L Callender

Lee Beauford CALLENDER

THE SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE LATE

Lee Beauford CALLENDER

Date of Birth: August 1st, 1958

Date of Death: September 24th 2022

Service Held at: ST. MARY THE VIRGIN ANGLICAN CHURCH

Virginia Street, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND 2022 AT 3:00 PM

Officiating: THE REVEREND CANON HARRY WARD Priest-In-Charge

Assisted by FR. DWIGHT BOWE & Other Ministers of Religion

Organist: DR. PAUL JONES

Pianist: BISHOP TRENT DAVIS

DR. DION CUNNINGHAM

KEVIN TOMLINSON

Choir: COMBINED CHOIR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ADRIAN ARCHER, Director of The Highgrove Singers ELDRIDGE MCPHEE, Director of the Bel-Canto Singers

Soloists: MRS. ALLISON MASON ROLLE

MR. ROMEL SHEARER DR. DION CUNNINGHAM

Lee Beauford CALLENDER

THE BEGINNING

At around the age of 8yrs Lee, his mother, Sonia Patricia Fay & sister, Laura moved to Barbados where he grew as a musician and pianist for the next eleven years. He was well known in the cultural community there and was often heard playing on radio, being a part of festivals and in concerts as the pianist of numerous classical ensembles.

Cultural Icon Kayla Lockhart Edwards flew to Barbados to present a concert and it was there she met Lee and his formidable musical gifts; upon hearing about his soon return to the Bahamas, she immediately engaged him to become one of the accompanists of her well-known choir “The Chamber Singers.” Kayla along with Bahamian actress Pandora Gomez gave Lee rave reviews and to make it even greater, he was the grandson of our beloved Timothy Gibson, musician, educator and composer of the National Anthem of the Bahamas. We all felt we knew Lee by the time he actually arrived home in August 1977.

Cleophas Adderley, lawyer, composer, and founder of the Bahamas National Youth Choir, met the Callender family when he attended law school in Barbados; it was only fitting that he would be the person to actually introduce Lee to the music and cultural family when he arrived in Nassau. I was introduced to Lee at a rehearsal for “Island Alphabet” a folklore show where The Chamber Singers performed along with the Shirley Hall Bass dancers. After that week, Lee was not only the pianist for the Singers but he also played to accompany the Dancers when they performed. Performing with and for cultural icons to later becoming an Icon himself, is quite the journey that took just about four decades (a generation).

Lee is indeed a part of a new generation of his-kind of artistic leadership who began to do things differently, and intentionally began reaching out to others through school, church and community organizations… and it’s working!

LeeTHE TEACHER AT HEART

Lee began his teaching career when he was 15yrs old!

Being a natural talker, motivator and friendly person (with the usual corny jokes added to the mix) Lee deliberately planned outings to go and meet fellow musicians and performers. I was his usual willing chauffeur because I became fascinated

by watching his vision - for making himself a friend of our small cultural community, come to pass. Soon everyone began to call his name and invite him to play the piano on their performance stages.

Lee was perpetually learning, and not just music. During the early years as I knew him, he would practice for up to 4 hours daily, study and read various books. I suppose he was preparing himself for who he would later become. Even if he just got to share a corny joke here or there with someone while giving them advice and encouragement on a variety of topics, he felt satisfied that he had planted a seed to help in building someone else’s dream.

If he heard someone with an ounce of vocal or pianistic talent, he would give them a quick lesson… on the spot, no matter where that spot was.

It was not uncommon for him, upon hearing the poor innocent gas attendant humming a tune, to ask them to sing something for him. In the space of just a few minutes he would give them a condensed version of one of his vocal sessions before he allowed the poor innocent ‘singer at the pump’ to move on to the next customer. I would have thought they’d dread seeing him return for gas, but much to my amazement, they seemed to appreciate it, and lo and behold, in a few weeks time, that same face showed up fully dressed and cleaned up at my door for voice lessons. Within a few months, I’d actually hear a ‘singer’ emerge.

LeeSTUDENT OF LIFE

One of his famous lines to me was… “sleep is my enemy” I have too much work to do, and he meant that. He was a ‘leaker’, the person who would allow drops of knowledge to escape him daily to all who were willing to nudge his willingness. It was certain that at night, he would go into the music room (his cave of creativity), and read and study to add to whatever he already knew, for the next soul who might come along and need the next level of information on the same topic of his study. “So much to do, so little time”, he often said. He was always preparing for the next person! Of course, as his wife, his preparation usually meant time away from me, and though I was Not Pleased, I began to see the truth of his way after hearing so many testimonies of his contribution to someone starting a new business or going off to university. He played a part in their success!

Lee’sFAMILY TREE

Wife: JoAnn Louise Deveaux-Callender

Daughter: Jody Nakia DeveauxKnowles

Son-in-LaW: Dana L. A. Knowles

granDSonS: David, Daniel, & Dillon Knowles

SiSter: Laura Marie Callender Brown

BrotherS: Anthony Eugene Callender & Victor Jonathon Callender

Brother-in-LaW: Keith Brown

nepheW: Barton Lee Callender wife Kirsten Callender

niece: Kea Marie Fay Callender

granD nepheW: Nikolai Timothy Callender

granD uncLe: Langton Hilton

granD aunt: Eva Hilton

uncLe: Basil R. Callender and wife Olga Callender

uncLe: Paul Gibson and wife Phyllis Gibson

SiSter-in-LaW: Lynn Deveaux

niece: Gina C.Deveaux

firSt couSin: Gail Newbold Munroe

other SpeciaL couSinS: Carol & Atef Raad and children

Justin, Jason and Jessica, Roderick Callender and daughter

Nyah, Cameron Callender and Family

goD father: Sir Orville Turnquest

couSinS: Angela Cleare, Tara and Jesse LaNunziata and son, Linda Thompson and family, Glen Wells and family, Beth and Greg Burrows and family, Philip Hilton, Gregory and Sharlene Hilton and family, Deryck Hilton, Stephen Hilton, TJ Hilton and family, Kim Noble, Neil Symonette, Mishka and Arthur Jamison and family, Dorothy Godet, Deena and Captain David B Moxey, Denise and Paul Breure and daughter

Rhona, Terry Jean Thompson and son Aiden, Timothy and Asherann Newbold and Family, DonPhillip Newbold and family, Philipa Newbold and family, Christophe Newbold, Don Newbold Jr, Janice and Derreck Johnson and family, Linda and Wayne Thompson and family, Sandra and Kenley

Darling and family, Anthony Knowles, Louise Gibson and daughters Gina, Gail, and Gill, Evelyn Neilly and family, Linda Lee Burrows and family, Christine Francis and family, Sandra Francis and family, Judy, Henry and Nehemiah Francis and family, Barbara Curtis and family, Cecil Hilton and family, Alma Perry, Anita Bernard and family, Ravi, Roshan, & Indira Noronha, DaCosta Bethel and family, Dazelle Bethel and family, Neville Bethel and family, Patti Burrows and family, Vicki Pryor and family, Ian Brathwaite and family, Inga Brathwaite Archer and family.

circLe of frienDS: Dr. Carlos & Loretta Thomas & family, Lucia Broughton, Naomi Taylor Crawford, Paula Adderley, Nicki Drayton, Lon Minns, Lester Cox, Kevin Tomlinson, Matthew Wildgoose

MuSicaL circLe of frienDS: Adrian Archer & The Highgrove Singers, Franz Hepburn, Cleveland Williams, Dr. Dion Cunningham, Eldridge McPhee & BelCanto Singers, Bishop Trent Davis, Victor Johnson & Essence Band, Charisa Smith, Clinton Crawford, Vice Versa Band, Junior Scott, Keysha Edwards Taylor, Paul & Tanya Hanna, Philip Burrows, Dr. Nicolette Bethel, Dr. Paul Jones and The University of the Bahamas Music Faculty, Greg White, Colyn Major, Kevin Dean, Adrian D’Aguilar

SpeciaL thankS to Dr. Marcus Cooper, Dr. Devaughn Curling, The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Dr. Fran Pinder, Dr. Dwight Marshall, Dr. Ren Xun, Dr. Susan Lockhart, Serenity Home Care, Happy Healing Homecare, Tomiko Moxey – Collie, Ericka JackmanDean, Dr. Mortimer Moxey.

other reLativeS anD frienDS: Dr. Vaughn Conliffe, Peter Welch, David Weatherhead, Father Anthony Jemmott, Stoney Duncanson, Lillian Bastian, Shelley Shackleford, Marge Knowles, Pastor Cedric & Alexine Moss, Linda Virgil, John Roett, Julian Smith & Family, Gillian McSweeney Wilson, Melody Moxey, Pastor Benjamin Smith, The Bartlett Family – Robert, Helen, David, Paul, Yvette and Leslie, Grace Meicholas and family, Ms. Daisy Pinto, Sylvia Dames and family, Annette Roker and family, The Family of The Late Livingstone Munroe, Veronica Fraser and family, The Sherman Family – Grace, Audrey, Agatha, Beverley, Yvonne, Ernestine and Winston. Dr. Paul Roberts and family, The Roberts Family, Harry and Ken Lockhart and family, The Family of The Late C.W. and Hazel Sawyer, Mary and Sonia Marshall and family, Mary Stovel and family, Noel and Prisca Gibbs and family, Ruth Sands and family, The Birthday Club – Donna, Dona, Marcia, Essie, Ingrid, Betty, Hosea and Tyrone, Donna Johnson & Family, Trevor McKay & Family, Kim Hanna, Idris and Gwen Reid and family, TJoma Fitzgerald, The Virgill Family – Michaela, Margo, Myrna and Michelle, The Family of The Late Allen Gibson, The Family of The Late David and Sammy Thompson, Esther Armbrister and family, Jeslyn Wallace and Family, Craig Clarke and family, Donna Murphy and family, Vincent Johnson and family, Dr Tyrone Bartlett and family, St Mary’s Church Family, Fr Dwight Bowe and wife Nancy, Canon Harry Ward and wife Juliette, Canon Warren Rolle and wife Thelma, Fr Shazzbazar Turnquest and family, Pastor Mario & Erika Moxey and The Bahamas Harvest Church Family numerous other family and friends.

Lee Beauford CALLENDER

ORDER of SERVICE

THE RECEPTION OF CREMAINS

In remembrance of our baptismal garments a white pall is placed over the mortal remains of Lee Beauford Callender

Priest: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Lee Beauford for burial. Our brother Lee was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the Saints.

Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

Priest: O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Lee. We thank you for giving him to us, his family, and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The procession enters the church

The Opening Sentences ................................................................................................................................. Minister

Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23

Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9

We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21

The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

The congregation sits

Piano Solo ...................................................... "Total Praise" ................................

Composed by: Richard Smallwood

Performed by: Dr. Dion Cunningham

Poem ............................................. "Death Is Nothing At All" Henry Scott Holland ............ read by Jovanna Hepburn

Selection .............................. "Glorious Is The Name Of Jesus" Robert J. Fryson (b.1982) ........ The Combined Choir

The congregation stands and sings the opening hymn

Congregational Hymn ................................................................................. " Praise My Soul, The King Of Heaven"

Words: Henry F. Lyte Music: LAUDA ANIMA arr. Duane Funderbuck

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven; To His feet thy tribute bring!

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who like me His praise should sing?

Praise Him! praise Him!

Praise the everlasting King!

Praise Him for His grace and favor

To our fathers in distress!

Praise Him still the same for ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless!

Praise Him! praise Him!

Glorious in His faithfulness.

Fatherlike, He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes.

Praise Him! praise Him!

Widely as His mercy flows!

Angels, help us to adore Him; Ye behold Him face to face:

Sun and moon, bow down before Him, Dwellers all in time and space. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise with us the God of grace!

The congregation remains standing

THE COLLECTS

Priest: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Priest: Let us pray.

Almighty God, we remember before you today your servant Lee, and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of a larger life, You will receive him more and more into Your joyful service, that, with all who have served You in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen

(Together we pray):

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with the family of Lee in their grief. Surround them with Your love that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in Your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The congregation sits:

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

The Old Testament Lesson .............. Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: 1-11, .............. Read by Ms. Kea Marie Callender (Niece)

Reader: A reading from the Word of God found in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: 1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ] a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil?

I have seen the business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time;

Reader: The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Flute Solo............................. "The Lord’s My Shepherd" ........................................... Performed by: Sharmond Smith

The New Testament Lesson ......... Revelation 21: 2-7 ...................................................... read by Beth Hilton Burrows

Reader: A reading from the Word of God found in the Revelation of St. John, the Divine Chapter 21 verses 2 to 7

I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”

And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

Reader: The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Solo..................................... "Lord I’m Available To You" ......................................

Performed by: Allison Mason Rolle

The Sermon ...................................................................................................................................... Fr. Dwight Bowe

Cello Solo ......................................................En Prière (Prayer) Gabriel Fauré ed. Anne Williams and Paul S. Jones

Performed by: Romel Shearer

At the conclusion of the selection all stand

THE CREED

Priest: Let us with confidence and hope confess the Faith into which we were baptized, as we say, All: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

The Intercessions ................................................................................... read by: Loretta Thomas & Lucia Broughton

Leader: For our brother Lee, let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am Resurrection, and I am Life.”

Leader: Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Lee and dry the tears of those who weep.

All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us in our sorrow and the death of our brother Lee. All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: You raised the dead to life: Raise our brother Lee to eternal life. All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our brother Lee to the joys of heaven. All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: Our brother Lee was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give him fellowship with all your saints.

All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: Lee was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. All: Hear us, Lord.

Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother Lee. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.

Silence may be kept

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Lee, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and The Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen

Selection ............................... "Aint Got Time To Die" ........... Performed by: Rev. John Darville & Combined Choir

The congregation stands and sings:

Congregational Hymn .................................................................................... "Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer"

Words: William Williams, (1717-1791)

Music: CWM RHONDDA, John Hughes (1873-1932)

Descant: Adrian Archer

Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, Be Thou still my strength and shield; Be Thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.

The congregation remains standing for the commendation.

THE COMMENDATION

The choir sings the Russian Kontakion

Priest: Let us commend our brother Lee to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant, Lee, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond, that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Lord have mercy

All: Christ have mercy

Priest: Lord have mercy

Our Father in heaven….

All: hallowed be Your Name, your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Priest: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Priest: Let us pray.

Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Lee. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.

All: Amen.

Priest: Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord

All: And let light perpetual shine upon her.

Priest: May he rest in peace.

All: Amen.

Priest: May his soul and the souls of all the faithful through the mercies of God, rest in peace.

All: Amen.

Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, And of His Christ, And He shall reign for ever and ever, King of kings, and Lord of lords, Hallelujah!

The congregation stands & sings the recessional hymn

Recessional Hymn............................................................................................ "All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name"

All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall; let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all. And crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye morning stars of light, Who fixed this floating ball; who fixed this floating ball; Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all. And crown Him Lord of all.

Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, Who from His altar call; who from His altar call; Extol the Stem of Jesse’s rod, and crown Him Lord of all. And crown Him Lord of all.

Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, Ye ransomed from the fall, ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all. And crown Him Lord of all.

Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget The wormwood and the gall, the wormwood and the gall, Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all. And crown Him Lord of all.

Let every tribe and every tongue Before Him prostrate fall, before Him prostrate fall And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all. The crownèd Lord of all.

As cremains are taken from the church, special biblical sentences are proclaimed by the priest or lay minister. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb. The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in His Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.

Into paradise may the angels lead you into the Holy City, Jerusalem.

I Bid You Goodnight ...... Bahamian Traditional Wake Song ..........

Performed by: Sonovia Pierre & Combined Choir

THE INTERMENT

The Officiant: I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write this: Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth, says the Spirit, they may rest from their labours; for they take with them the record of their deeds.”

Lord God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death. You know the secrets of our hearts: In your mercy hear our prayer, forgive us our sins, and at our last hour let us not fall away from you.

In sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Lee Beauford and we place his cremains in his resting place; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. And we beseech you in your infinite goodness to give us grace to live in your dear love and to die in your favour that when your well-beloved Son shall come again in judgement both this our brother Lee Beauford and we ourselves may be found acceptable in your sight. Grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The Officiant: Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the Spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

V. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;

R. And let light perpetual shine upon him.

V. May he and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R. Amen.

The Lord bless him and keep him; the Lord make His face to shine upon him and be gracious to him; the Lord lift up His countenance upon him and give him peace.

V. Alleluia, Christ is risen!

R. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

V. Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

R. Thanks be to God.

In Remembrance ................................................................................................................. .Combined choir to Sing

Arr. Eleanor Daley

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow I am the Sunlight-ripened grain, I am the gentle, morning rain And when you wake in the morning’s hush, I am the sweet uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

Many found it strange that my name for you was Father but that was because you provided financial & emotional support and created an environment that was stable and strong for the family, as I grew up. You were someone that thought about me wholistically, but above all you thought about how I would be perceived as a young Lady, by young men that would come into my life. You helped me to build my self esteem so I was secure in who I was as Jody Nakia. You made me laugh and your humor was so dry but funny that when you told a joke you gave this loud laugh, even if no one else laughed and then you would turn and say “We are not Amused”. Always speaking as a Royal. I enjoyed scaring you at home when you would come into the kitchen.. the smallest boo would get such a Loud scream out of you I just had to keep doing. You brightened by day always with that reaction. I will miss the long talks & discussions about life, finances and choices, Thank you for the wisdom that you have shared over the years. You counted it your duty to teach me about Leadership, you encouraged and motivated me to be more than I thought that I could be.

I couldn’t believe that you were so much fun when I was learning to drive, to this day I remember what you said “always remember to drive like you are a part of an orchestra and not a solo violin”, I think a lot of persons could use that lesson today. I remember when Mom was in South Carolina completing her

studies and every Friday was movie time for just you and me, you introduced me to the amazing Bruce Lee & adventure movies, Mom wanted me to stay with musicals. I could go on and on about the many fun family times together but my greatest moment was you praying with me on the side of your bed to receive a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and I did; as a result of that moment when I was 13 yrs. old, I was able to stand strong in the faith in 2017 when I battled Breast Cancer. Thank you Father. I was always in awe of your talents and your ability to play the piano and I grew up watching you and Mom spend hours in the music room preparing for events. In my life I may not play the piano or sing, but the discipline that I gleaned from watching both of you propels me to be who I am today. Thanks again for the many lessons that now guide me in various areas of my life. The time that we spent in your last days would be most memorable to me, because you were so receptive and engaged in the many things I talked to you about. I felt as if I was now the one imparting wisdom. It was hard to watch you take your last breath but I knew you were in so much pain, so I was both relieved and in disbelief that you were truly gone. I still say to myself is he really gone? When I look at my phone and there’s no new message from you, I know you are too far away to reach out and connect with me or just to check on me and the boys.. I will miss you always Dad.

You were a Gift to so Many in our country, but You were My Father and I will always be Your daughter.

I love you, ~ JODY KNOWLES

I have known you for as long as I have known myself.

The first thoughts

that come to my mind when I think of you is the late night escape from the police as we made our way home from a great movie. Others would have to be there to understand but if they knew you they would know the excitement these escapades brought you. Some of my first interactions with you obviously revolved around music. You called me over to your piano and asked me to sing a few notes for you. From these first meetings you moved quickly from vocal coach/mentor to father figure and life coach. You saw things in others that they may not have even seen in themselves. You had a gift of unearthing hidden talents and gifts within those you came into contact with. I am eternally grateful for every vocal session we had because it was in these times that I not only improved vocally but also in every area of life as you used those times to impart much wisdom knowledge and understanding. You had a gift of never compromising who you were and what you stood for but at the same time had a way of knitting people around you from all walks of life. I owe a great deal of my networking abilities to you and the artful way in which you would bring those around you together. Thank you for your dedication to the art of music and the art of life. The wisdom you have imparted to so many will live on with art that will be expressed by those you have influenced in some way or the other. My favorite quote that I have learned from you I have now passed on to my boys. “If the task has once begun never leave it till it’s done be the labor great or small do it well or not at all!”. Sleep in Peace LBC until we meet again around that big piano in the sky!

~ DANA KNOWLES

Papa Lee

Who will teach me the piano now? I will always remember the talks about being a leader, the laughter and your concern for my reading habits. It was hard to watch you get sick, but I was sure to not let you see my tears because I didn’’t want you to cry too. You’re gone now and I can feel the emptiness in the house, but I’m happy that you are with our heavenly father, and with your mother. Rest In Peace Papa Lee, Daniel

I can’t believe you’re gone! I sit staring sometimes thinking about our favorite game, that always ends with you wanting to bite my nose, but then we begin talking about our bellies. I’m gonna miss you, but I understand that the pain was too much; so you take your rest Papa Lee, I hope that you look down and be proud of me when I take my place in the music world, just like you. Dillon

Can we say my Nuggets and Fries came from you many many times. Thank you for taking care of my Gannah the way you did and for allowing me to play with all my might on your favorite instrument, your piano... you listened to me compose (what really was a lot of noise) but you were so encouraging. My energy always made you a little dizzy but I really think that you wished you had my energy, lol... I will miss you so much but until then I’ll try to make your piano happy as best as I can.

From me, the one and only

~ DAVID

As a result of these traits my mother saw fit to give me his name. My grandmother introduced us to church and to the Lord.

After Uncle Lee was shot in his hand, he once again showed me how strong his conviction was for the Lord; as he never once asked the Lord why did this happen to him. He did say he had moments of sadness and frustration, which is expected. He did not wallow in these feelings rather he used these emotions to motivate himself; as he started playing the piano with one hand. When I listened to an audio clip he sent me, I was impressed by his skill and love of his piano. He was a strong, determined person, which was evident during his recovery. If his doctor told him to do three reps of a particular exercise he did six.

When I was young I recall that Uncle Lee drove a Honda Prelude and I truly enjoyed going on drives with him. He was quite the entertainer and would do funny things that made me laugh. When Fridays came, I would always try to spend the weekend by him as I knew it would be loads of fun and an added factor was that he had one of those big satellite dishes. He and Aunt Joann always went to bed early, which left me with the TV to myself. I would spend hours watching all of my favorite shows.

It is said that that seeing a red cardinal bird means that someone who has passed on wants you to know that they are thinking of you and looking out for you. While sitting in the car with my wife a red cardinal came to the car window and seemed like he wanted to come in the car through the window. It sat on the passenger side window for an extended length of time looking into the window. So please be comforted in knowing that although Uncle Lee may not be with us but is still looking out for us.

I love you Uncle Lee.

- BARTON LEE CALLENDER

My Uncle Lee was a caring, loving, nurturing person and a man of faith.

up those memories of my Uncle from childhood. The only outstanding memory is that he and JoAnn lived in a really cool house off Fox Hill and I really wanted to go and explore.

My memories of him start in my teenage years. He was always interesting to me and as I got older I found him to be quite witty and very much the male version of my mother. So whenever he would say “Girl you are your mother’s child”, I could only chuckle. I also don’t know when I realized how wonderfully talented he was. Maybe I came out the womb knowing this or maybe its a Callender thing where we just know our family is awesome regardless.

It was truly a privilege when he became the organist at St Mary’s. When the organ was acting up, he played the piano and

Lee,

It seems like yesterday when you said...’Linda isn’t it amazing that we haven’t seen each other for years and years and it would take this situation to bring us together’.

What an honor to speak of your character during no doubt the most difficult time in your life. Throughout your sickness you managed to maintain such a positive and optimistic attitude. My time with you these past months was truly a lesson in perseverance. Despite the pain, you still had that sweet laugh that could raise anyone’s spirits. You remained hopeful that you would regain the use of your hand and shared how you too had a friend with stage 4 cancer who is up and walking.

the whole congregation was blessed; he had an ability to convey the spirit of the hymn through those keys and when the hymn was done we all had to remember that this was a church service. The word talented could not even encompass my Uncle to be honest and I felt truly proud that we were related.

I remember, every year without fail, my good Uncle would bless me with gift for Christmas and my birthday. On my birthday, especially, he would call, text or send a recording sometimes with JoAnn to let me know I was special...this birthday I felt that loss immensely.

I am grateful that in this last year we were able to become closer and spend much needed time together. Whilst I may not ever understand, in all things I give God thanks because he knows best and I will remember my Uncle always.

~ KEA MARIE

Little did we know you would soon be not only up and walking with NO MORE PAIN but of course ‘making the piano sing praises’ in heaven for all Aunt Fay your loving mother, Uncle Timmy, Aunt Rosie, Mummy (Trissie),Uncle George, Aunt Charmie, Aunt Paula, Aunt Mary, Aunt Lois, John ,Trevor, Debbie, Katie, Ashlee, Terry and all the angels to enjoy!!

Finally, we will be remiss not to mention your wife Joann who through her love, dedication, commitment, and devotion to you her husband has left an indelible mark on our lives. We are here to love and serve each other to the very end. Your loving and faithful wife, Joann knew you were in so much pain and unable to speak. I gave her your message when you arrived at the pearly gates as the angel whispered in my ear....’Tell Joann I said THANK YOU and I love her and appreciate all that she has done for me’

Rest in Peace Lee.

~ YOUR COUSIN LINDA AND EXTENDED KNOWLES, HILTON, AND WELLS FAMILIES

It’s strange how memory is because I can’t pull

Sure, I Knew of their existence, as their mom Fay was very diligent in keeping my mom and I here in Barbados, informed via letters, photographs and telephone calls. However, words cannot express my feelings on that first physical meeting. My heart felt like it expanded to twice its size, A bond was formed, which intensified over the years, even during the times of physical separation, due to relocation on both sides. Laura and Lee came as a package and remain so. It. was generally accepted that one of them claimed a bit more space in my heart than the other (I will not deny nor identify !!!) But it was Lee’s love, passion and expression of music which set him apart. Laura and Lee have always shown a tremendous level of love and respect to me. Even to this day I have remained …UNCLE BASIL. LOVE YOU BOTH, FOREVER. Whenever Lee visited Barbados he made a special effort to visit me and my wife Olga (who always dish with flying fish prepared).and of course he always ensured we had tickets to his concerts. We wish we could have had more years to see and hear you let loose on that grand piano, but our Heavenly Father needed you to fill that gap in his great orchestra.

Lee, we say goodbye with sad, heavy hearts, but you have left us good memories which we will treasure FOREVER. R.I.P,

Lee Callender

It is with thanksgiving and grateful hearts that we give thanks to God for your life of and for you as a family member, a friend, and a teacher.

Lee believed and lived the promise written in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path”. From an early age Lee used the talent given to him by God to bring joy, peace and love to all with whom he came into contact on his journey.

His concerts lifted our spirits and his wonderful Christmas renditions, which he shared with the world through Facebook, brought joy to the world. He blessed so many through his music and gave of his time and talent to help students, members of different congregations, friends, family members and so many persons throughout the community to achieve and experience success and joy. We are heartbroken that you left us so soon.

We love you Lee, but God loves you best. Rest in Peace

~THE HILTON FAMILY

When someone is very accomplished at something, in Lee’s case, it was the piano, you recognize their enormous talent but don’t always appreciate the work required to get there when no one is watching. Lee worked hard but always found the time to reach out, listen, and support. Yes, I will remember his incredible playing, but I will also remember his great kindness and, of course, humor. Rest in peace, my brother.

~ VICTOR JONATHON CALLENDER

~UNCLE BASIL. & OLGA

When Laura and Lee came into my life, it was an unforgettable experience.

A tribute to my brother:

If I could only have one more occasion to speak with you, just to tell you again how much I love you. I had no idea that when we spoke that September 13, that it would the very last time ever. Even though you told me you were ready to go. Lee, I would have picked up the phone and called more often just to say I love you. Thank you for your unconditional love. After hearing of your passing, I started to remember when you were born. I remember when you were a little boy how you would sit to our grandfather’s piano. You were unable to play because you were only two or three years old, but you would play cords on that piano as though you knew what you were doing. Obviously, you knew something as you eventually became the consummate pianist and professional musician. Lee, if only I could have had one more day just to thank you for stepping up to the plate when you were needed to play the organ for various family funerals and especially at my wedding where JoAnn also sang. Lee, I pray heaven is everything you dreamt it to be, that you are safe and free of all pain, have met our loved ones and are having a great reunion with them all especially with our grandfather Timothy Gibson and your mother Fay. Lee, it is my prayer that you have heard what I have said.

To my beloved cousin, Lee, I will love you forever. I know that you are safe in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Until we meet again.

Love forever,

~ GAIL NEWBOLD - MUNROE

I was six years old.

Lee came to my grandparents house for breakfast with my one aunt. He sat at the dining table and I sat opposite him glaring at him because I was sure that he wasn’t welcome and I wasn’t sure why yet. The food arrived and he started eating when I spotted my window. I said in my most mature six year old voice - Lee, elbows please! That’s when my quest to make him cry began. I truly cannot recall a time when he wasn’t in my life. I still have yet to learn to play the piano because he nor my grandmother allowed me to rehearse in peace. If I missed a chord and wanted to move on, they would tell me to go back and get it right… Even worse, they’d come over and play whatever I was struggling with as though, you know, they were piano prodigies in their youth!

Despite our tenuous start, he and I had a fun relationship. We found common ground teasing JoAnn and Jody. We shared our newly acquired variations on audience specific language. Discussed movies, television shows, and everything else under the sun. That morning he came to the house was the last I could have a conversation with JoAnn without him giving his commentary in the background and eventually just joining the conversation. If he answered when I called, he’d yell out “JoAnn, it’s HER…”.

I will miss him being an active part of my life in the happy and the hard times. 2022 was the first year that I didn’t get a piano rendition of the Happy Birthday song, on cue. I didn’t miss the opportunity to send him a cheeky wish and told him his birthday cake had become a fire hazard with sixty-four candles.

Lee, I had no idea that my last solo gesture of your belonging in my family would be the night I sat awake, a continent away, keeping watch so that you weren’t alone in the hospital with a catastrophically wounded left hand. When I told you long after that I kept watch while the family in Nassau slept, you cried… Finally! I’d been trying to make you cry since the day we met! We agreed that the victory was bittersweet and I think you technically win because now I weep for you.

I knew our final conversation was our last. I could hear your journey coming to an end. I thanked you for being a part of us and for loving us. You told me about all the people who called and visited. You told me about those who you thought were “… So incredibly dull, truly…”. We laughed, then there was silence because we both knew that was our last laugh together.

Thank you for taking your life’s journey with us, we will carry you for the rest of our lives and tell your story so that it lives on.

Rest easy, Lee.

~ GINA DEVEAUX, Niece

My good cousin Lee Beauford Callender

was recognized as one of the virtuoso contemporary/classical pianists whose performing style was characterized by scale, romanticism and artistic temperament; his pedagogical work will be appreciated many more times in the future, as he raised generations who successfully participated in prestigious festivals with leading orchestras with conductors from around the world as he performed before royalty with poise and grace because he loved his craft his fingers floating across the ivory like the waves on the seas of time.

But I loved him for his witty banter and his lisp with a British twist he was all loving, all caring he was his mother ‘s son.

I Love you and will miss you Lee,

~ DEENA R.C. GODET-MOXEY

My Uncle Lee,

I am, no doubt, aware of, and have, like many others, admired the absolute prowess of LBC on the piano, as a performer and as an instrument and voice instructor. My most fond memories of him though, are as a family man. Spending time at his home with his wife Joann and daughter Jody, just being family. He keenly offered encouragement and in fact, challenged all to have the courage to be their best selves. He was a gentleman, a wonderful embodiment of his grandfather and my great grandfather, Timothy Gibson.

~ DENISE BREURE

Lee was my treasured friend, and an integral part of our family, he celebrated every milestone in our lives. Lee soon became our teenager’s personal mediator and favorite uncle, he had a special bond with each of us. He was Carlos’ comedic advisor, my business strategist and my psychiatrist.

Lee fostered the Joy Of Music in our home. After five hours of vocal and piano coaching every Wednesday, the evenings culminated with festive piano interludes, lively conversations, dinner, and laughter; “What’s On Your Table” became a joyous midweek family tradition.

Our family became Lee’s extended family, we loved Lee dearly and Lee loved us too. Before Lee slipped into eternal sleep Lee’s last words to me will forever resonate in my soul, "I love you Loretta and tell the children I love them too".

I love you my sweet friend, I will forever miss you.

Rest in Peace

~ LORETTA THOMAS

Then there’s me. 1 year, 5 months, 5 days, 15 hours, 18 minutes. That is all the time I had to get to know you Lee. In that smidgen of time you etched indelibly on my very soul so much love and laughter and music. How mercifully blessed I am to have known you my Darling Lee.

May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus, once a poor man, may you have eternal rest.

Your last little student who misses you every day,

~ LUCIA BROUGHTON

There are those who had the benefit of you for years, decades even.

Lee B. Callender was so much more than El Maestro, and our family piano and vocal coach.

It had a front passenger seat that wasn’t properly bolted down and the seat swerved towards me when I turned a corner. I met Lee the evening Kayla Lockhart-Edwards sent me to pick him up for a Chamber Singers rehearsal at Dekasilla, her home on Shirley Park Avenue. I had no idea who Lee was and she said that he was the late Timothy Gibson’s grandson who had just returned to Nassau from Barbados. He lived on Deans Lane and Lauren Major knew where the house was so off we went to pick him up. This was my task on countless occasions, driving the wrong way down that one-way street.

After the rehearsal I had to drop Lee home. Now, I always drove JoAnn home to Imperial Park and when we walked to the car, Lee sat in the front seat. Joann exclaimed “No Sir, that’s my seat!” and so Lee sat in the back and that began the battle for the front seat of my Morris Mini. For quite some time they did not particularly care for each other yet the three of us hung out together and we named ourselves the Three Musketeers. Lee would play the upright Knight in my parents’ living room, we would sing, and they would argue about the unbolted front seat of my Morris Mini. They were married in 1982!

The last time I spoke with Lee was when he called to congratulate me on directing the Sidney Poitier production. I sent him a message on his birthday, I did not receive a response and I knew that something was seriously wrong because Lee was never silent! I will carry so many wonderful memories of our friendship. Lee was a very important person in my life and a gem in the crown of Bahamian culture. I will miss my friend.

~ PHILIP BURROWS

passion is unrelenting, opinions are well informed, brilliantly and unreservedly expressed; a soul that is kind-hearted, generous and full of love, even if it seemed masked at times. Apart from his musical genius, I learned a myriad of life lessons from Lee as my friend and vocal coach - his instruction and counsel over the years brought me to a place of greater self-confidence, and deeper musical expression. In Lee’s opinion my gift was exceptional and he stated that he was only guiding me along - well he was doing so much more!. It has been an honor to work and share great moments of joy and laughter with Lee; the beautiful arrangements he created especially for my voice have been a blessing and will be forever cherished. Though so personal, Lee›s passing is a universal loss to the Music Community, but my greatest joy is knowing that you are resting in the Lord. To celebrate your life and work is now the key signature of my song!

~ ALLISON MASON ROLLE

I used to drive a Morris Mini.

Once in a while on life’s journey, you meet someone whose thinking is so profound,

Growing up

and never knowing whom my father was opened a door of love where so many persons filled my darkness with great generosity and care. God has allowed me to meet four men who decided for what ever reason to commit themselves to my growth and development Lee Callender became a rock and a guide for me especially during my suicidal years as a teenager and for this i am eternally grateful for his straight talk and discipline. Musically he was my inspiration. What came from his mind was nothing but pure genius. Hearing him play always reminded me how much i could not play and needed to go practice.

I will never forget the first time i heard him play “Send In The Clowns” this became my favorite Lee Callender rendition. He is the chief musician!

Love you Forever grateful

Miss you

Thank you for letting me see you one last time to say goodbye

Till we meet again

Play on play on Your son

~KEVIN TOMLINSON

Lee B. as I affectionately called him, was my first true introduction into the musical world. He was my first vocal coach, and I don't know how I found myself being so lucky.. But, I was the first child that he had ever taught. He started as a vocal coach, but as our bond grew, he became a mentor. The years flew by, and as time progressed, he became a second father to me. Lee B. not only gave advice as it related to music; but, he had given me advice in relation to life. He was one of a kind.. Words escape me as I write about him. Thank you for loving life. Thank you for believing in me, and investing in me. For doing just this, I am eternally grateful to you.

As I sit writing, I realize that the beauty of Lee B's life is the fact that he will forever live in the hearts of those that knew him; in the ears of anyone that hears him; and in the minds of those that read the timeless music that he has penned on paper.

"Vibration is to the voice, as blood is to the heart".. Love always.

~OSANO

If there was ever a human being that I will forever be indebted to, it is Lee B. Callender.

MY LOVE LETTER TO

YOU…

TheEntry!Final

The heart never realizes what it commits to at the moment we Fall in Love, but yet it fearlessly rushes in.

As if on a blank page, we grab the pen of time and begin our story, which for us, has lasted 44 years.

This journey has taken me through phrases of broken chords, yet variations of melodies that were too beautiful to forget.

Love gave you the ears to hear what I sounded like when we first met, but the determination to hear what my voice would one day become.

Love directed you to the stove where you made your only dish, scrambled eggs, THE BEST IN THE WORLD, until I got acid reflux and could no longer enjoy it, BUT the memory of my taste buds still celebrate.

Love provided you the map, and you shared the directions to making our music room a familiar, happy and creative place for me…TOO.

Love is colored RED, and is to the soul what blood is to the heart. It flows through avenues of change and veins of adjustments, ever so often shedding a few drops of aches, but it presses forward with unknown direction designed by our Maker who Is Love.

Sadness will come and go

Tears will fall and subside

Words will caress and Arms will hold

LOVE will lock each of us in it’s bosom, and march on endlessly into the memory of the human heart.

“til death do us part” has come, yet…… I Love You… Still ~JOANN

Lee Beauford CALLENDER

~

REST IN PEACE

“If you listen, you will hear me when you laugh. If you listen, you will hear my piano in your song. If you listen, the notes ring on.”