|
Class of '76 old boy, Vernal "Junior" Blagrave, who lived in Brampton, Canada, died from a heart attack, on Sunday March 8, 2009. He is survived by his son Jordon. He also has a brother and two sisters in Jamaica.
"Blaggy" as some of us called him, attended Falmouth All Age School, William Knibb Memorial High, then Cornwall College from 1973 - 1976, before migrating to Canada almost 30 years ago.
The viewing will be on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 6:30pm at Ward Funeral Home, 52 Main Street South, Brampton, Ontario
The funeral service will also be held at Ward Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 11:00am
|
Administrator
Eulogy for Vernal Anthony Blagrove Jr. (Jan 23, 1958 – Mar 8, 2009)(Given by: Clive Bennett at the funeral, March 21, 2009)
I would like to thank everyone, for your prayers, and support to the family of our dear friend, Vernal Blagrove. I am honored to have been asked to give the eulogy at this celebration of his life. I had known Vernal since elementary school, we attended the same high school, and he was my friend.
Vernal Anthony Blagrove Jr. (also known as Blaggy, Junior or Vern) was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, on January 23, 1958 to Lilieth and Vernal Blagrove Sr.
In 1981 he married Phyllis, and the union produced the pride and joy of his life, his son, Jordon. He is also survived by two sisters, Sandra and Joy, and brother Noel.
Vernal did his elementary education at Falmouth All Age School. He then attended William Knibb Memorial High School, and then Cornwall College. Even in those formative years, Vernal stood out as an intellectual. He had a passion for reading, and many times, he could be found in our local library, reading a book or studying.
After graduating from high school, he attended Browns Town Community College, where he studied towards his Advanced Level examinations. There he made many long lasting friends, some of whom are here today to pay their respects.
Vernal migrated to Canada about 30 years ago, and attended York University for two years, where he majored in Sociology. He also worked in the automotive industry.
Although Vernal displayed a somewhat quiet demeanor, he was known to get fired up whenever any discussion switched to current affairs or politics. Many of us may remember how he strongly defended his views, and was always willing to sweeten any discussion with sometimes controversial opinions. He was well read, and well spoken, and that made him a great debater.
His sister, Sandra described Vernal as loving, kind and considerate. She also said that he had lasting friendships, and that is certainly reflected by his many friends here in the congregation today.
Vernal would always greet you with a warm smile. He loved cooking, and he loved music. I recall many times we spend as kids, selecting our favorite records on the juke box in his father’s bar and barber shop in Falmouth.
Vernal loved sports. I recalled once in the early 1990’s when the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team was playing in the World Series. I made the cruel mistake of calling him during the middle of one of the games. Vernal, very annoyed, asked me if I didn’t know that the World Series was on TV. He then advised me of the relevant channel, then politely told me to call him the next day.
There are different criteria that can be used to measure one’s success. In Vernal’s case it would have to be his son, Jordan. In a discussion with Jordan earlier this week, he recalled the precious time he spent with his dad. He said that despite special challenges, his dad was always there for him. Jordan had a special bond with his dad, and he recalled the great experience they shared when they went on a trip to Jamaica to visit his grandmother and family. He said that his dad would always ensure that he finished his meals, and his homework. His dad always stressed the value of a good education, and one of his favorite challenges to Jordan was to “Think outside of the box”. Jordan shared with me that he admired how his dad always showed great respect towards his mom, and how that helped to mold him, to be the man that he is today.
After talking to several of Vernal’s friends and family, there was one descriptive phrase that I heard repeated again and again. Vernal was described as a “Cha-cha” boy. Now, for those who do not know that Jamaican term, it means – flamboyant, neatly dressed, and well groomed. I was told that when Vernal was taking Jordan out, he would neatly tuck Jordan’s shirt in …put on his shades … then put on Jordan’s shades … then, and only then, they would be ready to go.
In Jamaica, Vernal was a member of the Methodist Church. Here in Canada, we met several times when a few years ago, we both worshipped at the same church - Calvary Baptist Church, right here in Brampton.
One my greatest memories of Vernal when we were kids, was when he got his bicycle. That must have been his first pride and joy. He took great care of that bicycle, and only selected friends could get a ride it. Well I did get a chance to ride that bicycle … just once. He really protected his property.
The last time I met Vernal was about 3 years ago at the downtown Brampton bus terminus, I had just come off a bus, and went inside the waiting area until my bus connection arrived. It was Vernal that saw me first and called out to me from across the hallway. He was sharply dressed in a suit, and I asked him how he was doing. He said to me: “You know that I have not been well, but right now I am doing great, I am on top of things, and as long as I keep doing that, I know I will be fine!” Just then my bus connection arrived, and I hastily said goodbye. When I got on the bus I realized, we did not have time to exchange numbers, and I was quite disappointed. Now I look back at that last meeting, and I am happy that my last recollection of Vernal was …Vernal the “Cha-cha boy”, and the last words he said to me was “right now I am doing great!”
In his own special way, Vernal has touched the lives, and hearts of the many who knew him.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Helwig Stewart
Very nice eulogy....this brought some tears.