Seymour Allen, philosopher, talented song writer and musician, religious recording artist, financial advisor - to name just a few of his accomplishments. Oh so eloquent in both speech and writing. He always greeted you with a big smile - in fact, you could see his teeth before you saw him. Seymour knew how to disagree without being disagreeable.

I met Seymour over 50 years ago and shared his family home in Sandy Bay, Jamaica for about a year in the 1960’s. He was raised in a very loving and close knit family who perfected the art of “helping each other”.

Through Seymour, I met his loving wife Madge who became a sister to me and an aunt to my children. Our children grew up together and Uncle Seymour and Auntie Madge played a very important role in my children’s life. As the years went by and the children “flew the coop” we have not kept in touch as much, but my love and respect for them will always be in my heart.

COVID-19 has robbed me of the chance to be with the family and give them a hug at this difficult time, but I hope this poem will bring them some comfort.

I'll Be Waiting for You
By Kelly Roper
Although your heart may be broken,
There's no need to weep for me.
I'm in a wonderful place now,
Where I'm happy and so carefree.
I had to go, but I've left behind
Good memories to comfort you.
Concentrate on the best times we had,
And try not to feel so blue.
For one day we'll be together again,
To laugh and sing and play.
You'll be so glad to see me again,
It will seem I was gone just one day.
So try to lift up your heads now,
And dare to set grief aside,
Because I'll be waiting here for you,
To welcome you to the other side.

I can just see Seymour in heaven with his guitar saying to God “I wrote this little song for you – hope you like it”.

Rest in Peace my Friend