Gilbert C. Morrell

On Christmas morning 1924 in the tiny, historic town of Port Royal, Jamaica, a young woman named Gwendolyn Cooney went into labor. To her dismay, her midwife had been enthusiastically celebrating the night before, and was in no condition to deliver a baby who was so inconsiderate as to make an entrance that morning. Luckily, the midwife's daughter, although still in training, safely delivered the baby, a little boy to be known as Gilbert Clifford Morrell, nicknamed Gillie.

His maternal grandaunt, Gertrude Clifton, adopted him while he was an infant, and his formative years were spent in the tranquility of Port Royal where he became an avid fisherman and a particularly strong swimmer, (which was to serve him well later in life when he dove into the treacherous waters off Flat Bridge to rescue a drowning man). His elementary school teacher, so impressed by his intellect and potential, insisted that Gillie accompany him when he was transferred to a new school in Mandeville to benefit from the educational opportunities there.

When Gillie sat for the First Year Pupil Teacher exam, he placed first in Math, gaining a scholarship to Kingston Technical High School. After graduating at sixteen, he secured employment as a Gate Pass Clerk at Kingston Wharves, Ltd (the largest harbor on the island). Within 10 years, he rose to the position of Wharf Manager, the youngest in the history of that company and matured into the kind, well-mannered, conservative gentleman that we came to know and love.

It was 1955 when he met and became smitten with a beautiful, feisty young Enid through his friend, Herbert Rowe, who happened to be her employer. Mr. Rowe was also the suitor, and later, husband, of Enid's older sister, Joyce. The sisters fondly recall their Saturday evening double-dates spent dining on lobster in Port Royal, and Gillie wasted no time in marrying Enid ("My Darling Nids") and creating a close-knit family of three children - Gilbert Jr, Faith and Grace.

In 1967, the family left their comfortable life in Jamaica and migrated to America, seeking medical attention for Grace, who at 6 years of age, had tragically and ironically contracted polio from the live virus vaccine. They settled in Hartford, CT, close to Newington Children's Hospital, and despite initially experiencing culture shock, eventually made lifelong friends. During those years, Gillie gained a BS in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University, was an Accountant/Auditor for CIGNA Corporation and Industrial Risk Insurers, and served as President of the Caribbean American Society of Hartford until 1991 when he and Enid relocated to Florida.

Gillie relished not only his role as father, but also as uncle and counselor to his many nieces and nephews, especially taking the boys to baseball games and on fishing expeditions. He was a sports fanatic who transferred his passion for West Indian cricket to American baseball. At holiday parties, he enjoyed spirited games of dominoes and considered himself a "pianist of sorts," plunking out his favorite instrumental pieces by ear. In his later years, he could be found puttering in his garden or practicing his accounting skills on his computer.

Thankfully, a fabulous 90th birthday celebration at Christmas 2014 afforded him enjoyment of all the wonderful tributes bestowed on him by hundreds of colleagues, friends and relatives. It was truly a magical evening complete with a breathtaking sunset at the home of his daughter Faith and her husband Dennis.

Gillie died on October 14, 2015, just 2 months prior to his 91st birthday this Christmas. He is survived by wife Enid, son Gilbert Jr and fiancee' Beverly Pyne, daughter Faith and son-in-law Dennis McIntosh, daughter Grace, grandchildren Gilbert III, Jonathan, Adam and Amanda, brother Dennis Delpratt, brother Roy Gayle and sister-in-law Lynn, sister Winnifred Gayle, sister Carol Hall, sisters-in-law Dorothy Evelyn, Joyce Scarlett, Ruby Dalley, Yvonne Dalley, Ann Hessing and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends and loved ones. He leaves a family saddened by loss, but inspired by his gentle humility, unconditional generosity and unblemished integrity.

A viewing will take place at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St, Hollywood FL 33024 on Fri, Oct 23, 2015, 6-8pm and Funeral services at Holy Family Episcopal Church, 18501 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 on Sat, Oct 24 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Holy Family Episcopal Church at address above.

In conclusion, we pray for our dear Gilbert, AKA: Gillie, Gil, Daddy, Dad, Uncle Gillie, U.G., Grampa, Papa.

May his soul rest in peace.