With A Sense Of Despair - Salute To A Special Friend

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Opinion Pieces

Monday, 04 February 2013 02:29

By Donyelle Bird-Browne-Editor

“The day of his death was a dark, cold day.'' In this comment on the passing of William Butler Yeats, W.H. Auden was referring not simply to the cold of January, but to the sense of desolation left in the minds of all who had known Yeats.

So also is the absolute and massive, dark, cold sense of loss Winston has left behind with his passing.

Winston Derrick. CEO and Managing Director of The Observer Group of Companies.

Ironic that Saturday February 2nd dawned on one of the most beautiful and picture perfect days that we have seen on island in weeks. A fact duly noted by those of us who made the weekly trek to Russell’s Restaurant and Bar, the venue of choice for Winston on a Saturday.

Ironic also that his last moments with us in body were spent at Russells. His best friend Russell Hodge’s former place of business. Russell having been lost to us a mere 2 years ago.

As one saddened friend commented, “Just look at this gorgeous day. It looks like Winston is smiling for us today, he is finally liming again with his buddy Russell”.

As we all glanced toward the door time and time again, some shed tears, stories, laughter and memories of this man whose persona was truly larger and louder than life. Not one of us ready to accept the fact that he would never again walk up those steps and loudly announce, “Hello man! How you do?” He will truly be missed.

A surprisingly gentle, generous and kindly man, given his brash, ‘devil’s advocate’ style radio personality, he was also a truthful and honest man. He shot straight from the hip and he was without jealousy, pettiness or vanity.

Through all the years I knew him, he remained singularly unchanged in character. Credited with his single-minded pursuit of free speech in the media, this game changer never put on airs, never became full of self-import. He showed the same patience and courtesy to the regular man on the street, and to the young people, as he did to the dignitaries. His devoted loyalty to his family and friends was enviable.

Unfailingly good-humored, he had a lively sense of wit, and that sharp, mischievous twinkle in his eye brought many a smile to many a discussion. How many of us know the power that one of his all encompassing bear hugs had in turning up the brightness in an otherwise unremarkably dull or trying day.

In outlook he was a humanist, rational and irrational, tolerant and intolerant; in politics a lifelong liberal, fair-minded and passionate. The acrimony and stridency of party politics added fuel to his fire; he avoided mean-spirited contentiousness and strife; and encouraged the thought process and the need to question; to seek out answers.

Without a doubt, on fundamental issues one always knew where he stood. Winston’s devotion to constantly learning something new and to the pursuit of knowledge was well known and respected.

Antigua, and the Derrick family has lost an exceptional citizen, a fine colleague, distinguished game changer, and a compassionate and loving family man.

I have lost a cherished friend, a mentor, and a second father. To me the arena of life is currently a lonely and sad place without that strong, familiar, assertive presence. For all of us, no matter how brightly the sun shone on Saturday, the day of his death was indeed a dark, cold day.

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