Honoring Those Who Walked Before Us

Delroy Leopold Martin

Feb 18, 1931 - Sept 26, 2017

Delroy Martin was a man of quiet consistency, kindness, and thoughtful devotion to the people he loved. He never sought attention, yet his steady presence touched the lives of family and friends in ways both large and small.

Many will remember receiving a birthday greeting from Delroy each year without fail. Behind those messages was a remarkable dedication: he carefully maintained diaries filled with the birthdays of family and friends, checking them regularly to ensure no special day was ever forgotten. It was his way of letting people know they mattered.

Delroy was methodical by nature, soft-spoken in manner, and deeply content with life's simple pleasures. Retirement suited him well. He found joy in tending his beloved garden, listening to the birds, and embracing a peaceful rhythm of life. Through his example, he reminded us that happiness is not always found in being busy, but often in appreciating the beauty that surrounds us each day.

To some, he will always be remembered with a smile and a chuckle for his distinctive shuffle, affectionately bringing penguins to mind. Yet those same family members quickly add that he was an exceptional driver—a man who moved at his own pace until he got behind the wheel.

Delroy was a gifted musician. He played the pipe organ at church for many years and the piano at school devotions. Possessing the rare ability to play by ear, he would often fill a room with music during lunch breaks while others danced along. His musical talents brought joy to many and reflected the creativity and warmth that lived quietly within him.

He also enjoyed cooking and baking, caring for others in the practical ways that often speak the loudest. Thoughtful and kindhearted, he rarely arrived empty-handed. His Christmas visits became treasured traditions, complete with dark chocolate and carefully chosen Christmas cards. Though the children may not have fully appreciated the dark chocolate at the time, they enjoyed it anyway—and today, that familiar taste instantly brings memories of Uncle Delroy flooding back.

For family separated by distance, Delroy found meaningful ways to stay connected. Weather conversations became a cherished ritual, comparing rainfall, cold temperatures, cloudy skies, and rare moments of sunshine. Despite being thousands of miles apart, there was comfort in discovering how similar the seasons could be and in sharing those simple observations together.

Throughout his life, Delroy exemplified faithfulness, gentleness, and care. He often did things quietly, without fanfare, but those small acts left lasting impressions. Whether through a birthday message, a Christmas card, a piece of music, a conversation about the weather, or time spent in his garden, he showed love through consistency and presence.

His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the traditions he kept alive, and the countless lives he touched through his thoughtfulness. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

Oswald Dexter Martin

May 28, 1939 - Nov 21, 2018

In Loving Memory of Oswald "Ossie" Martin

Oswald "Ossie" Martin was a man whose life was defined by generosity, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the people around him. He was a family man, a businessman, a community leader, and above all, a man who cared deeply about others.

To know Ossie was to know someone who embraced life fully. He loved people, loved family, loved community, and believed that life was meant to be lived and enjoyed. Whether gathered around a domino table, engaged in a spirited game of checkers, or sharing stories with friends, he brought energy, laughter, and a memorable presence wherever he went.

Many remember him as a formidable dominoes partner and opponent, particularly when it came to French dominoes. He enjoyed competition but valued companionship even more. His warmth, humor, and larger-than-life personality made ordinary moments unforgettable.

Ossie had a mischievous side that family and friends adored. His trademark side-eye glance, delivered with a smile and a cheeky remark, could fill a room with laughter. That smile became one of the many things people came to associate with him—a reflection of the joy he found in connecting with others.

He was also a man who trusted people and believed in giving them opportunities to grow. One family member fondly recalls being entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing his business, car, and home while he attended a Lions convention. That act of trust became a defining moment, instilling confidence and responsibility that would last a lifetime.

As a businessman, Ossie earned the admiration of many. Throughout Montego Bay, generations remember Mr. Martin and United Sales. His reputation was built not only on business success but on fairness, generosity, and genuine care for people. He inherited a keen business sense and developed it through hard work, determination, and integrity. Those who followed in his footsteps often measured themselves against the example he set.

Yet business was only part of his story. Ossie was known as a steadfast community man, someone who actively looked out for the welfare of others. He cared deeply for those who were vulnerable, including blind members of the community and young students who needed support and encouragement. His concern for people's wellbeing was sincere and practical—he did not simply sympathize; he acted.

Family was always at the center of his life. He was loving, caring, and fiercely loyal. During times of grief, he became a source of strength. When his older brother passed away, he stepped forward without hesitation, helping the family navigate an unimaginably difficult time. One family member still remembers how thoughtfully he recognized their pain and quietly guided them through a moment they could not face alone.

Ossie was also a man of strong principles. He had little tolerance for injustice and was never afraid to speak his mind. His sense of fairness often made him a peacemaker, encouraging reconciliation where relationships had been broken. He believed people should resolve their differences and find a path back to one another.

Of course, those who knew him best also remember his legendary temper—especially behind the wheel. Stories of colorful road-rage encounters, animated expressions, and lengthy horn blasts have become family favorites. What may have seemed intimidating in the moment now brings laughter as loved ones recall the passion and intensity with which he approached even the smallest frustrations.

Beneath that fiery exterior, however, was a deeply compassionate and kind-hearted man. His younger years revealed the same qualities that would define him throughout life: a willingness to care for others, a strong sense of responsibility, and a determination to do what he believed was right. He looked after family, supported those in need, and carried a genuine concern for the welfare of those around him.

Perhaps the greatest measure of a life is found in the memories left behind. Across Montego Bay and beyond, countless people have stories of Mr. Martin—moments of encouragement, acts of generosity, words of wisdom, or simple gestures of kindness that left a lasting mark. His influence extends through his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the many lives he touched through business and community service.

Oswald Martin lived with passion, purpose, and heart. He loved deeply, gave generously, stood firmly for what he believed, and left every place he touched better than he found it. His legacy endures not only in what he accomplished, but in the countless people who continue to carry his example forward.

He will be remembered with love, gratitude, admiration, and many smiles. His life was truly a blessing, and his memory will remain with us always.

Dr. Kevin Lloyd Martin

Dates...

In Loving Memory of Dr. Kevin Martin

Some people leave footprints wherever they go. Dr. Kevin Martin left them across continents, across communities, and most importantly, across the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

To many, Kevin was simply "the tourist"—a title he earned through his endless curiosity about the world and his desire to experience all that life had to offer. Travel was not merely a hobby; it was part of who he was. Whether planning a journey across the globe or deciding on a spontaneous adventure at a moment's notice, Kevin embraced the world with open arms and an open heart. Thailand was one of his favorite destinations, a place he returned to often, drawn by its beauty, culture, and spirit.

Yet while Kevin traveled far, family was always his true home.

He had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Many family members recall that from the moment they met him, he made them feel like they belonged. He believed deeply in the importance of family bonds and was often the quiet force encouraging relatives to stay connected, maintain relationships, and nurture the love that held the family together.

Gentle, thoughtful, and deeply private, Kevin was never one to seek attention for himself. He carried a calm spirit, a warm smile, and a distinctive chuckle that family and friends can still hear in their memories. His presence brought comfort, and his kindness made people feel understood.

Those fortunate enough to travel with him experienced another side of Kevin. He was an enthusiastic guide, eager to share new places and experiences with others. Whether introducing family members to the sights and sounds of Manhattan or exploring unfamiliar corners of the world, he approached every journey with excitement and wonder. He had an adventurous streak that occasionally left passengers questioning whether his confidence behind the wheel was fueled by courage, faith, or a little of both.

Kevin appreciated life's finer things. He loved discovering great food, sharing memorable meals, and creating exceptional dishes of his own. A gourmet cook and enthusiastic dining companion, he understood that some of life's best conversations happen around a table surrounded by family and friends.

Photography became another expression of his adventurous spirit. Wherever he traveled, his camera was never far away. Family members often joked that he would return from trips with thousands of photographs. Many were generously shared, allowing others to experience the places he had visited. Others remained tucked away in private collections, leaving loved ones to wonder what stories and adventures those unseen photographs might tell.

Professionally, Kevin was a respected physician who viewed medicine not simply as a career but as a calling. His patients respected him not only for his expertise but for the compassion and humanity he brought to their care. Long before many knew him as "Doctor," he had already demonstrated a commitment to serving others through his work with Doctors Without Borders, where he combined two of his greatest passions: caring for people and exploring the world.

For his family, however, Kevin was much more than a doctor.

He was the family's trusted medical advisor, the person everyone called when faced with difficult diagnoses, confusing test results, or frightening medical decisions. No matter how busy he was, he always found time to listen. He would speak directly with physicians, review treatment plans, explain complex medical language in ways that eased fears, and advocate tirelessly to ensure his loved ones received the best possible care. When circumstances allowed, he would even travel to provide guidance and support in person.

His generosity of spirit extended far beyond medicine. Family members remember his willingness to show up when it mattered most. His journey to the United Kingdom to support loved ones during a father's funeral remains a cherished reminder of his devotion to family and his understanding that presence is one of the greatest gifts we can offer one another.

Though his life was tragically cut short, the impact he made during his time here was extraordinary.

He was an adventurer, a healer, a photographer, a gourmet cook, a world traveler, a trusted confidant, and a devoted family man. He loved deeply, cared selflessly, and lived fully. Those who knew him will forever remember his smile, his wisdom, his compassion, his stories, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

Kevin's passing came far too soon, and the loss is still felt deeply by all who knew him. Yet while he may no longer be with us in the physical sense, he remains present in the memories he created, the lives he healed, the family he strengthened, and the countless acts of kindness he performed without expectation of recognition.

His journey on earth may have ended, but the love, generosity, and inspiration he shared continue to travel onward through all of us.

Rest peacefully, Kevin. You are missed beyond words, remembered with gratitude, and loved beyond measure.

Webster Brown

November 13, 1932 - August 8, 2024

In Loving Memory of Webster Ledly Brown

Webster Ledly Brown lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady character, and an unwavering commitment to family. Though never one to seek the spotlight, he left behind a legacy built through hard work, kindness, and the relationships he nurtured throughout his life.

Born on November 13, 1932, Webster was the younger of two sons born to Edith Brown. Following the loss of his parents, he and his brother were lovingly raised by their grandmother, Rhoda Neil, in Three Hills, St. Mary, Jamaica. Later, he lived with his Aunt Evelyn in Galina, where the values of resilience, family, and perseverance continued to shape the man he would become.

Like many of his generation, Webster sought opportunity abroad, eventually making his home in the United States. There, he played a role in building and maintaining some of the bridges connecting New York and New Jersey—work that required skill, precision, and dedication. Never afraid of hard work, he later established his own successful construction business, creating opportunities not only for himself but for others as well.

His generosity was practical and heartfelt. Family members remember how he helped relatives settle into life in America, offering employment and guidance during those critical early days. His willingness to lend a hand reflected the quiet generosity that defined his character.

To those who knew him best, Webster was a calm and even-tempered man. He possessed a gentle nature that made him easy to be around and earned him the respect of family and friends alike. He was known as someone who enjoyed life without unnecessary fanfare—comfortable in conversation, appreciative of good company, and always ready to share in moments of laughter.

Family gatherings held a special place in his heart. Many fondly remember seeing Webster at the annual New Year's Day celebrations at Aunt Lily's home in Kingston, where generations of family came together to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. His presence at these occasions reflected his quiet commitment to remaining connected with those he loved.

Like many Caribbean men of his generation, Webster also enjoyed a spirited game of dominoes. Whether around a table with family or friends, he appreciated the simple pleasure of friendly competition and the conversations that naturally accompanied it.

Those closest to him often described him as a devoted family man—quiet by nature, dependable in character, and someone who understood how to enjoy life without drawing attention to himself. He believed in working diligently, caring for those around him, and allowing his actions to speak louder than words.

Webster's friendship with family members endured over many years, remembered particularly for his easygoing disposition and steady companionship. He was the kind of person whose consistency provided comfort and whose calm presence made every gathering a little warmer.

On August 8, 2024, Webster peacefully departed this life, leaving behind his beloved wife, Pat, three children, extended family, and many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Though he is no longer with us physically, the values he lived by—hard work, humility, generosity, and devotion to family—continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Webster Brown's life reminds us that true greatness is often found not in public recognition, but in the quiet faithfulness with which we live each day. Through his work, his kindness, and his steadfast love for family, he built a legacy far stronger than the bridges he helped construct—a legacy of character that will endure for generations.

May he rest in eternal peace, remembered always with love, gratitude, and affection.

Teddy McLeod

March 10, 1933 - July 21, 2022

In Loving Memory of Lionel Ivanhoe "Teddy" McLeod

Lionel Ivanhoe "Teddy" McLeod was born on the 10th day of March 1933 in Content, Retreat, Saint Mary, Jamaica. Tony, one of his sons often refers to Content as that quaint little town while another of his sons, Lionel, likes to say that the village was so contented, that it retreated. Many others refer to Content as Tombstone so one can just imagine what that town was like back in the 1930's when Teddy's life began. Content did not have any electric light when Teddy was born and he tells the story of electricity being installed when he was a boy. According to Teddy, the villagers were very skeptical of electricity being able to "run on a wire" and they reasoned that the rapture was imminent. Teddy noted that on the day the grid was coming online, the townsfolk nervously filled the square anticipating that the place was going to burn. There was then great jubilation when the power came on and the streets shone brightly without any fire.

Teddy was born to Margaret Bennett and Gervaise McLeod (Uncle Ernest's younger brother). He was the first of four boys to Margaret, the fourth of Gervaise's fourteen children, and started his elementary education in Content with stints in Port Maria. His ambition was to become an electrical engineer so post elementary school, he moved to Kingston to continue his studies. Teddy's time in Kingston was short-lived though as while there, he boarded with a paternal uncle and on returning home from school one day, he found himself locked out of the house. A neighbor saw him trying to enter the home and inquired why he was there. Teddy was taken aback with the question and reminded the neighbor that he lived there. It was then that the neighbor advised him that his uncle had moved out earlier that day with his family. Overcome with anger, shock and disbelief, Teddy gathered himself and went to spend the rest of the week with one of his mother's cousins who had moved years earlier from Content to Kingston. At the end of that week, he returned to his hometown with no plans to go back to Kingston. He tells the story of sitting down to have dinner with his family on the Sunday after his return from Jamaica's capital city. He chose not to sit in his customary seat at the table but instead, sat close to the door. His thinking was that during dinner, his father would tell him to get ready for his return to Kingston as this was what usually happened. Since he was not planning to go back, he anticipated that Gervaise would not be pleased with his answer and would come at him so he sat by the door so he could make a quick run for it.

Like clockwork, his father told him to get ready but he was surprised when Gervaise did not get angry at this response. His father simply told him that it was either school or work as he was not going to sit around and do nothing. Within a few days, Gervaise secured a job for Teddy as a bellhop at the Tower Isle hotel (now Couples Tower Isle).

It was while working at Tower Isle, that at 20 years old, Teddy fathered his first son Tony. Just over two years later, he fathered his second son Lionel. He then met and married Gloria (Chubby) Rutty with whom he shared two boys (Neil and Paul), and four girls (Kimberly, Judy, Nadia and Nicole). Chubby is a dear friend of Teddy's cousin Aunt Lily and both were schoolmates growing up. Aunt Lily noted that back then, she visited the Rutty home very often. During those early years though, Chubby and Teddy had not yet met and were not even aware of each other. Teddy tells the story that he first saw Chubby at a wedding they had both attended. She caught his eye and being the outgoing, friendly and bold person that he was, he went over and asked her for a dance. She flatly refused but this did not deter him. Thinking that maybe he had gone over a bit too strong, he asked one of his friends to more gently ask her to dance. He planned with his friend that if she said yes, that he would slip in during the dance and take over. This worked as Chubby agreed to dance with his friend and after a short while, Teddy was the one dancing with Chubby. Many years later, Chubby would often say with a sense of pride what a great dancer Teddy always was. Maybe he was confident in his dancing skills and only needed the opportunity which he surely capitalized on. He and Chubby were only separated with his death in 2022. They had been married for over sixty-four years.

Working as a bellhop did not provide enough financial rewards for Teddy to take care of his now growing family so he joined his father in the transportation business. His father Gervaise had an extensive fleet of big American cars that he used to transport wealthy tourists around the island. He employed many of the young men in Content to drive his Cadillacs, Chevys, Plymouths and Chryslers with Teddy and his brothers Alphonso and Barry among these young drivers. Teddy was soon able to secure a Cadillac and a Chevy of his own and then established his own transportation business. Along with his Cadillac and Chevy cars, Teddy for a time also owned several smaller cars that he used as a "U-Drive" business (his words). To his dying day, Cadillacs and Chevys were Teddy's favorite cars though and he owned several throughout his lifetime.

Chubby was from a farming family and her father Harold owned several trucks that among other uses, he used to transport his goods to markets and to the docks for shipment overseas. Harold retired at a young age, sold most of his possessions and moved his family to London, England where his paternal line hailed from. Prior to migrating, he gave one of the trucks to Chubby and that introduced Teddy to the trucking business. He operated both the transportation and trucking businesses for a while but in the end, closed out the transportation company and turned his focus to trucking. He operated a small fleet of 4 trucks until he migrated to the USA when he was in his mid-forties.

Moving to America was nowhere close to Teddy's radar. He was very well-known in his adopted hometown of Ocho Rios where he had moved to in the 1960's, was well-liked, had a lot of friends and, was having a lot of fun with his life. He went to the beach frequently usually early in the mornings, had a lot of parties at his house and often times, would be at Caymanas Park on a Saturday hoping that his favorite thoroughbreds that day would yield him more smiles than frowns. All that changed in 1976 when his wife Chubby told him to start preparing to move to Miami. His initial answer was that the family is not moving anywhere. Chubby's response was that he could stay and either visit the children in Florida or, have the children visit him. Teddy adored his family and them being separated from him was not something he was going to let happen so soon after that conversation, he had his son Neil take care of the details for the family to get passports. Chubby's desire to leave Jamaica was fueled by an event that happened during the 1976 Jamaica general elections. She tells the story that one day after a local campaign rally in town, a man approached her on her porch and told her that during the rally, he was promised that if he voted for that party's candidate and the party was victorious in the elections, he would be able to get anything he wanted. Chubby said the man said that he had been admiring her house for several years and this would be what he would be requesting if given the opportunity. After a bit of back and forth with the man, Chubby decided it was time to leave the country as "everybody going mad". With Teddy now on board to migrate, the process was started and in 1978, the family was granted permanent residence status to live in the United States of America.

With 'green cards' now in hand, the family moved to Miami in 1979 with Teddy having basically two plans for the new land where he was about to put down roots. One was to buy 10 acres of land so he could build houses for all his children and the other was to get back into the trucking business. The family compound thing did not work out as his children had no appetite for that. Him getting back into trucking also did not work out. In Jamaica, Teddy did not drive his truck faster than 30 miles per hour as he always expressed that even with very good brakes, a truck could become a deadly weapon if allowed to get out of control. On one of his early days in Miami, he went out for the day with one of his cousins who owned an '18-wheeler' truck. Teddy was flabbergasted at the high rate of speed his cousin would drive on the Florida highways. He decided then, that this line of work was not for him and he went back to school to learn to operate a bulldozer, specifically a wheel loader. He was a humble man and no honest jobs were beneath him. He ended up working for a quarry company until his retirement some 20 years later.

Teddy was not a man to sit around and only collect a pension. Now he was to begin another phase of his life in giving back. He was very fond of young people and concerned about their safety, so he signed up to be a school crossing guard. Neil tells the story that of the jobs he had observed his father do, being an elementary school crossing guard was the job he believes Teddy took the most seriously and had the most pride doing. Neil related that one day in late 2012, Teddy expressed to him that Chubby had been taken many times to London and he now too, wants to "guh inna England". Neil offered to take him for his 80th birthday in March 2013 but this was a non-starter for Teddy. He could only go in the summertime when the kids were out of school. Neil said he tried to persuade him that going in March was cooler, less expensive and, there were fewer people to deal with but Teddy would not budge. He insisted that he could not leave the children and the earliest he would go was July. So, the trip was then planned for July.

It was during Teddy's vocation as a school crossing guard that his health started to decline. He first started losing control of his legs while walking and would fall. He was hospitalized for this several times until the school board thought it best that he retired from this, his final career. This devastated Teddy as he thoroughly enjoyed keeping the children safe as they crossed the street. The cause of his ailment was never fully diagnosed but it seems now that he had started to develop some neurological issues. This progressed to the point where his trademark greeting of "Teddy McLeod, Teddy McLeod, the word is love" slowly disappeared as he would lay quiet in his bed all day. His frequent offer to buy a drink of 'whites' (Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum) or Johnny Walker Black also ceased but frequent visits to his bedside were comforting as we all knew that he was someone who really enjoyed life, had a great sense of humor, and was extremely kind and generous. Teddy used to always say that a "big man must always have money in his pocket" but his trousers were always empty of coins as he consistently shared all he had.

Teddy was an extraordinary man who lived life on his own terms. He died peacefully on the morning of July 22, surrounded by his nurse and his youngest sister Bonnie. Lionel, Neil and Paul joined shortly afterwards. He had celebrated his 89th birthday 4 months earlier. Teddy had a close bond with his children, was proud of his family and left a lasting impression of resilience and love.

Ida Fyffe nee McLeod

Dates...

Bright, fearless, and full of joy. Camille left us far too soon, but her warmth lives on in every cousin she mentored and every child she made feel seen. Her light is part of this family forever.

Newton Martin

Sept 1, 1928 - March 2, 2025

Bright, fearless, and full of joy. Camille left us far too soon, but her warmth lives on in every cousin she mentored and every child she made feel seen. Her light is part of this family forever.

Ambassador Cordell Wilson Evans C.D.

Sept 4, 1939 - June 25, 1925

Bright, fearless, and full of joy. Camille left us far too soon, but her warmth lives on in every cousin she mentored and every child she made feel seen. Her light is part of this family forever.

Winston Lloyd Martin

Dec 9, 1932 - Feb 3, 2026

Bright, fearless, and full of joy. Camille left us far too soon, but her warmth lives on in every cousin she mentored and every child she made feel seen. Her light is part of this family forever.

Oswald Vincent Brady

March 23, 1938 - July 1, 2026

Bright, fearless, and full of joy. He left us far too soon, but his warmth lives on in every cousin he mentored and every child he made feel seen. His light is part of this family forever.