“Never let a birthday pass unremembered.”
Delroy Leopold Martin
He kept diaries of every family birthday so no one would ever feel forgotten.
A Keepsake for Every Household
The Family Token
From each life we honor on our In Memory page, we drew one phrase of legacy. Together they form a blessing for the family still growing.
A Blessing from Those Who Went Before
To the children of Saint Mary and to every branch that has since grown beyond it: you are not starting from nothing. You are standing on ground that was cleared, planted, and tended by hands that loved you before they ever met you.
So work hard, and worry little. Build bridges — and help the next one across, as those who arrived first once did for us. Take the work seriously and yourself lightly; serve quietly, and let the work speak long after the room has emptied.
Travel far, but let family always be home. Wherever the road carries you — Kingston or Toronto, London or Lauderdale — never let a birthday pass unremembered. Pick up the phone. Send the card. Make every child feel seen, because the smallest act of attention is often the one a person carries for life.
Tell the story, so the village is never lost. Say the names of the districts. Repeat the jokes. Keep the recipes, the hymns, and the history alive in your children's mouths. Say little if you must, but love deeply — and keep the music playing.
And when the choosing is hard, choose the way they chose: family first — always and without reservation, and leave every place better than you found it.
This is our token. Carry it, and pass it on.
Where Each Line Comes From
One phrase drawn from the life of each family member we honor.
“Leave every place better than you found it.”
Oswald “Ossie” Dexter Martin
A businessman and community man whose fairness and generosity outlived his ledgers.
“Travel far, but let family always be home.”
Dr. Kevin Lloyd Martin
He crossed continents, yet his gift was making every relative feel they belonged.
“Build bridges — and help the next one across.”
Webster Ledly Brown
He helped build the bridges of New York and New Jersey, then made a way for family arriving after him.
“Tell the story so the village is never lost.”
Lionel Ivanhoe “Teddy” McLeod
From Content, St. Mary — a keeper of our history, our humour, and our beginnings.
“Work hard, and worry little.”
Newton “ManCool” Martin
Ninety-six years of carpentry, farming, and an unusually calm spirit.
“Serve quietly; let the work speak.”
Ambassador Cordell Wilson-Evans, C.D.
A pioneer of Jamaica's diplomatic service and a mentor to many.
“Say little, love deeply, keep the music playing.”
Winston “Doc” Lloyd Martin
Quiet on the surface, full of song and devotion underneath.
“Family first — always and without reservation.”
Oswald Vincent “Ossie” Brady
Discipline, friendship, and a heart that put his people ahead of everything.