Watching a parent battle the dreadful disease of cancer is one of the most devastating experience a human being can undergo in life.

When Wilbert Marriott-Blake, 62, a businessman, died the day after New Years Day, earlier this year, his family, including his children, were left heart broken and devastated, amidst their preparation for his end.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2009. Marriott-Blake was a man who was well-known for the passion he had for politics. He contested in the 1976 local Government election in the Duckenfield division, St Thomas for the Jamaica Labour Party and lost then. Following this, Marriott-Blake at different times served as the campaign manager for Kingsley Sangster, James Robertson, Pearnel Charles and Laurie Broderick. They were all successful at the polls during the time he served as their manager.

The thanksgiving service celebrating the life of Marriott-Blake was held at the Hampton Court Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Thomas on January 15. He was buried at the Golden Grove Cemetery in St Thomas.

André Marriott-Blake, his youngest son of 13 children, alongside one of his close friends, Edgar Llewellyn and his sister Melvina Marriott-Phidd offered tributes at the service.

Although it has been two months since his death and burial, André decided to share with Life Tributes, the tribute he delivered at the thanksgiving service, which summarised the 21 years he spent with his father.

Tribute by André Marriott-Blake

This is perhaps one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. No matter how hard you try to prepare yourself, you are never truly ready to pay your last respects to a parent. The difficulty is intensified even further, when that parent had the reputation of delivering some of the best, most heartfelt tributes and eulogies. Today, the roles have changed and my only hope is that with these few lines I will make Daddy proud.

I start by echoing one of Daddy’s iconic sentiments – “God is good” and indeed he is good at all times, [whether] good or bad. When I think of Daddy’s life journey and reflect on the highest of peaks and the lowest of valleys of his life, I cannot help but give praise to the Most High for blessing our lives with this man.

Just like the lives of many biblical prophets, through imperfections, mistakes, triumphs and successes, there are many life lessons to be learnt from Daddy’s life. These lessons, are lessons, I am sure, all who have been blessed to know Daddy will cherish for a lifetime.

Daddy was and remains the strongest, most enduring person I have ever known. Undoubtedly, nothing showcased this almost legendary strength more than his fearless battle with cancer, a fight that was not fortified with medication, but with sincere faith and a love for God.

There was something undeniably special about Daddy. Indeed, he was larger than life. While many will remember him as the demeanour gentleman with the magnetic persona, most will remember him for his tremendous heart, love for others and his unwavering determination. He was one of the most connected men in Jamaica. His contribution to his country, community, family and friends will be forever immortalise him in the minds of countless individuals.

I fondly remember as a child growing up, me looking up to Daddy – a real life superman. In my childhood, Daddy was everything I wanted to be. He really was my hero. I remember as a child, upon greeting he would ask, “Who are we?” and I would respond by saying “Greatest Father and Son Team”. Clearly, as a 6-year-old child, the significance of these ‘little things’ were never clear. It is now while I am looking back through older eyes and a wiser heart, that I treasure these memories. It is these things and other little things that my siblings and I will hold dear, as memories of Daddy’s steadfast love.

Daddy, as much as I am grieving right now, I find joy now in knowing that you are finally at peace. This is not the end; just the end of the mortal chapter. For death has no sting and the grave has no victory. For our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has conquered death, giving us sweet victory. Sleep well Daddy, until we meet again on that beautiful shore. May your soul rest in peace.