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2020 June TAT C and R Flipbook PDF
2020 June TAT C and R
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Special Section - June 2020
Remembrances and Celebrations Tributes To Those Who Have Gone Before
FOR JOEL You were among us for a brief moment, a few short years gone in the proverbial blink of an eye. You had that youthful effervescence flavoured with your own brand of humour and spikiness. Your voice was raspy but I remember more your smile, it was overly wide and always there but I can’t say either was a bad thing. I can’t picture you in these covid times. You would have been one for which “stay at home” seemed a death sentence. You were a restless soul, loving always to be outside. You enjoyed drifting in and out of friends’ and neighbours’ homes and were so very helpful, always running errands for all and sundry. If you were sent to the shop to buy something you would think nothing of going straight back if someone wanted something again. “Dais no scene” is what I imagine you would say, I hear you now in my mind’s eye….. Eager! THAT would be the word to sum you up. You were always so eager. Eager to help, eager to engage, eager to be loved. I hope your essence is at peace. I hope you are surrounded by light and joy. I hope your nirvana is attained and Joel, I will always remember you.-.. Auntie Hazel
I just want to share with the family.
HOMAGE TO HANS Rest In Peace my Brother Hans at the end of your LONG journey. Malaika, myself, and I am sure the rest of the family deeply mourn your passing. It is extremely sad that we, over here could not visit your final days. You will ALWAYS be in our thoughts. I can imagine your jovial energy/spirit hovering freely in the wind above saying laughingly... "Corona got all yuh buggers trembling! I out ah dat". See you hopefully in the v-e-r-y distant future when our journey has ended. Raymond, Ivor, you and I will reminisce about 63 Kelvin Road……. Thora and Malaika
The Aaronic Times - June 2020 Remembrances and Celebrations
Submitted by the Wyke Family
ALL THE HAPPINESS I NEED Eulah and Teddy: 05 July 1945 – 05 July 2005 Lots of people are never satisfied with what they have. They always think there’s something missing from their lives that will make them feel happier, or more important.
But I’m lucky because I’ve already found all the happiness I need in you and in the special love we share. So, I think of our anniversary as a celebration of having it all because for me, having it all means I never have to look any farther than you.
Candace Ayesha Pascall
I WILL NEVER STOP MISSING YOU from Facebook post 22 April 2020
Exactly one year ago today I got the call that turned my world upside down. Words cannot explain what I feel today. It has not gotten easier. My drive to and from work most days are hard. I miss you every day. Miss your voice, your laugh, our conversations, our disagreements. The love you have for your girls, Glodean, Nikia and Natalia. You were a true friend, brother, husband, father, cousin, REAL man. I am so grateful for the last physical memory I have of you, we had a blast. Happy to share you and Glodean's nineteen years together. I know you were excited to welcome your first grandson. I know you two would have been inseparable. Who never met you, they missed out. Those who knew you know how you were, the life and joy that filled every room. Only fun memories, happiness and pure laughter. Positive vibrations always. Those who knew you love and appreciate you, always and forever. Love In The House my brother, Patrick Ian Aaron, Pie Master, Trickson. I will never stop missing you. 2
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Sheila Aaron-Providence
THE BOY NEXT DOOR Leopold Godwin Providence was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines on 8th January 1950. He was the beloved son of Lynoa Crichton and Gerald Providence and came from a family of many adoring aunts, uncles and cousins. He was my beloved husband and the adoring father of Natalie, Kenny, Gail, and Gerald. He was (before the introduction of political correctness) affectionately known as “Nigga Roy” due to his inky hue but in later years just simply as “Roy”. He was a friendly neighborhood guy, loved his neighbors, quiet and peaceful. He loved animals and we had countless dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, parrots and other birds living with us for many years. We also had a Governor Plum tree, the only one for a good radius which made our home very popular. His relationship with his mother was one of mutual adoring love. As her only child, Miss Lynoa spoilt Ken rotten and he in turn like the moon reflecting the sun, doted on his mother every minute of the day. They never lived apart and loved each other deeply till she died. He took it hard as you might expect and though we loved each other in a very special way he never got over the loss of his mother. We all remember the great Boxing match in Barataria. The neighborhood boys made a great fuss over Ken as their capable contender, sure to bring glory and bragging rights to 9th Street. He was driven like a Prince the few short houses away to the St George’s College savannah venue in the Jaggernauths’ humongous Cadillac. He entered the boxing ring to chants of “Who Roy? We Roy!” by his eager, hopeful supporters. He didn’t last long, boiling dong like bhagi in the second round. He could not catch himself to come out for the third round pleading “Take off mih gloves, take off mih gloves!” and his opponent won on TKO. Everyone got so vex, they left him there in the ring and went home and so ended the greatest boxing career that never was. He also famously attended his Aunt Lorna’s wedding in a baby pink, three piece suit with fuschia trim, complete with bowtie. With his extra dark complexion, get the visual. Ken was a ladies man and this is how he got me. One night Mummy and Daddy went to dinner at the Governor General’s house and I, hot like a pepper seed myself, cannot recall if I invited him or whether he came of his own accord but he presented himself at our house shortly after they left. During the course of the evening he tried to kiss me and at that very moment Allison came out and saw us and said “Ah hah, ah hah, I going to tell mummy and daddy when they come back.” but she never did and thus our romance was born. One night I dreamt I was carrying a pumpkin for Miss Lynoa. I told her the dream the next day. I always remember her reply. “Not here! Where you get your cold you will blow your nose. I let my cock out and all yuh should lock up all yuh hen!” I was too naive to understand her interpretation of my dream let alone this tirade but she knew even before I did that I was pregnant. When Gail was born however, she took one look at her and fell in love and all “tory” done.
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Ken loved to eat, his favourite dish was red beans, pork and rice, he often said he could eat that every day. Thank you Hazel for this celebrations page where I can get an opportunity to remember the boy next door whom I loved and married. He left us on 23rd October 2008 and I know he is resting in peace. Hazel K. Aaron
RECITATION EVER RINGING Growing up at Number Eighty Two, two things were a given, you grew up in the company of many, many books and when Mummy was alive you woke up and went to bed with poetry all around you. She came from an age in Trinidad where blue-eyed English schoolmarms wore leather T-Strap shoes and taught by rote, poetry authored largely by the British greats, Blake, Longfellow, Shakespeare, Wordsworth and the like. I will not recount here the vast list of hymns and poems she recited throughout each day but I will share one from the many that I do so fondly remember. The title is “Persevere” Drive the nail aright, boys; Hit it on the heads; Strike with all your might, boys, While the iron's red.
Standing at the foot, boys, Looking at the sky, How can you get up, boys, If you never try?
Drive the nail aright, boys; Hit it on the head; Strike with all your might, boys, While the iron's red.
When you've work to do, boys, Do it with a will; They who reach the top, boys, First must climb the hill.
Though you stumble oft, boys, Never be downcast; Try and try again, boys, You will win at last.
Norman Macleod 1812 - 1872
THE MAN I NEVER KNEW Submitted by Patrick L. Aaron. I have little evidence on most of what I am about to tell you. The following composition may best be described as a potpourri of remembrances and hearsay. Allan St.Clair Aaron was a self made man. Emerging from a most humble existence in rural Blanchisuesse he managed to build an empire and befriend society’s elite. Although at times he was required to socialise with the Governor General, Ministers of government, the Archbishop and leaders of business, I have to imagine that he was most comfortable driving a nail through some 2X4 or sawing a piece of wood at a construction site. Tales abound about his building and contracting prowess but practical skills apart, he was as it turned out quite an astute businessman also.
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We had very few conversations that I can remember but one in particular comes to mind. He told me that he had read the bible three times. He was not a very religious man to my knowledge so this surprised me. Allan was self-taught in everything and possessed broad knowledge and practical expertise of a wide and varied nature. He was invariably surrounded by many books and always kept a well-stocked library in his house. He read and comprehended well which along with an astounding gift of common sense allowed him to master the many fields that were to become his professions. Admired as he was in his many disciplines there was no formal training in any. He was extremely neat and methodical. Everything had its place so he was most comfortable when there was order. That’s just how his mind worked. He avoided chaos and confusion with foresight, planning and mitigation. I am not sure however that he was able to show love, sometimes maybe for an inanimate object but it didn’t come easy on a personal level. Perhaps under normal circumstances this is hard to understand and/or forgive but Allan was a man orphaned by ten and left to fend for himself in the jungle of the north coast, building graters from tin sheets to survive. I am sure few can recall having personal one on one endearments or interactions that children need from a father. You see, with love you must allow for vulnerability. It has to be taken with it’s highs and lows, chaos and disorder and this was not his forte. He was a strict, no nonsense man. Everyone feared his thunderous voice and there were few challengers to the house rules in his presence or not. In my entire life we’ve had one personal moment. He took me to see ‘The Jungle Book’ at National One cinema on Phillip Street. I could have been eleven or so. I can remember driving there in the impressive Pontiac Parisienne (he always had great cars). I can remember the popcorn and soda but truth be told I can’t remember discussing the movie or him engaging me in any way. I think he actually paid more attention to the motion picture. Perhaps given his life, that may have been a first for him at 70 years of age (you never know). That about sums up the man and the mystery. Allan St.Clair Aaron, a conundrum of a man yet still to be understood but an example of what a life can become in so many ways. But wait… I though wonder sometimes, how did he shape the person that I am today? When I see some of his traits exposed in me, is it nature or nurture? Did it come naturally as part of his gene pool that I am an obsessive planner, that I am so neat, or that I prefer to have a well thought out methodical approach to practical dilemmas? That I so much prefer ‘common sense’ above any other sense? That I am as driven and intense as I am? That I must wake at the crack of dawn to feel that the world isn’t passing me by or that the ‘to do’ list isn’t in jeopardy? Or were the interactions so limited that I remember every object lesson, held on to each lecture extracting cognition for use at a later date. Absorbing tutorials based on how he went about his daily
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business. Fulfilling my need for knowledge in his silent seminars as he conducted his affairs. All observed stealthily by me in the shadows unknown to even me at the time. I think there is too much complexity in the man that I am for such a one-sided conclusion. I suppose I will have to write the story of Norma to close this loop. If perchance there is somewhere out there a struggling youth, a next generation Aaron that cannot see that far ahead in the distance or confused about which road to take. Remember Allan St.Clair Aaron, the man who made something from nothing. To quote one of his favourite verses:
“The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight. But they, while their companions slept We’re toiling upward through the night.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882 Keep climbing, keep smiling
!
Susan Aaron-Valentine
NORMA THE TUTOR That verse (below) from Strickland Gillilan's poem "A Reading Mother" echoes, in a few short words, my deepest sentiments of Mummy which perhaps would take me many a paragraph to express. I was perhaps the only one of Allan and Norma’s children who did not attend pre-school or “Private School” as
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it was called in those days. For reasons unknown to me, Miss Beckles (school) closed down after June graduated and reopened just in time for Patrick to attend. I have had therefore, more time than perhaps any of us to spend at home with Mom before gaily skipping off to Big School. How fondly I remember her reading to me and reciting bits of poems as she remembered them. Perhaps she was merely reading aloud articles from the newspapers or musing over her favorite poem. To my "it's all about me" infant mind if was done solely for me and my entertainment. I remember happily traipsing behind her as she unassumingly did what she had to do around the house. I would eagerly gobble up her wonderful words, words I did not comprehend but seemed so beautiful, magical even. I could hear her now saying: "Thinkest thou we should ever meet again?” or "Like a painted ship upon a painted ocean..." but perhaps my favourite, "Little lamb who made thee? Does thou know who made thee...." I remember on dark, rainy afternoons she would always solemnly say "Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note...." Little did I know I was being introduced to Shakepere, Keats, Woodsworth and other great bards with whom I became reacquainted during my formal education. So, perhaps I was one of the first people to be "home schooled". By the time I entered Primary School I had learnt that cowards die many times before their death, that the quality of mercy is not strained, that good name in men and women is the immediate jewel of their soul and a stitch in time saves nine. Thank you Mummy, for instilling in me my the love for books, poems and anything that makes for good reading. Thank you for the wonderful memories and the invaluable lessons forever etched deep within my heart. Gail Joanne Aaron Fraser
THE BEST FATHER IN THE WORLD Peter Vernie Barrimond was the best father in the whole world. He had six children and me so it was seven of us 4 boys and 3 girls that he loved with his whole heart. He had no favourites so he said but I know better because I was the only girl until he had twin girls and all hell break loose, LOL but he loved all. Every evening he brought home something, he never came home with his hand empty after work. On Saturday was the beach and Dairy Queen ice cream, on Sunday was church at the Cathedral in Port of Spain. He was a humble and a kind man to everyone. If someone brought a complaint on any one of us children he would listen and say okay and he would reprimand us but never in front of the person, not like a mother who will beat you in front of the person because it seems she just had a beating jumbie on her (remember those were the old days) LOL. I remember I got licks from my father just one time because of my brothers Vernie and Leslie. Mummy had baked a cake for the neighbor next door Miss Claudine for her Thanksgiving. My brothers went and picked off the entire top of the cake and eat it and I got a “cut-ass” because I was the eldest so I should have stopped them. Hello, I was sleeping, I never knew that they would eat the woman cake! I always remember the good times we had and the things that he taught me. He never made me feel like a stepchild, from the age of six months he was my father. Your father is not who made you or brought you in this world but the person that took care of you when you needed them. I was spoiled rotten. I still love you Dad. Rest in peace. Sunrise 08 Sept 1926, Sunset 24 Oct 2005 7
The Aaronic Times - June 2020 Remembrances and Celebrations
Elsa Hokan
A LOVING MEMORY You know, whenever I think of Mummy I feel peace. Mummy liked to laugh, and she make us laugh with her mimics. But throughout, she would settle my mind when I had qualms or vexes. If I had a worry she would say something that made me feel better. She was a peace-giver. She gave us quotes, poems, stories, and many of her favourite sayings like “ To each, his own” and her laugh, wonderful and warm. Mummy bore twelve of us... what a woman - full of joy and peace. Love you always mummy.
By Ainsley Aaron
AN EXCELLENT ALL ROUNDER Lance, as he was affectionately known, would have celebrated his 91 st birthday last March 29th this year and April 19th marked 4 four years since he left us. He was many things to many people but just daddy to me. It will always be a challenge to give a brief tribute to someone that lived that long and spent his entire working life in the service of others. As a teacher it is easy to appreciate his focus on academics and the pursuit of higher education, especially for his children. A very uncomplicated man with only four passions I can recall, teaching, sports, politics and lying down but not necessarily in that order. He can be described as:
Loving father- much more in action than in words Anxiety expert- A Chronic worrier, meant I didn’t have to. He did enough for all his children Nurturing teacher – His calling. Selfless service for over 40 years. Cricket lover – An avid follower of West Indies cricket and by his own accounts a “fearsome’ fast bowler in his youth.
Enthusiastic PNMite – Not enough paper to expand on this, so……Nuff said. ☺ Lie down King – Definitely his position of choice, especially while enjoying his favourite retirement pastime.
Occasional self-talker – known to carry out quite animated conversations with himself Telephone conversations with anyone willing to discuss teaching, politics or sports and Tender Grandfather – He frequently said “if I had to do it all over, I will have grandchildren before children” Gone but not forgotten. Editor’s Note: Ainsley I see you are taking a page from your Mother’s well-written book with an anagram!
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Lovingly created by Mavis Aaron. Submitted by Ainsley Aaron
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From Bernadette and Cheryl Aaron
THE WALKING ENCYCLOPEDIA WALKS NO MORE Hans Alva Aaron, who came into this world on February 15th 1927, was the first born of the Aaron siblings. He was a father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Peaceful and a walking encyclopedia was he, and was greatly admired by all who had the pleasure to be in his company and communicated with him. He migrated to the UK in 1956 where he resided for over thirty years. Three years after returning to Trinidad in 1987, he eventually settled in Toco, his mom’s hometown, reuniting with extended family and friends. There he spent the last thirty of his ninety three years. As a father, even though he lived abroad for some time, he was always devoted and “hands on” with every aspect of our growing years. As he grew older, his relationship with his four children, eleven grand children and twelve great grandchildren was even more passionate. His outpouring of love and caring for us were boundless, while he supported and showed an avid interest in all our daily activities. His serene, but knowledgeable personality was second to none! He departed this earthly life on March 30th 2020. He is gone but will never be forgotten! He will always be in our hearts SIP Hans!
Ivor E. Aaron In tribute to Norma Aaron
SHINE ON There is no death! The stars go down To rise upon some other shore, And bright in heaven’s jewelled crown They shine forever more. John Luckey McCreery 1835-1906
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Remembering The Wolsley
At Roomor House, Queen’s Park Savannah for picture taking. Parked illegally and trespassing, Allan and company were shooed off the premises but not before some impressive photos were obtained.
The story of the Wolsley cannot be told without the “other” Aaron brother, Allan Pantin, Norma Aaron’s sixth son.
Allan loving working on his “baby” in Diego Martin before he made Barataria its home 11
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The Wolsley at Number Eighty Two. Here, with a much younger Ivor. I like the windows and ventilation slats of the old family house in the background.
At Allison’s house in Santa Rosa where we visited for our Annual Boxing Day lunch. Not clearly visible: John (driver’s seat) and Hazel (back seat)
Allan and “The Antique”. This brings back fond memories of growing up in Barataria. In the distance, another “relic”. 12
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At Queen’s Royal College, Port of Spain The Wolsley PC3097 once belonged to the Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, Major General Sir Hubert Rance 1898-1874 13
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Returning from Maracas Bay
Boys’ Lime. At The Lady Young Lookout, Morvant. From Left: Allan, Patrick, John and Ivor rocking a six-pack back in the day.
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To All The Contributors
THANK YOU From The Editors, Susan and Hazel It is with much gratitude we say thank you for your contributions to our family newsletter. We are encouraged and very touched by your willingness to submit and also by how wide you have chosen to open your hearts and make so readily available to us the intimate sentiments you hold for those you loved.
POSTSCRIPT The flair with which these submissions were written, the clarity of thought, the skilful weaving of the tales told with such obvious ease is testament to the impact Allan and Norma’s literary prowess had on their progeny. It seems obvious that we experienced immersion education notwithstanding more through happenstance than conscious design. The multitude of books, the writing as a frequently used alternate form of communication, the appreciation and continuous recitation of poetry. We were so surrounded by words it is no wonder we all so capably rose to the occasion in this publication. In this digital age we want to encourage everyone to keep physical, hard copy books in the home in addition to the massive electronic libraries now commonplace. Read aloud together and often (no age restrictions). Write letters and notes to each other using pen and paper. The results can only be positive. We look forward to more from you in future issues of TAT. God Bless and Love Always. Hazel and Susan
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