Bertie Constantine Snr is surrounded by his children, from left Monica, Errol and Olga on a happier occasion. - George Henry

Bertie Constantine lived out more than the three score and 10 years which the Bible reminds us is allotted unto man.

He was 87 years old when he passed away on December 22, 2012. When he died he created a void in the hearts of family members, other relatives and friends, especially those friends he worked with in north west Clarendon for the Jamaica Labour Party and the late member of parliament Edwin Leopold Allen.

Bertie, who hailed from Tweedside in Clarendon, was the last of six children for Louisa Freckleton and Bertie Constantine Snr. Bertie, who is from a family of longevity, witnessed his mother's 100th birthday celebration before she passed away. She was 100 years and six months at death. All his other siblings died in their 80s, except one who died in her 60s.

It was a packed church at his thanksgiving service at the Frankfield Baptist Church in Clarendon on January 4, 2013. So huge was the crowd of mourners for the hardworking Clarendon man, that persons spilled over into the yard and into the street, as they paid their respects to a man who was well loved and highly respected, by especially by the people of Frankfield and adjoining communities.

authority figure

Delivering the eulogy at the service, Lloyd Francis, Constantine's nephew, told mourners that his uncle was a disciplinarian who was a stickler for obedience and had respect for authority. He noted that for his late uncle, an authority figure was anybody who was your senior.

"He was a dedicated, committed, die-hearted supporter of the Jamaica Labour Party. It was from his involvement in north west Clarendon politics that he earned the name' 'Bad Oil'. Say anything bad about his party and then you will experience the bad oil," explained Francis.

Francis pointed out that while not himself an ardent churchgoer in his early years, his uncle's children had to attend church, because he used to insist that they do.

"Education was a big deal for Uncle Bertie. He did not get his full share and he was determined that each of his nine children would get as much as he could afford. So, skulking school was not a part of the life of that family; and in addition to the academics, effort was made to foster the learning of a trade for those who were so inclined," noted Francis.

hard work

He stressed that his uncle who got his early education at the Tweedside Elementary School, was a firm believer in hard work, and that one should be able to make a living out of what they have. He added that the late Mr. Constantine was an entrepreneur; a skill which he passed on to his children.

Francis said Constantine, who loved his family dearly suffered a severe blow in 1977 when his wife May, passed away. He said the steady flow of family life got a telling blow, as his uncle was left with four very young children to care for, and five others left to fend for themselves as older folks. He became the sole parent for his children but stopped at nothing to see to their welfare.

"Twelve years ago, in answer to the prayers of his children who are committed Christians; Uncle Bertie committed his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a time of real joy for the family. The elder Constantine settled down to a quieter life. He still enjoyed his small farming efforts, and was always happy to have his children, sons -in-law and grandchildren around him," pointed out Francis.

He added that his uncle was of the view that success and the Christian life walked hand in hand, as one of his favourite sayings was, "God call fool but Him no keeps none." He stressed that he had no doubt that if his uncle had the opportunity even in death, he would encourage family members and others who do not know Christ, to seek Him as He is the true source of all wisdom.

Steve Constantine, son of the deceased, said he will be sadly missed, as he was a caring father who made sure that all his siblings were well taken care of. He described his father as 'the father who mothered him'.

He has left behind to cherish his memory, Beverly, Lucille, Blossom, Daphne, Monica, Ann, Barry, Steve, Errol, 35 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

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