Tributes

A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO MY BROTHER DALTON BECKFORD (KNOWN TO HIS JAMAICAN FAMILY AS MANNY)

My name is Daniel Beckford, we were all given pet names by our mother growing up, therefore I am called Danny. I was too young to have recorded memory of my oldest brother Manny departing Jamaica to reside in the United Kingdom. However, he has become a great household name, so I got to grow in memory of him without knowing him. My other older brothers seemed to have a lot to say about him and I gathered he must have been a very distinguished gentleman that laid a great foundation for them to follow.

At the age of about 10 I was delighted to see my brother when her returned to Jamaica. I thought he was a white man. I still remember the little time we spent together in the country as I watched my mother’s excitement as she embraced her first born. I was amazed at the number of places he had walked to visit friends. By the time he left for England the white man became almost black from the sunburn. Finally we were able to meet again at a family reunion in the United States where we had a lot to catch up on as we revisited life’s journey. I found him to be a man of wisdom and knowledge as I listened to his words of encouragement.

Brother Manny I am so happy to spend those lovely times with you also in Canada.

Manny RIP Love Danny

Mikesmith

Mr. Dalton Beckford or Uncle Manny as he was fondly referred to, was a man of passion, peace, and calmness. I was very fortunate to have met and had a few conversations with Uncle Manny on several occasions over the years when he visited Canada, and also when I went to see him in England. I can remember him being so calm and caring and non-judgemental. He was always thinking of his family and about their wellbeing. The way he went about assessing a situation and sharing his point of view was something to emulate for all who met him. He gave practical ideas, advice or a solution to whatever he was assessing at the time. His questions were to the point and made you want to share everything with him because of his calm demeanour.

Uncle Manny demonstrated a great passion for his garden. He spoke of his crops and how to get the best results from watering, to the type of soil or what he was going to be planting next. He was very knowledgeable about his flowers, fruits and vegetables.

All in all, I found him to be a kind and gentle soul who made you feel very comfortable around him. Uncle Manny, you will be missed and I am sure never to be forgotten by your family and loved ones from Jamaica, England, Canada and the U.S. May your soul rest in eternal peace with God in a beautiful garden filled with all the most amazing colourful flowers, fruits and vegetables. Your love and empathy has left us wishing we could live in a peaceful and calm manner. Rest in Peace Mr. Dalton Beckford. It was a great pleasure to have met you.