Arnold Victor Grace

1955 was an important year in the history. That year saw the introduction of the first McDonalds restaurant, the first use of aluminum cans for Coca Colas, Rosa Park’s peaceful resistance on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and the birth of Arnold Victor Grace on February 22, 1955.

Victor was the second of six children born to Arnold and Olive Grace in Kingston, Jamaica. He was a special gift to those who would call him son, brother, husband, father, in-law, cousin, friend, colleague and passionate artist. Whether through his humor, optimism, contrarian views (and there were many), contentment, unflappable spirit, enthusiasm for his passion or unrelenting hope, he left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

As a youngster growing up, his propensity for mischief would be evident as he’d gross out his siblings at the dining table by mixing concoctions like sardines in his tea or porridge, making “silly faces” to force restrained laughter while dad’s head was bowed while blessing the meal. Other times he would annoy our eldest sister, Arnie, causing her to storm away from the dinner table leaving her food vulnerable to his predation.

As the early years went by, after Victor already had three sisters, he prayed incessantly for a baby brother – and received his answer with the birth of yours truly – whom he took tender loving care of (somewhat). To the distress of his grandmother, who was often a firsthand witness, this tender care evolved into frequent brutal but lovingly playful beatings (of yours truly), all in the interest of teaching important life lessons.

His youngest sister, Patrice, most fondly remembers his kindness and generosity. Besides gifts and a memorable brother-sister dinner at, of all places Hooters, what stands out the most was her first ever birthday party that he threw for her when she turned 10. He went all out for the occasion – prepared breadfruit chips, lots of contemporary music and invited all her friends from St. Richards Primary School. The experience put her on the map with her classmates and shaped a cherished lifelong memory. Which 24 yr old young man does that for his 10 yr old sister? That comes from a heart of kindness and generosity.

He discovered his lifelong passion for art early in high school that led him to pursue his post-secondary education at the Jamaica School of Art. This love of art would continue to be his number one passion for the remainder of his life.

His first and true love, however, was a beautiful young lady named Marcia whom he met at a birthday party and quickly fell in love with. They were married on December 4th, 1982 after which they emigrated to the United States. Marcia was his soul mate – a perfect complement. She completed him. Everyone who knows them can hear him call out her name in just about every situation – “Marci where’s the…??”. Their marriage produced three sons, Marc, Matthew and Luke. He was blessed to see his eldest son marry his love, Nisha, to form a union that gave him two grandchildren, Ja’Nai and Aiden. He was a loving father who always held out confidence, encouragement, and hope for his children.

There’s much that can be said about Victor:

* He Believed in people – always trusted and encouraged

* Ever since he was a child, he enjoyed a good game of chess and taught many, including me, to enjoy the game. An iconic family photo captures him playing chess with his nephew Paul.

* I was recently reminded by someone I’ve known since high school that Victor was his first Sunday School teacher – and one of the best he had.

* Remained a passionate lover of art – helped many local artists gain visibility through exhibits he curated in coordination with Broward College.

* Blessed with beautiful spirit – he was the easiest person to get along with. He never grumbled, exhibited anger, regret, worry or longing for anything other than time with family and a desire to pursue his passions. He bore all the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

* He was a voracious reader, very intelligent, seemed to know a lot about everything and was a fountain of advice. His appetite for information coupled with his intelligence resulted in many unconventional but often convincing theories about everything – from politics to religion and even, of all things, UFOs.

* He was a great cook. As the “chef” in his family, his specialties were curried goat and brown stew chicken. He also enjoyed jerk pork and an occasional bowl of mannish water.

* He never shied away from trying new things – commercial graphic art/printing, long haul trucking across the US with his sister Heather, tie-dying clothing, among other endeavors.

* He was a hugger and kisser and was especially pleased to make an animated show of planting a few on those who were inherently reluctant to receive.

* He had enduring relationships. With the Hall and Gregory cousin lines, a special relationship was cultivated early on with Jennifer and later with Michelle when he moved his family to Orlando. His brother-in-law Rohan fondly remembers his concerned check-ins re past health concerns.

* He enjoyed chilling out on a Friday evening with his family at the home of his sister Hazel and brother-in-law George to sip a cold few, chat, listen to music and enjoy a meal.

* He loved taking controversial views and vigorously defending his position with anyone who could be baited into an argument – Mom, Hazel, Donna, me to name a few.

* He was his mommy’s special son… the one child who was most like her in every way – the one she has described to be like a “good daughter” to her. He shared his mom’s knack for describing people using imagery that provided vivid and often humorous clarity.

* Most of all, Victor was happiest in front of a canvas with a palette of paints and a brush in his hand and encouraging prompts from Marcia the love of his life.

In the last few weeks of his life, Victor made a point of calling several members of his family to reaffirm his love for each and his desire to spend all of eternity with us. Even within a week before his passing, his humor continued to give us all a good laugh as he’d recount how he’d encourage the nurses, whom he described as angels, to “juck him in his…”. He even attempted to gross us out while on face time.

However, most importantly, he made it clear to all that the most pressing desire of his heart was to see his entire family, immediate and extended, all come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This was his final wish – to see us all on the other side, united in Christ in the heavenly realm for all time.

Let us celebrate Victor’s life, impact and memory!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.taragardenchapelfuneralhome.com for the Grace family.