His last days were happy ones
published: Saturday | February 28, 2004

By Kevin Clarke, Gleaner Writer

CLAUDE MARKS lived a life characterized by his three great loves - country, community and family.

He passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 after a three-year battle with cancer.

He was born on March 11, 1936 at the Port Maria Hospital in St Mary to June and Robert Marks who took their bundle of joy home to the district of Dressikie in the parish where he was raised. The fourth of seven children, Claude attended various schools within the parish.

As a young man he started his own trucking business with the help of his father and later, being the only child to stay in the parish, took over the family farm. He was also proprietor of a shop. He wed Olive in 1960 and together the couple had 14 children.

A firm supporter of the People's National Party (PNP), Claude was very passionate about nationhood. As for his community spirit all his business interests were centered in western St. Mary. His children had tried on many occasions since his retirement to get him to leave, but for him Canada was too cold and Florida was too hot. "Pops loved his neighbors and community to the end," said daughter Audrey Marks.

It turned out he missed the special bonds of community friendships that he had cultivated, the simple friendships that he had with his peers. His relationship with his children was also one he treasured and he made it his duty to teach them about their ancestors. He enjoyed family, loved his dear wife Olive and loved each of his children equally. He also loved his grandchildren. "These were the things which were important to him," said Audrey "he was clear about what made him happy," she added.

Mr. Marks spent his last days very happy with his children and grandchildren around caring for him and seeing to his every need. He will be missed by wife Olive, sons Norris, Gary, Wayne, Patrick, Osmond, Carl, daughters Rosalee, Donna, Andrea, Janice, Angella, Audrey, Nickola, Stacey, sisters Recie, Minette, Ettle, brother McArthur, sister-in-law Pat, brother-in-law Mickey Hibbert, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held on Saturday February 21, 2004 at Mt. Angus Baptist Church, Dressikie, St Mary at 2:30 p.m. Interment followed in the family plot Dressikie, St Mary.