Birth and Childhood
My father, Cyril, was born at the home of our grandparents, Norbert, a French Canadian, and Fransceca, a native of Dominica, in Delices, Dominica on July 21st, 1939. Dad had ten brothers—Albert, Gerald, Edward, John, Peter, Pius, George, Sam, and Joseph—and a sister, Mary.

Dad's childhood was spent on the family farm in the Laronde area of Dominica, which has been part of our extended family since 1715 when the island was first settled. Living a rural life, Dad walked seven miles to school, despite enduring foot problems. Before and after school, he and his siblings worked on the family farm.

Dad would fondly reminisce about picking fresh mangos, bananas, and coconuts from the many trees on the land. He would tell us how Grandpa Norbert was a firm but fair man who worked hard all his life. Many of us with West Indian fathers can relate to what he meant by firm.

Emigration to England
Due to limited economic prospects in Dominica, Dad moved to England when he was 21. He joined his brothers John, Peter, and Pius, travelling by boat for 17 days and arriving in the UK on August 17th, 1960. He first lived in Canning Town with his brother Pius, later moving in with his brother John in Monega Road, East Ham. A year later, his younger brother Sam joined them.

Dad told us he cried like a baby for weeks because he missed home. Sadly, he would never see Grandpa Norbert again, as he passed away in 1969. 

Dad and his brothers returned to Dominica many times to visit Grandma Francisca and family, with their last trip in 2009. Grandma Francisca passed away in 1996, and Dad is survived by two siblings still living in Dominica, Mary and Joseph, as well as many nieces and nephews in Dominica and America.

Family and Friends
Dad was a loving father to my siblings, Ashley, born in 1967, followed by Linda, David, and finally by Julie. 

Through many struggles, he raised us with firmness yet love, first living in Manor Road, West Ham, and then moving to Park Avenue, East Ham, in 1975. Like most West Indian fathers, regardless of our age, we always felt like children in Dad's presence, stemming from the deep respect we had for him.

A hardworking and honest man, Dad was loved and trusted by all who knew him. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. Throughout his life, he made cherished friends and had kind neighbours, in particular, Mathew, Roy, Ozz, and Jeff, who shared many good times with Dad, going to the races and having drinks at home. In both hard and good times, they were there for him.

Special Mention for his lifelong companion Sue who would often be around cooking for dad and running him to the shops. His eyes would light up when she entered the room; it was clear he had the deepest of affection for her. 

Throughout our lives, Dad's home provided a sanctuary for us. It was a place of peace, safety, and love, no matter what else was happening in our lives or the world. His home remained a haven of stability and familiarity, maintaining the same decoration and furniture from our childhoods. Stepping into his home was like stepping back into our past.

As we grew older and faced life's challenges, we came to appreciate the depth of Dad's love and the sacrifices he made for us. His unwavering support and guidance enabled us to navigate the world.

Work
Dad held various jobs in his lifetime, starting with a sugar cane plantation in Dominica. In the UK, he worked for Cable and Wireless for 17 years. 

In the Late 1970’s dad went back to colledge  and became a vehicle mechanic. I do not remember a time when my Dad was not working on a Car in our garage wearing his brown overalls. When he needed an inspection pit like a good West Indian father he made me and my brother dig it out even if it was solid clay and took us a week.

Dad loved his car and we remember many journeys listening to his eight track music tapes playing sixties reggae music..

His final job was as a security guard for the Kesslers Group head office until his retirement in 2004. My dad had the biggest bunch of keys I'd ever seen and took his job very seriously, although he would take us with him as a treat on a Sunday to check over the place and we would often get a hot chocolate from the vending machine as payment.

Retirement
Dad enjoyed his retirement watching cricket,  Going to the bingo . To say my Dad was a TV addict was an understatement. He had watched every action film I know of.

Although in Dads later years he did not venture out much ,his home was a gathering place for his many friends. All of whom enjoyed a flutter on the Horses or to watch the cricket. 

We would all give anything to once more see him sitting in his chair watching TV today.


Illness and Passing
Dad was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in 2021, and due to COVID lock downs, he faced delays in treatment. In February 2023, he received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Dad chose to spend his final days at home, surrounded by loved ones. He passed away peacefully on March 22nd, 2023.

Dad is survived by his children and his siblings John, Pius, Joseph, and Mary. His name, memory, and the unconditional love he gave us will last forever.

In my Dads own parting words.  "Goodbye, cock. Be careful. I love you."  Goodbye, Dad.