Winston Tomlinson

It was Shakespeare who said, “All’s life a stage and we are but players on it. We all have our entrants and our exits……………”

Winston Tomlinson, affectionately called Deejay Shine has taken his final bow on this stage of life. He had played his role very well, but his act is now ended. So, despite all our tears and call for encore, Winston cannot respond. Winston was born in Jamaica in a little community called Rock Spring, in the parish of Hanover, as the 4th child of his parents, Sybil Coltas Turner and Cecil George Tomlinson on September 22, 1968 and departed on July 11, 2022.

He had his earliest education at the Grange Basic and Kendal All Age schools respectively and then went on to the Green Island Secondary school. It was not long after leaving school that he went to work in the tourism industry. Winston was an eager learner and in short order he mastered the trade of being an electrician. There was scarcely any problem this quiet genius couldn't handle because of his level of ability. Even though he liked being an electrician, Negril was his favourite place to be because of his passion for the tourism industry. There he met Sophia and started a relationship. This union was short lived but it gave birth to his son Randy. Later he met Sarah and fell in love , which fundamentally altered his life.

Shortly after, he made the decision to follow that love and embarked on a new journey with his son Randy to America. Winston was one of the most actioned-packed accomplisher, and was willing to do anything to live, so he went into roofing, landscaping, dishwashing, and his favorite, deejaying. He never grew weary of a task after starting it, even if it took him all night. Winston had a love for excellent music, and his expert mix and blending the tunes always hold a great vibe. You could see that this was his passion and enjoyment as there was always fun with this tenacious energy.

Winston showed us that life should be fun and that simple things can create much joy. He was always full of life, and lived it unconditionally. He was a very jovial person with a huge heart and cared for everyone he met. He was the life of the party because of his comedic style, which always knew how to get people dancing and out of their own way.

Yes! Indeed he did put many a smile on our faces. It's interesting to note that he could carry on any discussion and never forgot people he met along the way. He was a domino master, and an excellent pool player. Winston was a great cook as well, and you couldn't tell him that his cuisine wasn't the greatest. Winston had a legendary level of affection for his family, especially for his son Randy. Despite being unwell, he insisted on attending all Randy's soccer games.

He was not easily discouraged as he strongly believed that nothing last forever. He never demanded much from others but with him around, there was never a dull moment. He had an unmatched enthusiasm and affection for his grandkids, and would frequently go above the line of duty to ensure they were okay. He was always able to make people smile, even when things were tough, and had the perfect words to say in both happy and sad situations.

He seemed to have lived his life in accordance with the legendary Bob Marley's lyrics, "One love, one heart, let's get together and feel all right”. Winston was a stylish man who was quite proud of his image as a rasta man. His colorful bandanas and accessorizing made bold fashion statements when he dressed, and he did it to the fullest.

His loss is immeasurable, but so is the love that he has left behind. We invite you all to reflect on one of the many caring, comical, companionable times you shared with him. I am sure some of us can remember hearing him say, "We all got to die one day. No one can live forever". Yes Shine, we know the journey wasn’t an easy one but you fought a good fight.

Today, Winston is survived by his mother Sybil, son Randy, daughter in law Amanda, grandchildren Keira, Paris and Penelope, 9 brothers, 3 sisters, nephew Anthony and many others, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Winston will be remembered for his smile and funny jokes. He has left behind a legacy which we would do well to embrace, that is to work hard, live in hope, value life, laugh as much as you can, and love others more than we love ourselves. I am sure if he could speak he would say: “Spend less time mourning what passed away and more time remembering what lived—our shared love and memories”.

In closing, Now that he’s gone, let us release him, let him go. He has so many things to see and do. We mustn’t tie ourselves to him with too many tears, but be thankful we had him 54 years. We are sure that he’s thankful for the love that was shown but now Randy, he has to travel alone. So let us grieve for him awhile, if grieve we must but the grief be comforted knowing that it’s only for awhile.

Walk good Winston, walk good Shine, walk good Deejay, and may only good spirits walk with you. Without a doubt, he will be missed and never forgotten.

May God grant him eternal rest and light perpetual shine on his soul.

A calling hour / visitation for Winston will be held Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT 06360, followed by a funeral home service at 3:00 PM.

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