THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 16, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | MEMORIAM 23 Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: WELL- known financial adviser Rudolph Burke Gibbs, a 20-year volunteer at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) Toronto chapter, was remembered in an inspiring, albeit sombre, funeral on Saturday, February 5, at the Revival Time Tabernacle Church in Toronto. Gibbs, affectionately called ‘Gibbo the Black Nose Reindeer’, passed away suddenly on January 14 of a heart attack. During the service, where only about 200 listed guests attended, many sympathies went out to his fiancée Edith Brown, whose arms he died in after being officially engaged only weeks before in a church service. They were planning their upcoming nuptials. Gibbs literally had his last supper with her after holding hands while they blessed themeal hemade, in preparation for her arrival from work. “I came home to a well-set table with a surprise, mouthwatering dinner of ackee and salt fish, paired with ground provisions, gungo rice and peas, tossed salad, and fried ripe plantains he’d cooked. She divulged that they watched a game and was about to retire when he collapsed. “As a personal support worker, I administered CPR and did everything I could from, what I learned frommy job, until the paramedic came; but I still couldn’t save my hubby’s life that early morning around 1:30 a.m,” she recalled tearfully. “I’m so broken inside, but God gave me the strength to carry on, with the encouragement from the entire community, our church, and family members. Born September 24, 1958, in Tivoli Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica, to parents Linnette and Eric Gibbs, he was the last of four children. He was eulogized by his sister, Yvonne Gibbs Lyn, with whom he stayed on his arrival to Canada in 1992. “He was humble, a giver, and a man with self-respect and integrity. He had a way of lighting up a room with his smile. He loved people, his community, and enjoyed helping others,” she stated. “Our mother, Mama Gibbs, called him ‘Pa’ because of the way he stepped up to help with providing and caring for my brothers and myself when dad passed, though he was the youngest. “He attended Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive High School and was an accountant at Grace Kennedy, then later worked his way up as a manager.” Tributes poured in from a wide cross section of the society to mourn the community stalwart in an elite, star-studded virtual event, with local and international performers, on Thursday, February 3. The function was arranged by the JCA, headed by Dr Sylvanus Thompson, his long-time friend, who also spoke at the funeral. “He asked me to play an important role at his wedding, which I didn’t question because he was my friend for over 30 years. Little did I know at that time that rather than playing that unknown, important part in that way, I’m playing a role of giving tribute at his funeral,”Thompson remarked. “He was so committed and so involved with the Jamaican Canadian Association that he was a member of almost every standing committee, including as Building Committee chair for one term.” Gibbs is being remembered by family, friends, and community organisations as a warm, pleasant, well-mannered, and a distinguished gentleman who used his 25-year financial and planning expertise to support and rally fundraising initiatives. He was serious about the advancement of black youth and culture; and behind his toothy, infectious smile, he led impactfully and with diligence, donating his time, effort, and finance. “He was a founding member of the Friends of JCA that provides scholarships to international students studying in Canada,”saidThompson, a retiredToronto public health inspector. Thompson continued that Gibbs served on numerous disaster relief and fundraising efforts to benefit Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada, and Dominica. One notable effort was the ‘Giving Back to the Land of Our Birth’ concert, where about $10,000 was raised and donated to Jamaica to assist with early-childhood education in zones of special operations. Businesswoman and special events coordinator Sandra Sylburne, the last friend with whom he spoke, is still reeling from his death, as she was tasked with executing his wedding but instead had to organise his funeral. During her tribute, she said she always admired his work ethics that came with a calm demeanour, which she aimed to emulate. “I always wanted to work with Rudolph; he showed at all the events I coordinated. Thank you everyone who showed up and for us to get together, because that is who Rudolph was,” said Sylburne. Notably, he is known for his well-attended annual birthday party at the JCA centre to raise funds for the Sickle Cell Association of Canada. During that event, the crowd would wait in anticipated amusement for his grand entrance dressed as a random character, which ran the gamut from fully regaled priest to a combat soldier. The JCA centre accommodated a reception after burial which brought the same energy for which Gibbs is known. Most patrons described the feeling as surreal, as it was almost as if he was expected to show up. For five years he volunteered at CHRY 105.5 FM, a local community and campus radio station, co-hosting with Richard Banton on the ‘Saturday Radio Dubplate Show’. He leaves behind children Garry Gibbs, Garfield Gibbs, Dwayne Dean, Melissa Dean and Kerry Dean; and siblings Sylvia Pingue Yvonne Gibbs Lyn, Glen Smith, and Kenneth Gibbs. Rudolph Gibbs was laid to rest at the Beechwood Cemetery, Vaughn, Ontario. Rudolph ‘Gibbo’ Gibbs remembered as caring community advocate Gibbs. CONTRIBUTED PHILADELPHIA, PA: The AfricanCar ibbean communi t ies in Philadelphia and the northeast USA continue to mourn the passing of Pastor Emeritus, Bishop Felix F. Poyser, who died on January 27. The 94-year-old was regarded as a fixture in the Christian community and especially among Caribbean nationals as the founder and spiritual leader of the New Testament Church of God, a regular stop for elected officials and community leaders travelling and wanting to connect with the Jamaican diaspora. Before coming to Philadelphia, Bishop Felix F. Poyser served as pastor and district overseer in the United Kingdom for 18 years, and is named among the pioneers of The Church of God in that region. His hard work and servanthood did not stop when he migrated to Philadelphia, USA. Under his leadership, at the 53rd Street (Poyser Way) New Testament Church of God which started with seven members in 1974 – at a storefront on 944 S. 58th Street – now has over 400 regular attendees at what was once was a former factory in southwest Philadelphia. Bishop Poyser served as the district overseer for the PhiladelphiaWestside District of Churches and also was a member of the Pennsylvania State Prayer Team. Long-time resident and honorary consul of Jamaica in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, praised the clergyman for his high level of spirituality and volunteerism, noting that, “his passing leaves a deep void in our Caribbean community in Philadelphia, and over the past few days, I have thought about the many positive ways that he directly impacted my life and our community”. “I first met Bishop Felix Poyser over 20 years ago when I was a volunteer with Team Jamaica Bickle, helping the Jamaican high school athletes at the annual Penn Relays. Bishop Poyser and the NewTestament Church of Godwere instrumental in providing financial support and transportation to our students attending the Penn Relays, and their support was key in keeping our athletes safe.” In her tribute, Dr Karren Dunkley said the Jamaican diaspora lost an icon and an angel. “Bishop Poyser, Sr, was a giant among men and an icon in our community. Our hearts go out to his family, church family and broader circle. May we live his legacy of leadership, kindness, selflessness and humility.” Barbara Wilson, director of the Caribbean Festival and Cultural Committee, offered that “Bishop Poyser was a giant in the city of Philadelphia and elsewhere and a great leader to all of us.” Those who knew the elder Poyser readily agree that his life models the words of one of his favorite songs, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, my living shall not be in vain.”He has been recognised by diplomatic and government officials, as well as the National Association of Caribbean Organizations for his efforts to bring together people of various cultures, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. In 1999, the city of Philadelphia honoured himby naming the church block ‘Reverend Felix PoyserWay’, a deserving tribute. In October 2013, Bishop Poyser was awarded the Jamaican Consul General’s Heritage Award in NewYork, a distinguished award presented for outstanding service to the community, and in March 2016, he was inducted into the Pentecostal Theological Seminary Hall of Prophets, which also provides a scholarship in his honour. Bishop Poyser is survived by his loving wife, Sister Lilith E. Poyser, three children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The entire family is very active in the church, including son Steven, who is a pastor, and are exceptionally supportive of its ministries. Sister Poyser, a former midwife in England, retired as a nurse in Philadelphia and the former president of the Philadelphia Westside District Ladies’Ministries. Bishop Poyser will be laid to rest at the Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, February 12. Pastor Felix F. Poyser remembered for iconic leadership Bishop Felix F. Poyser, NTCoG, Philadelphia. CONTRIBUTED
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