His Excellency, Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke 1915 - 2014
In light of some recent events, today's post is not about me trying to make someone's day.
But rather, it's dedicated to a man who spent all his adult life serving others...thus making someone's day countless times.
He died yesterday at arguably the wisest of all ages.
He was 98.
A beloved uncle of The Hubs and the entire family, really, and the true patriarch of the Cooke family, Sir Howard Cooke lived a life full of purpose, leaving behind a legacy for his family to follow.
From as early on as I can remember, dating back to high school when The Hubs and I were dating, I had always heard Uncle Howard's name mentioned with extreme honor and pride in the Cooke family.
Appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as her representative in Jamaica, Uncle Howard became Governor-General of Jamaica from 1991 until 2006 and took up residence in King's House in Kingston, Jamaica.
But beyond that title, Uncle Howard was known simply to many as, "Teacher" because his passion was really in education as he spent decades teaching and inspiring the Jamaican youth; in his political career he would sacrifice more time further developing and shaping Jamaica, the country of his birth.
Despite all that his title held, he was very down to earth, friendly and warm to everyone.
I remember vividly when I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife, Aunt Ivy (Lady Cooke) for the first time.
I was a high school student on summer vacation and had taken a trip with The Hubs' family to Jamaica.
I was quite nervous and a bit intimidated to be, not only going to visit King's House but, also staying there for a few days.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how "normal" and "cool" Uncle Howard was.
But he was just that kind of man.
And those around him would agree, strangers and non-strangers alike.
On subsequent visits to Jamaica, after The Hubs and I were married and we were able to visit Uncle Howard, he was always very welcoming and benevolent.
Appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as her representative in Jamaica, Uncle Howard became Governor-General of Jamaica from 1991 until 2006 and took up residence in King's House in Kingston, Jamaica.
But beyond that title, Uncle Howard was known simply to many as, "Teacher" because his passion was really in education as he spent decades teaching and inspiring the Jamaican youth; in his political career he would sacrifice more time further developing and shaping Jamaica, the country of his birth.
Despite all that his title held, he was very down to earth, friendly and warm to everyone.
I remember vividly when I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife, Aunt Ivy (Lady Cooke) for the first time.
I was a high school student on summer vacation and had taken a trip with The Hubs' family to Jamaica.
I was quite nervous and a bit intimidated to be, not only going to visit King's House but, also staying there for a few days.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how "normal" and "cool" Uncle Howard was.
But he was just that kind of man.
And those around him would agree, strangers and non-strangers alike.
On subsequent visits to Jamaica, after The Hubs and I were married and we were able to visit Uncle Howard, he was always very welcoming and benevolent.
Gram-Paw with his brother, Sir Howard
Family celebrating Uncle Howard's biography God is Good: From the Cane Fields to King's House
A "devoted son to his nation," Uncle Howard is survived by his wife, three children, grandchildren and countless relatives.
To say the Cooke family is big would be an understatement.
As news of his death continues to spread and arrangements are made for his "going home celebration," it is hard to accept the fact that he is...no longer.
But what consoles this family is that Uncle Howard accomplished so much in his purpose driven life, leaving behind a legacy for those who wish to follow in his footsteps and accomplish great things.
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