IN MEMORY OF A GREAT MAN

by Kennard King 06.JUL.07

On July 5th 2006, Mr. Edville King was taken from the earthly to heavenly. He was 85 years old.

One year has now passed since dad died. So we take this opportunity to present to you a letter written by one of his son, Simeon who unfortunately could not attend the funeral and his letter was mistakenly omitted from the funeral service. So in honour of his memory we present to you his letter.

The words expressed in this letter are also shared by us his children. It is not just Simeon’s words, but from all of us as we remember and honour his memory. Dad was a great man.

Dear Daddy, with tears in my eyes I write you this letter. I wish you could see my tears and feel the pain of my broken heart. You have left me here and gone to glory. Daddy, I really miss you because no one else can take the place of my precious dad. Words can’t express how much you mean to me, you have left a void in my life that will be there forever.{{more}} Dad, I do love you from the bottom of my heart. You were my inspiration, my sunshine and my reason fro living, you are my hero. Your memories will ever live on in my heart. When I think of you it will always bring tears to my eyes. How can I forget the good training and great family values you have instilled in us? By your example you have taught us how to keep the family together. Though you were poor you never left us hungry. You make sure food was always on the table. You were a great provider. You made great sacrifices for us. How will I forget those days when you and my precious loving mom will rise at 3:00 o’clock in the morning journeyed on the donkey to Palmyra, many, many miles from home and ensure we get a good education? Dad, I sure you remember the many days we had to drink cocoa water without milk and eat half dry penny bread without butter and drink bare sugar water and go to school. Although you could not afford name brand clothes, you made sure we did not walk naked. We were well taken care of and were very happy children.

Not for one moment you ever failed to provide for us. Dad, you were not a man of excellent speech, great education and skills, yet you worked tirelessly as a farmer and a road driver to keep the family together, as a result you have raised four (4) exceptional, brilliant kids with the help of my dear mother. Dad, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, hence, there is a crown of righteousness awaits you. Your task on earth is ended and you did not leave behind any unfinished task. Today, I know you are rejoicing in heaven with Jesus looking down on us free from all pain and sufferings. Daddy, you are the best and will always be remembered in our hearts. Oh my sweet daddy, how can I forget those wonderful times we spent together laughing and having fun. Sure you remember dad, as a kid you would take us in your arms and rock us to bed in your old rocking chair. We would sit at your feet to hear Nancy stories and riddles.

On Sundays you would take us to ‘Catie’ beach on the donkey, embraced us in your arms and teach us to swim. You took so much care of us that we became so attached to you. Now you have broken our hearts on July 5th 2006 when you left us here and gone to glory. Why didn’t you wait for us to go together? You know dad, I will never forget Saturdays going with you to PALMYRA riding the donkey. I know you have shown us great love. You make sure when you came from the mountain you will always bring us mango, guava, orange, plums, mammy apple and a lot more. You have led us by example and dad you will always be remembered for what you’ve done. As a young man you never turn your back on us, you were always there when we needed you. We had your shoulders to lean on when the waters got rough and the mountains were too high. As a young man I will never forget those good old days when we sat on the floor played cards, snake and ladder, dominoes and more. We laughed and had great fun.

Do you remember dad when you would fall asleep on the chair with your mouth open? We would put matches stick in your mouth; you would awake and stammer a few words which would stir laughter. Dad you were our fun stick. When we feel depressed and down you made us laugh. Sure dad, your chair will be vacant, your voice will be silent and your presence missed. Home will never be the same again without you. I know there are many good dads around but you have excelled them all. You are the best. You are gone but not forgotten, you will always live in our hearts. We love you and will never forget all the things you did for us. We wish you were still here with us today but you have chosen the best path. You have been promoted to glory. Absent from the body to be present with the Lord. Dad, we love you and we will see you in the morning.

You are resting in peace.

Your loving son
Love Simeon