Sports men and women, family, friends and well wishers packed the Roseau Cathedral chapel to bid farewell to Gifford Walsh who lost his life just over a week ago in a traffic accident.
The St. Gerard’s chapel was packed to capacity and many had to remain outside as hundreds came to pay their last respects. For many, Walsh, a former Dominica wicketkeeper/batsman and former football referee was an “examplary” individual.
Monsignor Eustace Thomas conducted the funeral mass assisted by by Frs. Charles Martin and Branker John. In his homily, Monsignor Thomas expressed joy at the number of men who were there and attributed their presence to a possible “miracle.” from Walsh. He said Walsh loved his people and the crowd was testimony of that. “He said the deceased did not know that his drive that Saturday afternoon was his last and called on the congregation to “be ready for God and make peace.”
“Gifford’s death is a lesson to all that one day we have to die…when he (God) says come we must, so make time for church, change must come, not tomorrow but right now, change ourselves and our lives,” he said. He reminded the congregation that there was a place called hell. “Greet one another, when you point fingers at others, many are pointing back at you, ” Thomas stated.
Besides being heavily involved in sports, Walsh also played music and was at one time a member of the band, Liquid Ice. Former Liquid Ice vocalist Jefferson “Jeff” Joseph represented this aspect of the deceased’s life when he sang “The Anchor Hold” during meditation.
“I have fallen on my knees, faced the raging storm…the anchor holds inspite of the storm,” Joseph sang.
Walsh was laid to rest at the Roseau Catholic cemetery.
Where do I start to write……there is so much to say…. and my heart is heavy. In “Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss” Pat Schweibert writes “When one person is missing the whole world seems empty.” From Saturday, July 19, 2014 to whenever my time comes, I will continue to fill that emptiness. But even in that emptiness I will find strength and this strength comes from the profound love and affection that I had for Gifford and he had for me. And as, he would say, that’s my son and that’s a long story. Gifford was a father figure, a mentor, a confidant, and as we would say “my partner”. There were dark and sad days and without his guidance, I would not be where I am today. But from this sadness a feeling of gratitude emerges. His heart was so huge that there was space for everyone and everyone had their own special place. I cry as I sit and compose this, as much for myself, but for Regina, Shaun, Bobo , Daykaydaiks, Mechaelle and Thelma. He made them my family too. The last time I saw Gifford was approximately one month ago to the day he passed. I was in Dominica for 5 days. We hugged and promised to meet again. We never did! I am convinced now that we do not know the time or the hour of our demise. I feel honored to have known Gifford and this serves as a reminder to me that my time on this beautiful earth is limited and that I should seize the opportunity I have to forgive, share, explore, and love. I can think of no greater way to honor Gifford. Father, grant Eternal rest unto him and let your perpetual light shine on him. May he rest in peaceful sleep. Heavenly Father, I pray and beseech Thee to grant comfort and strength to Gifford’s immediate and extended families in this time of our grief. Father, guide and protect us and may we find peace in your loving arms, in Jesus name. Amen.
To Regina and Daykaydaiks , you know my love for you all…….
Kervin
This is extremely moving. My heartfelt sympathy to each one of you. Your loved one is in a safe place of rest. If he had his way, he would not have left and suddenly.
God is good. He weighs out all the good done vs the bad. I am certain that his good far outweighed the bad. Heaven is his lot.
You are so correct, we must love one another and care for each other. This is the manner in which I was nurtured by my parents. As St. Paul said, “Teach and remind people of these things.” Thanks be to God, I do my utmost to live this life also knowing the eyes of Our Lord Jesus Christ is on us in all what we say and do and every footstep we take. His Holy Spirit scrutinizes all our works. By this we will be judged.
You have the faith and strength. However, losing a loved one and suddenly is difficult to bear. God is with each one of you, looking down with compassion and holding you in the palm of his hand as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
God bless!
Bro Gifford, Rest in Peace. Bro you really making things happen. You brought out the best of persons to your funeral, you reportedly had the biggest funeral for the year and for a long time! You lived a good and productive life, you made your contribution to the country and on your departure at your funeral you dragged out of that Preacher’s tongue the words” Change Must Come”, you powerful, Bro. Just Saturday at another funeral of a Fallen Roseau North Bro. Priest Monsignor Thomas stumbled over words trying his best NOT to utter those words in his sermon; he tried saying the word “change” and used instead the words, “transformation Must Come” You knew before you died, and you believed before you died “CHANGE MUST COME” AND SO RIGHTLY SAID: Monsignor finally said “CHANGE MUST COME” eluding the context in which it was said. REST IN PEACE MY BRO, REST IN PEACE, Change Will Come.
“when he (God) says come we must”
The same God we call loving and impartial and caring, sent his son to die so we can have everlasting life and to correct what Adam and Eve did wrong, yet still you say he is responsible for death. Where in the bible do you see God is responsible for death
James 1:13
revelation 21:4
“He reminded the congregation that there was a place called hell” so your child did something wrong or has behavior and you found out that he was influence by a bad person, so to correct or punish him you are going to send him to the same person who was the bad influence?
Hell must not be a bad place because one of your payers says he descended into hell, who sent Jesus to hell?
1 perter 5:8
John 14:30
Man it is sad when Church Leaders Blame God for death. Isn’t it Cruel to say that a God of Love is responsible for death? So you mean to say that God is killing our loved ones one by one?
Monsignor whatever we remember you from the 80’s .Did not want to make any political comment on one of DA’s most eligible statesmen’s death .He was a dear friend to me. But I will not and totally committed to putting the monsignor where he belong with his quiet imput see above read between the lines. I went head on into posting my observation then read the other post and there are peeps thinking and observant as as I am. So truth we have something in common. U are not all that as bad as I thought initially if it’s the same truth.
god give you life and take you when the time come to the end. No one will ever know when your or there time has come to the end.
I really think you did not get what was said in the church have a good day
My prayer:
Oh..Lord God of the Heavens and of the Earth ..free the people from the wolves that are roaming about it sheep’s clothing..
Amen…
So sad. My deepest regards to the family.
…..and he sang so lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed it, to the Walsh family i wish u peace and understanding .Mr Walsh may you rest in eternal peace…. Mrs.Walsh continue to keep your family together ….Bobolinks stay strong
Rest in Peace Comrade Walsh.
One Love Dominicans!!!
Hmm…i just reading this and tears pricking my eyes. Far more for if I had gone to that funeral? I would be crying like a baby. And he not even my relative eh…smh.
Rest in Peace Walsh.
It was indeed a very solemn moment.. you were loved, you loved and even unto your grave you brought love to those who needed love… Dee, Regina and the rest of the family i say hold strong to the memories of this great man who has just passed on to the great beyond.. On behalf of the Darroux family I say farewell cuzzo and may you Rest in Peace..
A photo of the deceased would be fairly appreciated.
thanks
What a stack reminder that death, the untimely guess, can visit at any time. We must be ready. The secret scriptures remind us that “it is appointed unto man, once to die and after this the judgement.” Fellow humankind, let us be ready.
I extend sincere condolences to the decease family, friends and love ones.