Thursday, 23 May 2013
A Changing of the Guard PDF Print E-mail
Written by Gabriel Christian   
Saturday, 08 October 2011 22:34
Gabriel Christian
It is with regret we advise family, friends and well wishers that at 1704 hours Eastern Standard Time on October 7, 2011, Wendell McKenzie Christian took his last salute and succumbed to illness that he had fought with great tenacity. He gave his service in the World War II campaign for freedom against fascism as an infantry man in the British Army's South Caribbean Forces, served with honor in the, Dominica Forestry Service, Royal Dominica Police Force, and was seconded to begin the building of the modern Dominica Fire Service in 1953, rising to the rank of Station Officer. In the 1930s he was the mandolin player on The Christian Family Orchestra made up of HL Christian, LM Christian and Ruby Christian. His older brother LM Christian went on to author the musical score to Dominica's national anthem "Isle of Beauty;"  his oldest brother HL served his country honorably as minister of education and health for several years and up to the independence of Dominica. His creed was honor, duty, and disciplined service to the country he loved. His soul keeps marching on. Details on funeral arrangements to follow.
We thank all those who have shared kind words of support during this difficult time.
A tribute to him can be seen below at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRYK8y7hUpA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 

Condolences  

 
#18 Alwin and Anita 2011-10-12 12:07
The Root has not died
It has only moved closer to the Centre of all Things
While the Branches reach ever upwards.

Sincere condolences to the entire Christian Family

From

Alwin and Anita
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#17 Eddy L. Charles 2011-10-12 12:04
And, Gabe, my sincerest condolences to your immediate and extended family. I realize that this man, this Hero, your Dad, this Dominican, was the icon that inspired all of your literary works directed at the military establishment. He served well in and out of service, and surely was more valuable out of service than in the days of his youth. Fading gracefully into the sunset of life and into the Arms of Our Creator is his righteous reward. May God Bless Him, indeed, and receive him unto Himself!!
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#16 Lennox Linton 2011-10-10 13:15
Gabe:
As someone who walked in and out of his house on Didier Lane back in the day, I remember him as a classy, smiling, kind hearted gentleman with a generous disposition always willing to offer inspiring words of encouragement and advice. In his memory, I lean on the poet Shelley who penned these immortal words on the Death Of his friend John Keats many moons ago:

I weep for Adonais - he is dead!

Oh, weep for Adonais! though our tears

Thaw not the frost which binds so dear a head!

And thou, sad Hour, selected from all years

To mourn our loss, rouse thy obscure compeers,

And teach them thine own sorrow, say: "With me

Died Adonais; till the Future dares

Forget the Past, his fate and fame shall be

An echo and a light unto eternity!"

Be comforted that He rests in peace.

Our sincere condolences to your Mom and the rest of the family.
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