Jamaicans say Farewell to Sir Howard

Jamaicans from all walks of life lined the streets of downtown Kingston today (August 8), to bid farewell to “a true son of the soil,” the late former Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke.

Sir Howard , who was given a State Funeral at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, was buried in National Heroes Park.

The consummate educator, esteemed public servant, nation-builder and devoted father and husband were just some of the accolades bestowed on Sir Howard, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 98.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who read the First Lesson; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, who presented a heartfelt tribute; and Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness, who read the Second Lesson, headed the wide cross section of persons attending the service.

Also among the mourners were: former Prime Ministers, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson;  Hon. Bruce Golding; and the Most Hon. Edward Seaga as well as Former Premier of The Cayman Islands, Mckeeva Bush; members of both Houses of Parliament, and the Diplomatic Corps.

It was a sombre mood as hundreds of well-wishers slowly filed into the historic cathedral, filling up pews from as early as 9:00 a.m., as they awaited the arrival of the flag-draped casket bearing Sir Howard, which was carried into the church by members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JCF).

For more than an hour, the sanctuary was filled with musical tributes from a wide cross section of cultural groups, including the National Chorale of Jamaica, The Jamaican Folk Singers, and Hope United Church.

These were followed by passionate and reflective tributes from those who knew and loved the late former Governor-General, who served as counsellor and mentor to many.

In her tribute, Mrs. Simpson Miller said Sir Howard gave true meaning to the word “colossus,” further noting that there are few people who have had such a profound influence on the course of modern Jamaican history and society.

“Sir Howard’s was a life of teaching, service, giving and building. Sir Howard embraced all and was a model of inclusiveness and non-partisanship. His tradition of service has permeated his family, who we thank profusely for having so generously shared him with us – a grateful nation,” she noted.

In a glowing and sincere reflection, Mr. Patterson said Sir Howard was no ordinary man.

“As a teacher, preacher, salesman, community leader, father, nation builder, he was extraordinary, but most of all, he was a fine human being,” he said.

Mr. Patterson said all Jamaicans must treasure the life of Sir Howard for what it revealed about the importance of truth, fortitude, prudence and faith.

“His relationships in all his roles, his speech, his actions, reflected consistently a deeply held spiritual conviction that he was on earth for a purpose, one beyond personal gain and material advancement. His every exploit was to promote the greater good for all,” he said.

His grandson, Alberto Cooke, described Sir Howard as “my only friend.”

“No one else in my life has ever treated me the way that man did. He showed me how to be the humble boss, while demonstrating respect towards others, their opinions and their life situations, whatever they may be,” he recalled.

Meanwhile, President, Jamaica teachers’ Association (JTA), Dr. Mark Nicely said the late former Governor-General was a true teacher at heart.

“Sir Howard was in fact the consummate educator. In his 23 years of outstanding and selfless service in the classroom and as an administrator as well as mentor and guide for students, teachers, parents and the wider community, he helped to reshape the lives of countless persons and in the process earned national recognition as a pioneer and standard bearer for excellence in education,” he said.

Sir Howard served as Governor-General  from 1991-2006. He was an elected member of the West Indies Federal Parliament in 1958, and was Member of Parliament in St. James for several years.

He entered the Jamaican Parliament in 1962 and served as Senator until 1967. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives between 1967 and 1980, and was a Minister of Government between 1972 and 1980. As Minister, he held, at different times, the portfolios of: Pension and Social Security; Education; and Labour and Public Service.

Sir  Howard was also President of the Senate from 1989 to 1991 and served on the Executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

In addition to his political life, Sir Howard also served as a teacher for 23 years, starting at the then Mico College and Practising School. He later served as headmaster at Belle Castle All-Age School, Port Antonio Upper School and Montego Bay Boys’ School, having a personal love for bringing education to children in rural areas. He was  also a member and former President of the Jamaica Union of Teachers.

During the course of his career, he also served in the insurance industry as Senior Inspector and Branch Manager, Standard Life Insurance Company; Unit Manager, Jamaica Mutual Life; and Branch Manager, American Life Insurance Company (ALICO).

Sir Howard was buried in National Heroes Park.