IN MEMORY OF LOWELL HAWTHORNE
pic: via the Gleaner Newspaper
By: Editor C. Harrison/12/28/2017
Lowell Hawthorne O. D. was someone I knew for a few years now, only in passing. Passing meaning not close friends, but whenever I saw him or vice versa we greet each other cordially, either at an events or at the Consulate General in New York.
Twice in my life I actually heard from Mr. Hawthorne, once when the Diaspora Board was actually being formed and a launch took place here in New York….People complained that they usually talked but nothing gets down. Thus, thereafter I wrote up some questions and actually walked into Irwin Clare”s office and show him and spoke to him about the issue. Shortly thereafter I got an email from Mr. Hawthorne. The other time was recently when he send me a friend request for Facebook.
I know him as a humble man because this is how he had always been whenever I saw him. So, imagine my bewilderment when on December 2, when I heard that he had expired and the unbelievable explanation that I heard for his death. Shock took over.
Beloved he came to the promise land and make good for himself and his family. He accomplished what millions of Jamaicans travel to the New Worlds to gain, prosperity and to help their Home Land stay afloat. Many dream of just making it and sorely fail.
The patty business in Jamaica is a stiff business with your “Tastes” and your “Suger N spice” patties. And here in the U.S. going up against Caribbean Delight, was a challenge and for Mr. Hawthorne to come to the U.S. and set up Golden Crust Patties and other Products and make it, is an overwhelming achievement. He even became the author of a book, so we know he had no plans of going anywhere soon thus, the shock.
His songs and legacy can’t be over look or out done because inspite of, he shined…like a lone morning star. He was one of Jamaica’s brightest beacon and notwithstanding some of the allegations stock against him he gave and a lot. Mr. Hawthorne was one of the good ones and although we question why because we, some of us can find our way out of sticky jams; sometimes some feel there is no way out, which is not true but at hens moment one don’t see through to the other side clearly. He was a brother a father a son and he was loved by all. Enough can’t be said of his goodness to others. Patience, is really a virtue.
Mr. Hawthorne O. D. is gone but his will to live, lives on through his legacy and he certainly will never be forgotten.
Mr. Hawthorne’s funeral took place Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at the Christian Cultural Center…12020 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn. He had an arousing send off..
Mr. Hawthorne left behind His wife, three sons, one daughter and countless relatives. His sun rose May 1, 1960 and his sun set December 2, 2017. He was a Godly man and in death we hope he found peace.
