Stalwart Vincy/ New York businessman laid to rest

The Vincentian community in Brooklyn, New York, as well as those here at home, is still mourning the passing of stalwart businessman and avid cricketer Douglas Ancil Clouden Sr. better known as “Nick”.{{more}}

Clouden, the proprietor of the very popular establishment, Vincy Bakery – St Vincent Bakery on Nostrand Avenue, was laid to rest last Friday, July 7, after a service at the St Marks United Methodist Church on Beverly Road.

The service was presided over by Glyger Beache and Deputy Consul General Edson Augustus.

Clouden died on Sunday, July 3, after a brief illness. He was admitted to Downstate Hospital the previous Thursday, June 30, as he complained of not feeling well.

For many, it is still a surprise, as Nick seemed in prime health, up to hours prior to being admitted.

Daughter Kerline “Tina’ Clouden, in reminiscing on her father’s life , said: “He was full of life, everyone loved him, he always joking around and he loved helping people.”

“It took a lot to get my dad angry, he was always in a joyful mood,” Kerline said of her dad.

While Nick was loved and cherished by many, there is one among them who is mourning the loss of someone who was “truly like a brother”.

Dave Rodriguez has been at the establishment owned by Clouden since 1992. Rodriquez’s friendship with Clouden spanned over three decades.

Rodriquez has been a fixture at the Bakery since it was Arthur’s Bakery back in the 1980’s. Rodriguez, who could be described as the “Manager”, and all other positions, recalled his last conversation with Clouden on the Thursday he fell ill.

“He left me here saying he going to Queens, later it was his daughter who called me to tell me he was in the emergency room”.

“He seemed okay, he was not complaining or crying for any pain, he was the normal, he looked as if something was wrong’, Rodriquez recalled.

“I never got to speak to him again, that’s the difficult part, we saw each other every day and spoke often. I really miss him,” Rodriquez lamented mournfully.

Rodriquez shared the sentiments of daughter Kerline.

“Nick was always a cool, sincere person, he never turn anyone away. We have the same kind of attitude I guess that’s why we connect so,” Rodriquez spoke of the bond they shared.

Clouden was a former student of the Emmanuel High School in Kingstown. He migrated to the USA in 1966 to study Air-Conditioning and Engineering.

A former employee with Pacific Ball, now known as Verizon, Clouden retired in November 2010, after over 35 years of service.

In 1982, along with his nephew Arthur, he branched off into the business field when they opened the bakery.

The establishment became a meeting place for Vincentians, especially on weekends, where several hot debates were the norm, as persons came to socialize, pick up their newspapers and other goodies.