Redvers Lampkin Obituary (2013)

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons." This verse taken from the Desiderata was the mantle of the life of Bert Lampkin. Redvers Joubert Lampkin familiarly known as Bert or Bertie was born in Georgetown, Guyana, November 26th, 1956. His parents Charles Vincent and Valerie Nellie loved their little boy and nurtured him with care and dedication. Bert attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, St. Stanislaus College and for 6th form, St. Roses High. He was committed to his education and excelled in Physics and Mathematics at the GCE O and A- level examinations. He was accepted to McGill University in Canada but was unable to attend. Even though he did not go to university, he succeeded way and above both academically and professionally for himself and his family, holding positions of Operations Manager at Scotia and Citizens Bank in Georgetown and First Bank of the US Virgin Islands, where he worked until the time of his passing. Bert was very involved in athletics and was on St. Stanislaus School's soccer, track and field and basketball teams. He was a prominent member of Butler House, excelled in sports, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and buddies for his prowess, strength, competitive skill and performance as a field champion. His love of sport dominated his interest and even after he could no longer play due to a severe injury several years ago, he followed avidly the sports of his heart. Bert touched the lives of those he met with his affable personality, his wry smile and shy charm. He was easy going, sparing with his words and displayed a determination that propelled him to be successful and thorough at whatever he did. He could be relied on to get the job done no matter the requirements. He had a great sense of responsibility and honesty and this adorned his character and persona and was the hallmark of his life ethic. He was never self- seeking or self- serving and deliberately shunned away from the limelight. He earned the trust, respect and admiration of all for his humility, wit and ability. Bert loved literature and was fond of Shakespeare and could still remember and quote with conviction stanzas from his favorite Julius Ceasar and Macbeth. Those who knew Bert, remember him as a gentle giant - A simple man who was dedicated to his family, who found satisfaction in music, reading and particularly the Bible, sports and the in doing his best at all times. As per his dear wife, Audrey, she could not ask for a better husband and father of his two daughters Taylor and Tiesha - When you spell the word husband, that was what Bert was. The high point for Bert and for us family was him being able to attend His daughter's Tiesha's wedding in May of this year, and proudly give her away to her husband Robert. As per his friends, Bert was a beacon of courage, an example of sincere friendship and caring, one who was always ready to listen to them and impart words of wisdom and encouragement, even when dealing with his own health challenges. They all held him in very high esteem and treasured his friendship. In recent years Bert was challenged with illness, he battled bone and lung cancer to the end and his deep faith in God, sustained and encouraged him through this time. It was truly amazing to have spent the last week of his life with him and to observe that when confronted with the fact that there was no more medically that could be done for him and that death was imminent, Bert, in his usual calm, simplistic, determined, honest and realistic way said that if this was the hand he was dealt, he would accept it as such. His desire was to meet the finish line and hold His Master's hand and cross over the divide. He never sighed, cried, frowned, was not angry, nor bitter for being taken away at this time, but was at great peace with himself and with God for the life that he was given and the ability to live it, making a difference. He had the blessed assurance that Jesus was his and that God had prepared an eternal dwelling place for him and that he was going there after his earthly sojurn was completed. He was not void of life but full of it even in abundance because as per Scripture, he that knows and has the Son of God has life (1 John 5:12). Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. And indeed Bert was. He submitted "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever" (Psalm 73:26). "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 timothy 4:7, 8). Bert leaves behind his dear wife Audrey, daughters Tiesha and Taylor, son-in-law Robert, grand daughter Tiana, siblings, Rita, Rocky, Charles, Shirley, Patsy, Arlington, nieces Abbelle, Rhonda and Roslyn, many other relatives and friends and his buddies from St. Mary's and Saints. We all mourn his passing, but are not without hope, because He is at rest with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.