Sylvan Hyvestra Blenman

Sylvan Hyvestra Blenman was born on July 27, 1943, to the late Lewis and Maude Blenman in Saint George, Barbados, West Indies. Sylvan passed away on September 9, 2025, at the age of 82. Sylvan was the last of two siblings who preceded him in death, sister Lone and brother Leslie.

Sylvan migrated to Eastern Long Island, New York in 1968. Never renouncing his Barbadian Ideology and traditions, he embraced his new home in the United States and became a naturalized citizen. In August 26, 1972, he married Harriett Erlinda, the love of his life and was a devoted husband of fifty-three years.

Sylvan was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in January 1990. He served as an Elder in New York congregations, but humbly so. He enjoyed witnessing at 4:00am, even in winter or at midnight, to give a witness to gas station attendants. He also had the grand privilege of having the book study and other meetings in his home for fifteen years. His move to Florida was one of the best decisions he made; he enjoyed the weather and his spiritual friends.

Sylvan pursued a passion for driving and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. During his last trip to Wallkill, New York, he drove through fifteen states; but a highlight of his travels was the privilege of attending a 1993 convention in the Soviet Union where he met a British Brother Don Mills and later his family, who all became some of Sylvan's best friends.

Sylvan attended the St. George Boy's School in Barbados. Upon leaving school, he became an Apprentice Carpenter at age 16. At age 18, he was working as a cabinet maker for a company specializing in interior finishes. Having successfully completed a correspondence course in Designing and Drafting, he was able to start a dwelling house for his mother and almost saw it through to completion before leaving the USA at age 23. By which time, he had proven to be an accomplished workman and was well-rewarded for his building, becoming a supervisor at General Building Products in Northport, New York.

Memories: Sylvan was a very organized and meticulous person who insisted on punctuality. We, his many nieces and nephews, appreciate the time he spent with us. It is with profound regret that he has left us. We will miss him.