Mr. Wilfred Minnies

Wilfred was born to the late Joseph, and Albertha Ximinniesin Lawrence Tavern, Jamaica on January 28, 1910. His name had to be changed due to error on his birth certificate. His parents who were originally from Spain, migrated to Cuba and lived there for a while. They later took up residence in Jamaica where they pursued various business ventures. He was the second of four children and the last one to be alive from his generation. Wilfred took Frances Rebertha Smith’s hand in marriage on August 28, 1958 and she has remained at his side until the day of his death. Prior to migrating to the Canada in March 1976, Wilfred managed the full operations of Hannah Town Bakery, the largest bakery on the island, for well over twenty years. To the neighbors he was known as Mr. Willy because they looked forward to him bringing them fresh bakery products on a regular basis. He was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather. He had a great sense of humor, was pleasant to be around, focused, neat and very well organized. Wilfred was very active most of his life and had a deep love for the high seas. As a young boy and a non-swimmer, he would attempt to follow the actions of older boys who were experienced swimmers diving for coins until the day he nearly drowned. At that point he decided to swim instead of sink and then became an exceptional swimmer. Even though he never like to eat fish, he loved to go deep sea fishing and was very successful at it. He helped his friend to build a 25-foot boat known as “Lady Karen”. Lady Karen was used each weekend to go overnight deep sea fishing for many years. During those fishing expeditions, Wilfred would often volunteer to dive into the deep dark ocean to untangle the boat’s anchor if it got stuck. Wilfred was also known for riding his “Down” Bicycle with experienced cyclists at a racetrack in Kingston, Jamaica every week. He was also known as “wings” at the domino table since he was usually undefeated at the game. He also earned the name Mr. Ludie because he was very good at Ludo which is a European game. Other games he had a good reputation for was pool and checkers. The highlight of his life apart from his family was his relationship with his God Jehovah. Wilfred was well known and loved by all in the Cedarvale Congregation. He was also revered for his “special mightiness”, Psalms 90:10. He dedicated his life and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, January 2, 1977. He and Rebertha faithfully attended the Oakwood Congregation until 1989 when the Cedarvale Congregation was formed. Wilfred and Rebertha was generous in offering their home to be used as a book study center for many years. Because of his strong determination and drive, Wilfred was a motivator even to some who have never met him personally. Hecan also be described as: Thankful: When anyone did something for him, he would always say, “Thanks for your loving interest”. Caring: Whenever he received visitors, he would not go to bed until he was sure they made it home safely. Salt, Sugar & Ice Cream: He certainly loved his salt, sugar, and ice cream. Because he was never a lover of food, he would struggle to eat a spoon of rice, but if you gave him a large bowl of ice cream over apple slices, it would be finished in no time. Wilfred lived to be 106 years old so I guess the salt, sugar and ice cream was good for him. We eagerly await the time very soon when God’s promise to remove mankind’s greatest enemy death (1 Corinthians 15:26) is fulfilled and humans will enjoy life on the earth unmarred by sin and death forever.(Psalms 37:11 & 29) In the meanwhile, we take comfort in knowing that our dear Wilfred Alexander Minnies is resting in Jehovah’s memory awaiting a resurrection. A hope he cherished as much as we do. Until then, we will continue to take comfort from the wonderful memories we shared. Wilfred is survived by his wife Frances, daughters, Yvonne Campbell (Albert), Janette Jenkins (Andrew), and adopted daughter Audrey Rhoden (Percival). He is also survived by six grandchildren, namely Barrington (Dean) Bailey (Karen), Ainsley (Curt) Campbell (Omolara), Camille (Sandy) Vigo (Wilson), Karen Campbell-Miller, Christopher Campbell, Michelle Jenkins and seven great grandchildren namely, Alexander Campbell, Ashley Campbell, Meagan Vigo, Kameron Miller, Samantha Bailey, Braden Vigo, and Jasmine Campbell

Mr. Wilfred Minnies

October 29, 2016