dr. Marsha Williams- Bethel ,Stafford Ferguson(Cherri) & Family, Terry Carrol & Family, Presley Reckley & Family, Nehemiah Thurston & Family, Jeffrey & Corraine Major, Derinda Forbes, Roston Munroe & Family, Ranrick Adderley & Family, Patterson Storr, Monty Grant(Alice) & Family, Tommy Turnquest (Shawn)& Family, Scott & Maxine Thompson, Dominique & Madam Justice J. Denise Lewis-Johnson, Brent Edwards, Edward Knowles, Philip Woods, Oliver Pinder, Captain Lawrence Jupp, Lamont Rolle Raul Seymour, Ms. Sue & Ellamae. Lisa Percentie & Family, Ann Campbell-Bease & Family, Diane Dean & Family, Mel Davis (Roy) & Family, Valentine Farquharson & Family, Eustis Rolle (Kathleen)& Family, Wade Smith (Irma), Jennifer Smith, Wade & Antionette Russell. Nakirsha( Jhavier) Humes & Family, Kirk & Nakoya Lightbourn, Tamar (Charles)Ferguson, Anquiel Hanna & Dianne Davis, Gregory Clarke, Phileah Beneby & Family, Camille Hall, Donisha Wright, Kendrea Demeritte, Kandice Maycock, Theominique Nottage , Ashley Sturrup, Donard Brown, Michael Brennen, Brenton Rolle, Brynae Mackay , Betty Sweeting-Lane, Shelia & George Buckle , Rev B. Rudy & Rev Carlton Adderley, Portia & Ivone Ingraham, Mildred Darville, Carole Barnett, The Family of The Late Genae Nottage , Rev Dr. Michael C. Symonette & Family, Rev. Dr. Charles Rolle & Family, Rev Daniel & Deaconess Beverly Beneby, Rev Angela Gray ,Rev Ester Burrows, Rev Dwayne & Sonia Rahming, Leader Elizabeth Hanna, Leader Sherry- Mae Miller & Family, The St. Augustine’s College Class of 1973, The Management & Staff of Bahamasair Holdings Ltd, Hon. Marvin Dames & Family, The Administration & Staff of Queens College especially Rev. Henry Knowles, Kendra Mckenzie, Renatus Thompson, Ruth Brown, Karen Rice, Yhen Smith and Rosemary Wilson, The Directors & Staff Of The Office of The Attorney General & Ministry of Legal Affairs , especially Ms. Antionette Bonamy, Mrs. Danya Parker-Wallace, Ms. Morlette Johnson & Ms. Shantel Taylor, Dr. Fran Pinder, Gomez Catering, Father Anselm Russell & Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Order of Service CEREMONY OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE Priest: People:
Behold the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.
Priest: I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he dies; yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? People: Yes! We believe that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God, he who is to come into the world. Priest: We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Priest: People:
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us pray: Almighty Father, You raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead so that we who believe Him to be the Light of the world may, with Him, be brought to the fullness of life in His resurrection. Grant, we ask You, that our brother Martin who has left this world might merit Your forgiveness for the sins which he may have committed and inherit eternal life through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. People: Amen. OPEN HYMN | And Can It Be And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading | Lamentations 3:17-26 | Terez L. Albury (Niece) Responsorial Psalm | “Psalm 23” The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want, He makes me down to lie In Pastures green, He leadeth me the quiet waters by. My soul He doth restore again and me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness even for His own name’s sake. Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill For Thou art with me and Thy rod and staff me comfort still. My table Thou hast furnished in presence of my foes, My head Thou dost with oil anoint and my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me And in God’s house for evermore my dwelling place shall be. Second Reading | Revelations 21: 1-5a, 6b-7 | Brian Albury (Friend) GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia! Alleluia! This is the will of my Father, says the Lord, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, and that I should raise it up on the last day. Alleluia! Alleluia! (All stand, out of respect for the Gospel) GOSPEL | Matthew 5:1-12a (After the Gospel please be seated) HOMILY | Fr. Anselm Russell.. (Please stand for the Intercessions) PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION | Dianne Maycock-Williams (Cousin) THE LORD’S PRAYER Priest: At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching we dare to say: People: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. People: For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Priest:
The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit
SOLO TRIBUTE | Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole
FINAL COMMENDATION Priest: Let us pray: Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Martin and now we come to the last farewell. There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Martin again and enjoy his friendship. Although this congregation will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of His kingdom. Therefore, let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ. SONG OF FAREWELL Priest: People:
Saints of God, come to his aid! Come to meet him angels of the Lord. Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Priest: May Christ, who called you, take you to Himself, may angels lead you to Abraham’s side. People: Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High. Priest: People:
Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever. Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
PRAYER OF COMMENDATION Priest: To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Martin your servant; in the sight of this world he is now dead; in your sight may he live forever. Forgive whatever sins he has committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant him everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. People: Amen. RECESSIONAL HYMN | “How Great Thou Art” O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
And when I think of Go d his son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
(Chorus) Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
RITE OF COMMITTAL At The Cemetery Priest: Let us pray: Our son Martin has gone to his rest in the peace of Christ, May the Lord now welcome him to the table of God’s children in heaven! With faith and hope in eternal life, let us assist her with our prayers. Let us pray to the Lord also for ourselves. May we who mourn be reunited one day with our brother; together may we meet Christ Jesus when he who is our life appears in glory. Priest: We read in Sacred Scripture: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, says the Lord, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” PRAYER OVER THE GRAVE Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, by Your own three days in the tomb, You hallowed the graves of all who believe in You and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies. Grant that our brother may sleep here in peace until You awaken him to glory, for You are the resurrection and the life. Then he will see You face to face and in Your light will see light and know the splendor of God, for You live and reign forever and ever People: Amen Priest: By Your coming as man. By Your birth. By Your baptism and fasting. By Your suffering and Cross By Your death and burial. By Your rising to new life. By Your return in glory to the Father. By Your gift of the Holy Spirit. By Your coming again in glory.
Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people. Lord, save Your people.
COMMITTAL Priest: In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we recommend to Almighty God our brother Martin and we commit his body to the ground: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. Priest: With longing for the coming of God’s kingdom, let us pray as Jesus taught us: People: Our Father… Priest: May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. People: Amen. Priest: People:
May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymns
GRAVESIDE
IT IS FINISHED There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages; On that line stands the old rugged cross. On that cross a battle is raging For the gain of man’s soul or his loss. On one side march the forces of evil, All the demons and devils of hell. On the other the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill.
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict; The sun refuses to shine. For there hangs God’s Son in the balance, And then through the darkness He cries: “It is finished!” The battle is over! It is finished! There’ll be no more war! It is finished! The end of the conflict! It is finished and Jesus is Lord! Yet in my heart the battle was still raging; Not all pris’ners of war have come home. They were battlefields of my own making, I didn’t know that the war had been won. Then I heard that the King of all ages Had won all the battles for me. And the vict’ry was mine for the claiming; And now praise His name I am free!
IT’S ALRIGHT NOW There was a time I traveled A lonely sinful road Beneath a heavy burden bending low But now all things are different For Jesus took my load It’s alright now I’m His I know
Chorus: It’s alright now For I am in my Savior’s care It’s alright now My Savior hears and answers prayer He’ll walk beside me ‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now A-down a lonely pathway Without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Til Jesus came and found me And drew me to His side It’s alright now for I’m His own
And it is finished! The battle is over! It is finished! There’ll be no more war! It is finished! The end of the conflict! It is finished and Jesus is Lord! He is Lord! He is Lord! He is Lord! Jesus is Lord!
No more in sin I wander No more in darkness roam The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home It’s alright now I’m heaven bound
IT IS WELL When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!”
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought— My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul! Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live; If dark hours about me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
TRIBUTES E
ven in the midst of pain god’s purpose is greater.
You have been the best brother to me and uncle to Solangé. Our bond & love for you remains unscathed and some day we will see you on the other side of the stars. Know that we will love you always my brother marty. By: Hyacinth “Cindy” Allen
I wish you sweet sleep My Dear Brother Marty Although there’s so much that you’ve left bare I hate that you had to endure such pain. On my mind your saddened eyes have left a stain. I want to know what crossed your mind. Unspoken words you’ve left behind. Undone things we’ll never do. No sharing thoughts you never knew. A peace has fallen upon your head. A taste of sorrow we have been fed. It really is like a hole in our lives. One swiftly dug but carved out by knives. But I have hope that those sleeping will rise. The Bible says that God will open their eyes. No suffering, sickness, yes not even pain. Those who did good, eternal life they’ll gain. So… sleep on My Brother, sleep tight. For now with you the sky is night. But after night will come daybreak. Therefore I will wait, hoping to see you awake. Your Brother, Niven Allen
“Terrance, boy I am ready for Bay Street in December”. “Bay Street???? Man Martin those old knees aren’t going to be ready for that; if we even have any Junkanoo”. “Well I am ready for Bay”. Those were some of the last words in one of the last conversations between myself and my friend Martin Allen. And, it was at his joint birthday and retirement party. Who knew. To call Marty a friend doesn’t even do justice to what we shared. With both of us growing up in family homes on Shirley Street, I have always remembered Marty being around. He was a big brother in every sense of the term. Serious, playful, generous, and most notable of all his traits, loyal. Marty was a man of many talents, and he shared them all with anyone that needed his help. From putting up the blinds in the original Cancer Society building, manning the grill at the tailgate parties in Miami prior to the Dolphins losing another game, you name it and he was ready and he did it. But hopefully and thankfully, most of you would never have experienced Christmas shopping with Marty. That was no fun. Sloooowwwwwww! Sherry and Anya, words cannot express how the loss of Marty has impacted us all. In fact, we are really still coming to grips with it. So I can only imagine what you must be going through. You were his life and what he did, he did for you. Anya, as protective as your dad was of you, he was even more proud of you. Continue to be guided by that. On behalf of my family and any within our close-knit circle that hasn’t said anything, please accept our love and condolences as we continue to pray for you and the family of our friend, Martin Fredrick Horace Allen. -Terry Fountain
M
arty, words can express my gratitude for the love that you have shown my little sister and Anya. You have always been a provider and a family man. All of these things, I cherish so dearly. In my heart, I remember them so clearly… You’re in God’s hands now. Take your rest Marty – Linda Smith
M
arty, you knew how to live and embrace every moment. You had a lot of great qualities but the most endearing to me was your love of family. Take your rest my sweet brother in law. You will Truly be missed. - Patricia Rigby
M
y friend, big brother Marty, words cannot express the pain I am feeling at this time. How can I put in a few words what Marty meant to me, but here goes. Marty had a quiet, gentle soul, never once in my presence did he raise his voice. This part of Marty had a calming influence on me. I could depend on him through thick or thin and whenever I called, I could count on him to come through for me. We had a special bond that is difficult to explain and I thank God for having placed Marty in my life. I will miss you partner, but rest in peace, you have run your race, you have finished your course, receive your crown of glory. -Your Brother, Theron ‘Ty’ Hepburn
M
y Brother, for as long as I live, when I think of the definition of a TRUE FRIEND, I will always – ALWAYS!!! – think of you Martin Frederick Horace Allen. A true friend who would give his last! A true friend who would die for you! That was/is you! Thank you Marty, and enjoy your true and eternal retirement, where sickness nor death can affect you. I will also miss your weekly “teasing” photos of your fried barracuda or B-B-Q/grilled whatever. Love you My Brother… FOREVER! - Kerry “Chuckie” Fountain
M
artin F. H. Allen was a true example of a friend in good times and bad he was always there for you, always willing to assist in anyway. He will be truly missed by all he called his friends. -Brian Albury
y
ou gave no one a last farewell, Nor ever said good-bye. Youwere gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. A million times we will miss you. A million times we will cry. If love alone could have died. In death we love you still. In our Hearts you hold a place, no one else can fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, the day God took you home. We will meet again someday I know in a better place. I thank God He made you our brother While you were here on earth. To my brother & friend Marty, love always Stephen Storr
With Love … TO DADDY,
Daddy, I could write a series of novels on our love story. There are no words that can adequately capture the love we shared as father and daughter or the sorrow and heartbreak that your absence has now left. From the day I was born to the day that God granted you eternal rest we have been inseparable. I was your world, you were mine; and everyone knew. Growing up, it always brought tears to my eyes to know that this day could come. As I sit here writing I can unashamedly say that I have not accepted that it has. It cuts deep to know that as many memories we may have shared, you will not be here to see me wed or bare your grandchildren. Being your only child has afforded me many luxuries in life; but the greatest of them all has been the blessing of our friendship. Daddy, while most know you to be a man of few words; I was blessed to know that you were truly a man of many. We could sit for hours and talk about anything or just do nothing at all. Being in each others presence was all that mattered . You were an exceptional father, one who sacrificed and endured plenty to ensure that we had a life well lived. I can still remember accidentally walking into Grammy and Papa’s garage as a child as Christmas approached only to see my presents piled high as you strategically waited for me to fall asleep so that you could place them all over our home leading up to the Christmas tree.
Daddy, your ability to make mummy and I feel comfortable, secure, safe and loved is what I will miss about you the most. You were my provider and my protector for 30 years and for that I am eternally grateful. You were my “go to”, my confidant, my best friend and the one man I knew I could always trust to have my best interest at heart without ulterior motive. You were never too busy to talk to me and would always listen attentively to what I had to say. No matter what went wrong; I knew that you had the solution. All that I am is because of you and your investment in my future. I can say without reservation that your immeasurable love and sacrifice has
made me the woman that I am today. As your daughter, it made my heart burst with joy to know that my successes made you proud. All of my wins were yours as well because you were as devoted to my success as I was. While studying for my Bar exams you would wake up early and get dressed for work just to ensure that you were up to open the front door for me and ensure not only that I had made it home safely but to encourage me to remain on track with my studies. I can recall that many mornings I made you late for work but nothing came before your love for me and your desire to support my dreams. Daddy there was none like you! Although, they say every man dreams of having a son, that certainly didn’t apply to you! You always considered me as a mini version of you! Mummy and I would often joke about how you would see to it that I wore a track suit or jeans and tennis shoes when you took me out and how she would have to gently remind you that I wasn’t a boy! Daddy, we liked all the same things. The same foods, all of the same shows and shared so many other traits including that infamous poker face! Even as I grew into a working adult you remained unwavering in your concern about every aspect of my well-being. Daddy, you were a REAL man and it always showed. You supported me in all that I set my heart and hand to and you always ensured that I knew that you believed that I could do anything! I knew that any plan I made that had your stamp of approval was sure to succeed! You have been a beacon of love and inspiration my entire life. Even before your death I’d tell you that I thank God for blessing me with you as a father. You have taught me to be determined and steadfast in the pursuit of my goals; to be confident in my ability and to never wallow in self -doubt; decisiveness and the value of fostering and nurturing real friendships. Daddy, you loved me through every accomplishment and disappointment I’ve faced and even loved me when I disappointed you at times. The first time I witnessed true love and the kindness of a man was through the loved that you showed me as a child. Your love knew no bounds when it came to me and you never had to say it because it was clear by your actions each day. From making me breakfast each morning and packing my school lunch as a
child; to scolding me when I became the teenager who thought she knew it all; to telling me how to smartly channel my money when I began working; it was always love between us. You were undoubtedly the blue print for the kind of partner I want as a husband and father to my children in the future. Daddy, the pedestal on which I placed you made you seem like an impenetrable force that nothing could get past, hurt and definitely not harm. To say that I am devastated, overwhelmed or even crushed by losing you and all that has transpired would be an understatement. If it were for the tears that I’ve cried and the prayers that I’ve prayed; you would be here with me. Daddy, you did what not many men would do in the face of uncertainty; you sacrificed yourself for the ones that you loved. Undoubtedly, there is nothing greater than that; that a man can do for his family than to lay down his life as Christ did. Daddy, in life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still, in my heart you hold a place, that no one could ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of me went with you, the day God took you home. Love Always, Anya