Farewell Sir John
-From Jules Ferdinand, The Vincentian r—————————————————————————
Many eyes were moist and teary when friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances gathered at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in St. Michael, Barbados, to say farewell to the human remains of the late Sir John Stanley Goddard on Monday, August 24, 2009. Sir John, as he was fondly called, was 78 years old when he died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital approximately one week earlier. He was a decent, diplomatic, insightful, gentle, humble man. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him many years ago when he and I sat on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce. We later became much closer acquaintances when I was invited to sit on the Board of Directors at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), later renamed the Cave Hill School of Business/University of the West Indies. Sir John was Chairman of the Board during the early years of my sojourn, and would fondly enquire about “the state of play” in his birthplace, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was dear to him, and he was never hesitant to announce that this was “where his navel string was buried”.
Sir John played a significant role in the development of the family-owned business Goddard Enterprises Limited (which owns several business entities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines). His leadership style embraced and inspired teamwork and camaraderie; he urged everyone to work together for the common good. He used a similar approach to public life and politics. He has served the people of Barbados as a distinguished independent senator for many years and built a reputation for “serving with integrity and courage”.
There was standing room only at the relatively large church that morning. The organizers had wisely erected tents in the church’s courtyard to accommodate the “spill over”. I was one of the many on the outside. My ears were cocked as I listened to Philip Goddard’s ten-minute, awe-inspiring, eulogy. Philip, Sir John’s cousin, described Sir John’s aptitude for cricket and business. However, he asserted that Sir John’s greatest love was for his family. He reminded the gathering that, amidst Sir John’s extremely busy schedule, he always carved out quality time for his wife, five children and sixteen grandchildren. He described Sir John as being always approachable and never being judgmental.
Philip continued by describing Sir John’s strength of character and determination to succeed. He noted that Sir John regarded every adversity as an opportunity. He commented that this was especially evident when Sir John suffered a stroke that seriously limited movement on the right side of his body. However, his courage and determination to succeed came to the fore and, with hard work and determination, he was able to live a “relatively normal life”.
Sir John’s thirst for knowledge was also highlighted during the eulogy. It was noted that Sir John always appreciated the value of formal and informal learning. He sought to convince others that a sound education was the key to success. This, however, must be placed on a bedrock of good personal conduct and character.
Philip Goddard’s eulogy highlighted the fact that, even after Sir John retired from active business, he retained his interest in being a mentor and was especially interested in the children who attended the St. Cyprian’s Boys School. He also stressed the fact that Sir John continued to dedicate time to various community efforts.
There was a hush in the church as Philip Goddard’s eulogy came to a sobbing end. He was unable to retain his previously calm composure after mentioning how much Sir John lived by the Golden Rule. His emotions certainly overwhelmed him as he reflected on this outstanding Caribbean icon; the legendary Sir John.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by Monsignor Vincent Blackett as he officiated during the funeral ceremony. After reading segments of The Beatitudes, Monsignor concluded that “Sir John had a pure heart” and was committed to building a civilization of love. He noted that Sir John transcended all barriers of race, class, and social standing. Monsignor remarked that Sir John’s life revolved around three pillars: God, family, and the church. He asserted that, while Sir John “never wore his religion on his sleeve,” it was quite evident that he gave quality time to God in prayer and meditation.
Monsignor commented that Sir John emulated John the Evangelist and was always ready to demonstrate love for his fellow man. He described Sir John as “a true model and leader worthy of emulation”. Monsignor Blackett concluded his sermon by commenting that Sir John had fought a good fight and had finished his race; he had left a legacy worthy of modelling.
Many throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join counterparts and acquaintances in Barbados, and throughout the region, in mourning the loss of this outstanding Caribbean icon. He has touched my life in many ways. My life is all the richer for having met and observed this kind, gentle, humble, insightful, caring man. I will continue to treasure the valuable moments that I have shared with him over the years, even as I say … “Farewell, Sir John”.