Funeral at Sauteurs Anglican Church. Burial at Marli Cemetry.
Our beloved “Uncle Joe” of Madeys, St. Patrick, entered into rest on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. He was 70.
Joe, affectionately known as “Chickambo
”born on June 8, 1951 in Morne Fendue, St. Patrick to Allanford and Dorothy Fletcher. Joe was a “master builder” and had spent most of his working life as a self-employed mason. He loved playing cricket and he seemed happiest when playing shortknee during carnival, or at his whim. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Even though our hearts are hurting, we find comfort in knowing that he is resting in peace.
He is survived by two children, Telford Michael Bernard(Kamilah) and Natasha Fletcher; eight grandchildren, Samuel Bernard, Zion Bernard, Zariah Bernard, Samia Bernard, Anthony Lewis, Victoria Lewis, Nicky Lewis, and Joshua Jeremiah; four sisters and one brother, Cynthia Sylvan, Linda Sylvan, Annie Holas, Dail Fletcher and Michael Fletcher; many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as close relatives and friends, including the Gordon Family, in the surrounding areas of Madeys, Rose Hill, Morne Fendue, Mt. Rich, and Sauteurs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Egbert Holas, Toxie Holas, Loxley Holas, and Lionel Holas, as well as his sister Verna Belingy.
Special Info
Eulogy of Joseph Holas Aka “Chickambo”
The late Joseph Holas Aka “Chickambo” was born on Friday June 8th 1957. He was the 7th child of the late Dorothy and the Allanford Fletcher of Madeys St. Patricks. Uncle Joe as he was affectionately called at home attended the St. Patricks Anglican School. His surviving siblings remember him as a strict no nonsense, affectionate and hardworking person. Joe was not a man of many words as we would say Joe was “quiet”. He could sometimes be stubborn as a mule. He had an affection for “Working the Land” and fishing for crayfish in the rivers with the neighborhood boys. As a teen Joe show great talent in utilizing his hands for creative endeavors. He was known for his exceptional kite making skills and the construction of really elaborate “fowl coops”. Joe was the local handy man who all the neighbors turned to whenever they were in need of a carpenter. This talent developed into his skill in building construction which became his lifelong career. Joe excelled in his construction craft. In 1970 Joe as most young men in Grenade left Its shores in the search of better opportunities. During that period Joe traveled to St. Croix US Virgin Island and Trinidad and Tobago. After further developing his construction skills he returned to Grenada in 1982 and engage in construction. His friends and family, can recalled his love for playing cricket, participating in Christmas caroling groups and his generosity. Joe would of giving you the shirt off his back or his last penny if you asked him. He showed compassion for the elders in the village always lending a hand to “nail a piece of board to fix up” their house. Joe had 2 loves in his life, his 2 children Telford (Mikey) Bernard and Natasha (Natty) Fletcher. Joe always spoke with love and admiration of his son and daughter. Joe’s other love was his delectation and commitment of the “Short Knee” carnival artform. Joe was most happy when he was clothed in the colorful costume of the short knee. He was part of some of the most popular short knee band in St. Patricks. He served as both the leader or a member of short knee bands. As a matter of fact, if you saw someone playing short knee in December rest assured it was Joe behind that mask. In Joe’s later years in life, he succumbed to temptations that is so prevalent today, he struggled with this up to his death. Despite this Joe lived a fulfilling life for which he has no regrets, he was much love by his surviving siblings, children and relatives.
Joe is survived by his 2 children Mikey and Natty, 8 grandchildren; Samuel, Zion, Zariah, Samia, Victoria, Nicky, Anthony and Joshua, brother; Michael, Sisters; Cynthia, Linda, Annie and Dail.
Sleep in eternal peace Chickambo your journey on this earth is over. We will put ‘Short Knee” on your Tombstone.
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