The former town of Cayon is home to dozens of residents who have lived long, healthy and productive lives. They have been the backbone of a community that has ebbed and flowed. Surely, the people of Cayon, its environs and the nation has benefited tremendously from these visionaries who took the time to give of themselves for the betterment of their home town and country.
The sting of death has recently wandered through Cayon and several of its residents have taken their wings and transitioned to the great beyond. Many families are bereaved but not bitter. They mourn with the hope that their loved ones have gone to a place where there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more sorrow.
Mrs. Alexandrina Pearl Liburd, whose 95 year old earthly journey ended on Friday May 9 was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Cayon and the federation by extension having styled hundreds of men and women as a fashion store owner. Mrs. Liburd who was widowed at a relatively young age, never remarried but her bubbly personality and passion for living allowed her to develop many long lasting friendships and she remained very active throughout her life. In fact, her successful business, and her role as family matriarch occupied her time and there was hardly a dull moment.
Canada was Mrs. Liburd's second home where the love of family members who resided there always beckoned her across the ocean to Canada until the bitter cold got the best of her and she demanded to be sent back to her humble abode at Wade Street, Cayon. This trailblazer of a woman will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Josephine Bridgewater took her heavenly flight on April 30th. Mrs. Bridge, as she was affectionately known, was a renowned "fashionista" in her time. She too was a widow for many years but she did not slow down even after her husband passed. She was an active steward in her community and served at the St. Mary's Anglican Church in Cayon as leader of the Church Lads Brigade.
Mrs. Bridge had an energetic personality. So much so that she was one who loved to to be surrounded with bright colors, her testimony to the world that she loved life and welcomed positive energy that transcended merely existing. After 81 years as an energetic, earthly soldier, the race ended quietly for Mrs. Josephine Bridgewater, whose pain and trials are now but lasting memories for those left to mourn her loss.
Mrs. Marie Sutton, was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Buntley Sutton. Having battled with various ailments the latter part of her life, on Tuesday May 12, 2014, at the ripe age of 92. Marie was a woman who loved to work. She was a woman who liked things to be conducted "decently and in order." She was one of Cayon's long serving entrepreneurs and many children who attended the Cayon Primary School will remember her for the candies, the jawbone breakers, toffee, corn curls, sucker and a host of goodies that she sold out of her home. Before her ailments bound her to her home, Mrs. Sutton was an active Church member who sang on the choir and played an integral role in many of the events hosted by the Church throughout the years. Mrs. Sutton was extremely proud of her entrepreneurial pursuits but also took great pride in her role as a care giver to her grandson O'Lando. He in turn cared for his grandmother Mrs. Sutton until she took her last breath.
At 69 years old, Reginald "Heg" Buchanan's death was sudden and shocking. Heg, as everyone in Cayon called him, worked in the sugar industry for many years. You could count on him to be on his tractor carrying out one chore or another. Heg was known to be a hard worker who was quite reserved, expressing his opinion on any subject when he felt moved enough to do so. The family and community of the late Reginald "Heg" Buchanan will certainly miss this champion of our village whose years of service to others will never be forgotten.
Dave Morris's battle with the flesh came to a quiet end on Monday, May 9, 2014. Dave will be remembered as a humble giant. He too was soft spoken, vocal when it mattered most and extremely kind hearted. He was an avid lover of sports particularly basketball and he prided himself in his community and family. Dave will be sorely missed by his siblings, family and friends.
Death in all its mystery continues to be a painful life changing experience for many of us. Every family and community has felt the sting of death, a most sobering reality no matter at what age we lose that familiar face that made living seem worthwhile.
We salute our fallen heroes and we extend heartfelt condolences to all those left to mourn.
