Dorell Stanford Strachan

Dorell Stanford Strachan, also known as “Bull”, Dad, Mr. Strachan, and most important to him, Grandpa, was born in Warsaw, Portland, Jamaica, West Indies to Robert and Loretta Strachan, on the first day of June in 1930. He had ten siblings - five brothers and five sisters.

Dad grew up in Warsaw and was indeed ferocious like a Bull in his youth. While living in what we called “Strachan Hill”, he was known as a fierce defender of his siblings. Then one day, he came upon the beautiful Ms. Lillian Wiggins, whom to let him tell it, would not give him the time of day at first. But anyone who knew him, knows that Dad was very persuasive, and he convinced Ms. Lil to marry him on September 25, 1963.

After they were married, Mr. Strachan and his wife moved to Grant Gate, Portland, Jamaica. There, they lived a joyous life with their then only son. By any measure, they were happy and successful. But they had dreams and aspirations that would take them far beyond the shores of Jamaica, West Indies.

Dad was a hard worker. He toiled the field in Jamaica where he planted yam and banana, coco, dasheen, and other fruits and vegetables. After harvesting the food with his trusted machete and making sure that his family had enough to eat at home, he and his wife went to the market and wharf in Kingston to sell the rest. Perhaps it was the sight of the big ships at the wharf that made Dad dream of a life beyond the shores of Jamaica. Thus, in 1969, his young wife set off to America, to prepare a place for their family.

About a year later, Dad and his son, joined Ms. Lil in America as they migrated from Jamaica, West Indies to Jamaica, Queens. Dad was an energetic and industrious person with little formal education. He worked tirelessly to earn a living to take care of his wife and his quickly growing family. He worked in factories, at times holding "tree" jobs and in many instances worked through harsh snowy winters. He finally worked as a custodian at Jamaica Hospital from which he retired after more than 20 years.

Dorell and Lillian purchased the family home in Queens Village, New York in 1973. They raised their children and generously opened their home to other newcomers, to help them lay a foundation for building their own lives in America. Some stayed for a few weeks, others a few months and still others, a few years. He was a pillar in his community and easily transitioned to his life in America.He built a rapport and lasting connection with his neighbors on 223rd Street.

Anyone who knew him knows that Family was number one to Dad. He enjoyed long walks alone, or with Ms. Lil, and of course, his Jamaican white rum, which he never took with anything except water. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would sit regally at the head of his dining room table and extoll the virtues of family to his children and anyone who was within earshot. He was a sharp-witted character, and could talk for hours, even while in the hospital during his last days. He was always filled with common sense. Indeed, some would say, he was the smartest man in the room. With Ms. Lil, they nurtured their children to become successful adults who themselves have raised successful kids and grandkids. In his final years, Dad showed his appreciation for his family and friends through words of affirmation. He was eternally grateful to the people who came to visit, like his dear friend Ken who always came bearing fruits and sweets. He loved to sit on his veranda and people watch while engaging with everyone, like the people-person he was. He had a way with words and jokes that even made the nurses in the ER check in on him days later.

Bull Strachan and his wife had the intelligence and foresight to instill in their children and grandchildren the value of commitment, hard work, and dedication. Sadly, as many of you know, Ms. Lil predeceased her husband in November 2021. Today, Dad leaves behind his four accomplished children, Winston (Dorothy), Daphne, Doren and Beverly (Hopeton). Five amazing grandchildren, Seon (Corwin), Shaye, Kayla, Shaina, and Matthew; Jessica and Alissa; and two beautifully enchanting great-granddaughters, Seyven and Carmyn. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother, Lewell; his sisters, Claudette, Ada, and Ally; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Dad lived to see his 94th birthday on June 1st of this year. We will continue to cherish the wonderful stories he told, lessons he taught, and all the loving memories we shared. In addition to his immediate family, Dad leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides of his family, his friends, neighbors, and many others, near and far. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with this life well-lived, Mr. Dorell Stanford Strachan, devoted Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, friend, and neighbor. Thank you!