Obituary of Gilbert W Messam

Gilbert Washington Messam was born September 21st, 1957, to Esme and Samuel Messam in the district of Lawrence Tavern Saint Andrew he was the third of five children born to his mother he is the father of three adult children Avian, Omar, and Renee he is also the proud grandfather of five. Growing up Bert has as he is affectionately called by family and friends a gregarious and precocious child. He attended Ms. Edna preschool, the Lawrence Tavern primary school where he sat the common entrance examination and was awarded a place at the famous Kingston college. At the conclusion of his high school years, he went to Cuba for two years to do a mandatory National Youth service program that was instituted by the government of the day at the time. At the completion of the program, he joined the Jamaican Constabulary Force in 1978 where he served for 10 years. Burt retired from the police force as a detective corporal. Continuing the next chapter of his life he migrated to the United States in the latter part of 1989. He finally made his home in Willingboro NJ. Not one sit idly by and shoot the breeze he along with some of his former colleagues or squaddies as they are affectionately called formed what is known as the Jamaican ex police association of Pennsylvania, greater Philadelphia chapter. Their mission statement is to foster a goodwill in their communities and offer support for the police back home in Jamaica to this end they adopted a police convalescent center in the black river St Elizabeth, where they provided through fund raising medical equipment and other needed resources. This association formed a brotherhood way there where they meet once monthly to socialize with each other and deal with internal affairs. Gilbert met Velma Hinds in 2001 and they got married in 2002 forming what is known as a blended family with children from both unions. Velma will never forget his last words to her he said, “B” that is his name for her, “I love you take care of yourself and thanks for taking care of me, “to which she responded,” I take my wedding vows seriously,” in return he said, “I know”. Bert was blessed with five siblings namely Godfrey who is now deceased, Paul, Joy, Gary, and Rosemarie. Paul the eldest of the lot fondly remembers himself and Bert walking home from school in their early years together. He has countless stories of escapades they shared on weekends in the New York City which prompted Paul’s wife Marlene to give Bert the nickname Nicodemus as they were always out at night. There was always a strong bond of friendship between brothers. Marie recalls him as very protective brother who was always making sure she was ok. He would always introduce her as his baby sister proudly. She never forgets his insistence that she be respectful, reminding her that he was the one who took care of her even to changing her diapers. This he would say with a broad smile that will always stay with her. Tomorrow is not promise to anyone is the lesson Joy has learned from her brothers passing painfully. She recalls their last conversation on February 3rd where my last words were “I will call you tomorrow.” Tomorrow never came, due to circumstance beyond our control and I never spoke to my brother again. This is the regret that I will have to have until my dying day. His children Avian, Omar, and Renee are recipients of his love and support. He was a role model to them. Omar stated he was a hardworking self-motivated young man; he continued he was as dedicated father and grandfather that would do anything for his kids and his family with a smile and personality that would bring life and joy to every room. Renee the rose among the thorns noted that her father was stubborn, a personality trait she inherited from him along with a passion for cooking. This passion sparks a competition between the two of them as to who could do it better fried chicken. The jury is still out on that one. She respected the fact that he instilled good work ethics in his children and her only regret is that she did not tell him how much she loved and respected him, over the years. His stepdaughter, Fatima and her children will cherish the moments they spent cooking with him. Fatima thinks cooking as his love language. Preparing and sharing meals with others was his way of saying, “I love you.” His closest and best friend “Abe”, Abraham Foster describes Bert or Squaddy as being exceptionally loyal to his friends and a person you can always count on. Loyal to a “T” was the term he used. In the midst of the storms of life and the pandemic, Bert gave his life to Christ and was baptized at the Lakeview Baptist Church, on Dec 6th, 2020. A dedicated and hardworking man, he worked at Medco a pharmaceutical company for a number of years. He completed in Associate Degree in automated data collection from Colorado Technical University in 2009. My brother had a sense of loyalty to those who were in his immediate circle that was rare. He was a good husband, a devoted son, loving father admirable brother, favorite brother-in-law, and a much loved uncle and cousin that understood the value of family and never took it for granted. Gilbert Washington Messam leaves to cherish his beautiful memory a loving wife of 20 years, his three children, 5 grandchildren, 1 stepdaughter, three step grandchildren four siblings, a brother and sister-in-law, two uncles, nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, neighbors, and friends who have loved him like their very own. Bert departed this life on Feb. 12, 2022 at 1:14 AM at the Cooper hospital in Camden NJ. Rest in Peace, my brother. We love you but Jesus loves you best. Sleep on awaiting the call," Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the lord.” You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.