On February 6, 2020, God called Alvin Douglas (81) home. Alvin was born on June 19, 1938, in the Parish of St. Andrews, Jamaica, to Basil Douglas and Una East. Alvin grew up in Allman Town, Jamaica on Prince Albert Street with many other children in the neighborhood or “yard” as it was often referred to. Alvin retained his friendship with many of these friends until death parted them.
Alvin was an avid cricket player. However, his true passion was playing football (soccer as we call it in the USA). He became a member of the YMCA team and had opportunities to travel and play abroad. He was lovingly known as “Dougie,” “Quick Silver,” and “Body.” Alvin often told the story of the legendary 1959 game between the St. Georges Old Boys and the YMCA. As reported in the Daily Gleaner, he scored the goal that solidified his team’s victory. Alvin was extremely proud of being a sportsman, and, his team photos were among his prized possessions.
A welder by profession, Alvin worked at Seprod and National Bakery. He met and married Linnette Francis and became a father of seven children. In 1969, Alvin migrated to the U.S., where he owned several taxis, one of which he also drove before becoming a building superintendent. Alvin enjoyed trips with his family to Hershey Park and Connecticut during the summer months, hanging out at his cousin’s gas station, drinking with his friends, playing dominoes, laughing and reminiscing about the “good old glory days.”
In 2000, Alvin made a big move and joined his daughter Marcia and her family in Germany where he would spend the next 19 years of his life. Alvin never learned German, but he managed to shop on his own and make new friends. He “rented” a permanent spot on the couch and watched all kinds of sports. Alvin also enjoyed travelling and seeing places that he never thought he would see in person.
While in Germany, Alvin discovered that he was a good chef, supplying Jamaican meals and patties to many people. In fact, he had clients who ordered via telephone and was also a supplier to restaurants and other vendors. He promoted his new profession at festivals and was very well known at his grandsons’ school where he sold his patties at numerous school events.
Departed, but not forgotten, Alvin leaves behind his children: Margret and her husband Noel, Hope, Angela, Marcia and her husband Donald, Bryan and his wife Lolita, Charlene, and Sharon; 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; siblings: Carl and wife Sandra, Marlene, Donald and Hemsley’s (who predeceased him) wife Calfurna “Precious”; nephews; nieces; cousins; and a host of friends. May his soul rest in peace.
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