We remember THEO
It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that I pay tribute today to Theo. Our tall, hardworking, easy going and optimistic team player in the Editorial Department. Since I joined The Gleaner two years ago, Theo has been one of those persons that I always felt I could depend on. He was oftentimes the last person I would see when I left the department at night, and every conversation I have had with him has been nothing but pleasant. I’ve never heard him angry. I have never heard him say ‘no’.
In fact, Theo was always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and even when you had to correct him on occasion about something he had done as one of our key sub-editors, he took it in stride and was always seemingly willing to grow and to learn.
We will miss his cooperative and gentle spirit. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Sincerest condolences to all his family and friends who can take comfort today in the suggestion that Theo is currently playing a game of basketball with Kobe Bryant and smiling down on us from Heaven.
Walk good Theo. We love you and we miss you.
Kaymar Jordan
In the short time that I've come to know Theo as a sub editor, he has made my experience at work a richer one. I remember Theo most for being unwaveringly supportive - he always reached out to me to compliment my designs and as an artist himself, honoured and encouraged my creativity. I will always think of him as quiet but good-humoured and a positive presence to be around. He will be greatly missed.
Sherrice Lewis
I've known Theo for about nine years or so. When he came to The Gleaner he immediately joined the basketball team. Over the years we became more than teammates. He basically became my little-big brother. We have gone through a lot, on and off the court, eating from the same dish, me, Theo and Keneil; chatting about Hot Wheels racing (we had plans to start our own league in Jamaica).
I remember when his mom died, just before we were to start a season and I had made a tribute to her by putting and black strip on the jerseys, he was truly grateful for the gesture.
Theo was always encouraging, one of the first to say "Ray nuh worry bout that, come again", even though when he messed up he was so hard on himself.
I am really going to miss him, I know this is going to take me some time to get over but with God's help.
#15 #ripbigyute #gonebutnotforgotten
Raymond Simpson
Theo:
Some things you don't expect so you're never prepared. And when they happen, they knock the wind out your sails. This was perhaps the last thing I expected. And in every quiet moment when the reality hits me anew, my whole heart hurts.
I'm glad I said what I needed to say while you were here. You knew I loved and appreciated you, and your approach to work and to life. So I don't have regrets about things left unsaid, but I do regret that you couldn't stay longer; we all really wanted you to.
You left a trail of broken hearts behind. The memories are all we have now. Thanks for touching our lives in the positive ways you did. You were the coolest, the gentlest, the most awesome!
Rest with the angels; they’re your kind of people. Sincerely,
Tennesia Malcolm
As I reflect on the moments I was privileged to work with Theo, I am humbled by the passion and dedication he employed in getting his tasks done. He never sought praise or attention. He was just content to do the best job he could at all times. He was also great fun to be with, especially when we had to work late on Friday nights. It was during these hours the team would best appreciate his love of good conversation which is usually anything sports. Theo was always smiling and that’s how I will always remember him, smiling, making sure that everyone around him was doing the same.
Sandra Clue
To say we are not hurting would be a lie. We made plans to link up, have dinner and treat our taste buds to dessert. Little did we know that our plans would not be possible until we meet on the other side. We have truly lost a brother who became family. Theo was our sounding board, confidant, church bestie and a genuine person with a big personality that lit up any room. We looked up to Theo and could depend on his encouraging words which helped us on our Christian journey. We admired his commitment to God and how he used every opportunity to spread the gospel.
We never got the chance to express how much we appreciate the times spent and to even share with him our future plans and how he would be a part of this. We are humbled and touched by the time he was here with us. Our lives were better with a friend like
Theo; our friendship was of platinum quality. We laughed, fellowshipped and spoke about our dreams.
Our hearts are broken yesterday, today and forever.
We will be comforted by the memories shared and await our next link up in the Promised Land.
Brent and Rochelle Gordon
I always saw Theo. He was hard to miss, being so tall. I clearly remember our first conversation. It happened in The Gleaner Company’s lunchroom, long before the pandemic. I was always defending personal space, even in a line. I was at the front of the line, making my order. The person behind me was literally breathing down my neck. I turned and gave the look. Theo saw the look. I clearly remember his words, “Jus dress back my yout.”
Theo was kind. He often came to work with fruits, and he did not mind sharing. Sometimes he would announce heading to lunch because he knew he might be able to help one of us.
I always felt Theo. He would come in office and touch all of us closest to him on the shoulder, saying, “Mi deh yah.” When we started working remotely, he would sign on to the messenger with, “SHAWNEEEETTTEEE! Mi deh yah. Mi ready fi work.”
I could talk God things with Theo. No topic was taboo. He was unsure why God allowed his mum to rest so early, but he loved and trusted God. He was one of a few who really understood my grief when my dad passed in April. “Bwoy, Shaunette, mi undastan. Hang in there,” he said. He would say to me, “Jus pray bout it”, or “Mi wi pray bout it.”
And often, our joke, especially at lunchtime, was, “Shaunette, how dat look like dah ting deh suh?” My reply, “No swine roun’ ere!” And we would laugh. Theo was honest. If my design was off, I would hear, “Sumpn nuh right deh so.” If it was the opposite, I knew what he meant when he said, “Get dem, Shaunette!”
I am missing and will miss Theo. Reliable, friendly, kind, quiet, loyal Theo, with his ever-so-bright smile, and facial expressions that made me laugh. Theo, who would check to see if I’m ok. I will miss Theo.
But I take comfort in the promise of the Ever-Living One that if I hold fast to Him, I’ll see Theo on that day.
Until that day, rest, my friend.
Shaunette Wright
Theo, you were a co-worker, but more importantly a friend. You were a giant in size but also in character. You positively impacted everyone around you and I am grateful to have known and worked with you. You were a true artist and your talent will be missed by all. Rest well, Tallman.
Rachid Parchment
Walk good my friend. You were a true artist and an inspiration.
Marvin Gordon