9 minute read
Memories with Berty
Tribute from Cheryl Rolle- Sagicor Life Eastern Caribbean Inc.
Weaker without him is how I feel and at the same time Stronger together knowing that so many of us loved Berty so much, I met Berty many years ago at congress and he immediately was adopted into my family.I first met him and his beautiful daughter Kim at an awards ceremony in Barbados.Berty was shy and didn’tknow many people, after the awards ceremony I invited them to brunch at my sister’s house in Barbados, Kimmie was the age of some of our children so we automatically held her and told her we were all her Aunties. Over the years Berty kept us informed of her schooling, graduation and Marriage his only child. Berty was our silent buddy, who laughed at us half the time and the other half just kept shaking his head wondering how he ended upwith these feisty kalinagos from Dominica. Most of my sisters,nieces and nephews knew Berty,we stayed by him in Jamaica. He was the babysitter for our children who went to UWI, my Doctor who did medicine at Mona,my adopted athletes, and my family who Iencouraged to bring to Jamaica,Berty met us at the airport drove us to Montego Bay stopping in Fern gully to eat the local food.
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Once I told Berty that I had always heard of Hedonism Hotel Berty brought us there we were shocked and checked out of the Hotel with Berty laughing at us all the way to another Hotel. Berty came to Dominica for Creole festival and told me he can’t stand up because he had a pain in his foot and he won’t be able to do three nights of no sleep for the festival,I brought him straight to the Doctor they treated him and we went home to unpack. Berty spent half his time trying to run away from me because he was wondering what next,I would come up with. Berty was such a caring person,so unassuming and yet so shy. I always wondered howBerty insured clients he was so shy. I remember Berty telling me its trust and clients asked him advice from buying a house to buying a fridge. Berty’s house was Sagicor all the way to the kitchen with files within his sight everywhere we went in his home.
I asked Berty to present at a Congress he was so nervous and yet was the Top producer for many years,I can ’t imagine what it will be like to come to Jamaica and not see Berty, He was a gentle giant always in the background at all functions looking and listening, He laughed at himself may times which is a good gift. His daughter was his lifeblood., his dog, bird, flowers, pond etc. will miss him and the cars he had parked when he wasn’t using his truck. Berty spoke to me a few hours before his passing andsounded so strong and promised to call back in a few hours ,I will miss you Berty you were well loved by our Dominica team ,Trinidad called me,, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, St Kitts contacted me because they knew how much you meant to my sister and myself. It wasn’t just calls from Team Sagicor from other Insurance Companies as well. I know the Lord has a special place for Berty, I respectand I am thankful for the laughs, drives, hospitality you showed us, We are heartbrokenbut didn’t want you in pain Rest in Peace my brother
Tribute from Sandra Sue Campbell Nunes: Financial Advisor
The blow is hard andwill only be softened by the wonderful memories you have left behind.You were that great advisor and colleague, the big brother, the best comedian and a wonderful travelling companion. I am thankful you were my friend …a friend to my friends and my family.I know it was God who gave you to us… for good reasons and for a season. I only wish the season was longer. In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still In our hearts you hold a place No one can ever fill Dear Albert, you will always …always be in my heart with love and appreciation.
Rest well my brother
Tribute from Erica Prendergast- Claims Administration and Project Services
Department
I am grieving with my Sagicor Family and will always remember Mr. Lyon as:
Agentle giant, assertive yet so approachable.
Loyal team member and a friend so adorable.
Blessed with wisdom and a charming personality.
Empowered with success clothed in humility.
Respected and loved by all, as he was so very kind.
Tactful, he performed with all stakeholders in mind.
He set the pace, finished the race, blazing the trail of successand is now gone to rest, leaving an indelible mark in everyone’s heart. Condolences to the family members, team members and friends of our beloved “Bertie”. We are grateful for his life;may God help us to be strong to carry on.
Tribute from Selena Chin- President, Sagicor Life Agents Association
On behalf of the Sagicor Life Agents Association and Field Force, I extended sincere condolence to the family of the late Lloyd Albert “Bertie” Lyon. We all must follow a different path to let our light shine. You followed yours Bertie, inthe most dignified and humble way and that is what made you so unique. The body my leave this earth; but the legacy lives on forever. True Legends never die. You continue to live through your family, friends, clients and all of us at Sagicor.
Rest well Bertie.
Tribute from Carlos King Financial Advisor
OMG! It was only last week Friday, October 1, that I saw him and interacted with Albert Lyons while he was entering the Senators branch. My usual greeting to him was "the Lion still roars" and he would smile while saying in return "I am just meowing now".
Wow. I'm speechless. Sir Albert was a decent human being. Very engaging and interested in every Advisor. Yes indeed, he did "walk with kings, but never lost the common touch". May his soul RIP
Tribute from Jacqueline Donaldson- Group Corporate Services
One moment captured A million more passing by Waves crashing Clouds settling What feels to have been a lifetime of True Friendship seems to have ended in an instant Rest easy mi bona fide friend & true flag bearer of providing excellent service We live We dream We suffer We sleep Today, We celebrate another Angel ‘Bertie’ Love Jacqui D’
Tribute from Maxine Lyon- Cash Processing Unit
Albert wasn’t just family. He was a close friend.
He cared deeply, smiled broadlyand extended himself both physically and emotionally. He loved his family and lived his passion through his work. He is irreplaceable, and we will miss him dearly. Please keep his only child (daughter) in your thoughts and prayers.
Tribute from Isaac T Johnson, Financial Advisor
Albert was a tame gentle Lyon. I remember working with him as a member of the Agent's Association. He was always seeking the best for his teammates. He was friendly, approachable, very soft spoken and was always willing to share sales ideas with his team members.
An icon has been separated from us.
Sleep and take your rest Bertie. RIP
Tribute from Gertrude St. John | Senior Sagicor Advisor | Barbados Sales -
Headley Agency
I learnt that Bertie was in the hospital the night before he died so the shock of his death is still very raw. Bertie was more than a colleague;he was a brother to Cheryl and I. Many CARAIFA congress or SMS we attended we spent time in Kingston overnighting with Bertie who guaranteed we were well taken care of. He ensured we indulged in the real Jamaican food from Faiths Pen on our way to the conferences. Our numerous reunions at Congresses and conventions tightened our bond. Every time I think of Bertie the only thing that comes to mind is “Simply the Best” with emphasis on simply. He was humble, unassuming, charismatic, caring and most of all a dedicated advisor and father. His office was never closed. As proof, his kitchen counter was always covered with files and he always walked or drove around with long pad sheets covered with notes for reference, or to gather info when his clients called 24/7. Early in my career the lesson I learnt from Bertie was: Client’s trusted and call upon him for guidanceso much that even if they were buying a fridge,they would call for advice. This spoke volumes and resonates with me to this day. Bertie I may never be half the Advisor you were,however, I will always credit you for being a great example to follow, and continue to emulate you. So long my dear brother, friend and colleague. Till we meet again.
My Condolences to his Immediate, Sagicor Jamaica, Sagicor, JAIFA, CARAIFA Family. Stay Safe and Strong Gertz
Tribute from Bascilia Fray, Financial Advisor
Albert was very approachable, he always took time out to share pleasantries, in an unhurried, fun-loving, easy-going manner. He will be missed, we pray for God’s comfort at this time for his family, friends and colleagues.
Tribute from Roaan Brown
Sincere condolences on the passing of a gentle giant! Albert has left an indelible mark on the insurance industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Tribute from Paula Brown Rutherford
Let's celebrate Albert's by holding on to those wonderful memories shared, the millions of lives he touched andcreate brighter future along his journey. Sleep on Albert no more pain you lived a purpose -filled life and changed so many.
Now it’stime to restyour work on earth is done. See you in the next life my brother.
Tribute from Malaika Beckford Cook
I was more than saddened by the news of the loss of such a legend, true King of the Jungle, ’the one and only, Great Albert Lion’, my dear Sagicor comrade. Words that describe you include but not limited to the following:
Warm
Loving Caring Thoughtful
Boss ina di business fi years widdout tears Humble –that old purse you had everywhere u went (a chu dem neva know how much money inna it, dem woulda waan tief it!!) One heck of a comedian
Always had a cheerful spirit You are the sunshine on a bleak day Albert and not even death can separate us because your memories pierce through the grey skies and you will live forever live in my heart and in my thoughts. Lots of love and may you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father I pray.
