Vernon Edwards
1940-2016
Vernon was born on 6th January 1940 in Vieuxfort, St Lucia where he became a rather successful fisherman. Vernon loved fishing and would often share stories of his life as a fisherman with family and friends.
During the 1960s Vernon decided to embark on a journey to London with his then wife in order to provide a better life for himself and his family. He traveled by boat and would later be joined by his two eldest children Joseph and Mary but not before the birth of two daughters Angela and Monica.
In the early 1970’s Vernon’s wife travelled back to St Lucia taking Monica with her. Shortly afterwards Vernon met Jean and inherited her children Veronica, Mark, Rita and Michael. Vernon and Jean remained together until his last day.
In mid 1980s Jean and Vernon adopted a daughter named Linda.
In the early 1980’s Vernon became a Grandfather for the first time which was followed by many more.
In the early nineties, Vernon was put on early retirement, but this did not mean that he had a quiet life. He was kept very busy, being a partner, father, and grandfather and also aided Jean with child-minding. He helped to raise many children, and those that spent a lot of time with him knew that if they did something that they perhaps shouldn’t have. It was inevitable that Vernon would be there to discipline them. Even though Vernon was firm he was also very fair and you could turn to him for support if you needed it. Vernon was very loyal and was always there for the people that he loved. He didn’t always show it but underneath that coarse exterior he was a big old softie.
Vernon was a great cook and everybody loved his food. Whenever there were visitors it was almost customary to sample some of Vernon’s fabulous dishes. From rice and chicken, salt fish fritters and dumplings to scrumptious mac and cheese and fish dishes. A trip to Jean and Vernon’s was sure to make your belly full.
Vernon was not only a great cook he was also a great handyman, always working within the home. Be it wallpapering, painting or carpentry you name it he could do it.
Vernon was a man of many talents and was many things to many people but unfortunately there is not enough time to mention them all as the list is endless.
Vernon was a man of great independence who asked very little of anyone. He had great strength and lots of integrity. Vernon knew of his mortality and the only things that he asked for was to be surrounded by those that he loved in the comfort of his home. He embraced his last weeks as much as he could and shared lots of intimate moments and laughter and it is a huge comfort to remember him as happy as he was.
The following is a thought on Vernon from one of his many grandsons.
‘My granddad was a man who asked for my help a lot, and I did it without hesitation or wanting anything in return. I did it because he asked me to. I did it because I knew I would be able to explain, and / or do something that he couldn’t necessarily fully understand. It was something that I liked about our relationship. I can remember a time when he helped me almost every day and the sad thing about it is I don’t think I ever really said thank you. In his death I appreciate all the things he did for me, more so than when he was alive as these things allow me to be the person who I am today.
In Granddad's death I am learning things about him that I never knew, but wish that I had asked about however I know that as time passes I will learn more about him than ever before. It’s sad to say that there will be things about me that he will never know and never get to see as with all of us gathered in this room today.
One thing I will remember is how proud Grandad was of me and all of us. He would never say these things to any of us, but when people would ask him about his kids or grandkids he would forever sing our praises and that is a great thing to remember.
Grandad always loved to party, to dance and he had some good moves. He used to love when family and friends would gather, to celebrate birthdays, Easter, Christmas any other special occasion. Any excuse for a party.
Someone once said no one person is ever truly alone in death and that is true because when we lost Grandad we also lost Monica, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother. I would like to think as the two spent a lot of time apart they are now making up for that time.
I would like to remind everyone that Grandad is not truly gone, as parts of him live on within me, within you and within anyone that he touched in some way. He is still very much alive in spirit and I would like to believe that he is alive in me. I will miss him dearly, but I will never forget him.
Death will always leave heartache that no one can ever really heal from, but also leaves a memory that no man can steal. Until we meet again, Vernon, Dad, Granddad, Brother Uncle, Friend. You will always echo within our thoughts and most importantly within our hearts.
