Man who died performing jury duty laid to rest
Working among the dead may sound daunting and frightening, but for Tavia McKenzie, it is a job she finds comforting and tranquil.
As a toddler, McKenzie was intrigued by death and found herself researching pictures of cadavers, and watching forensic films. From then, she knew she would find herself engrossed in a career that was based in mortuary science, and made the obvious decision to pursue a degree in basic medical sciences as an anatomy major at The University of the West Indies, Mona, in 2017.
“As an anatomy major, it’s fascinating. The things you see on a daily basis; [for example] no two bodies are ever the same, and how the body operates even in death,” McKenzie explained.
But her love for the dead continued to grow as she secured employment at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine shortly after completing tertiary studies in 2020. For two years, McKenzie worked as a pathologist assistant/ supervisor, overseeing a group of morgue technicians who carried out post-mortems daily across the island. The experience she garnered at the government agency catapulted her to achieve her childhood dream of owning and operating her own funeral home, a business venture she successfully launched at the beginning of this year.
“Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be in that field of choice, and I’ve always had a great passion for working with the dead from ever since I was young. Getting my degree was just the first step,” the Port Antonio, Portland native said.
McKenzie, 27, grew up in the eastern parish with her parents and elder sister. She said that her parents are her greatest support system, with her father being immersed in playing a key role in the smooth operation of the business. Her mother, however, though supportive, “does not want to play a hands-on role in working with the deceased”. “The hardest part about it was actually taking the first step to start. But I was determined and dedicated
Lin taking that step because I knew it was something that I wanted,” she said, adding that she spent most of 2023 researching, brainstorming and planning for the launch of her business venture, Mck’s Funeral Arrangements and Services.
A certified embalmer and restorative art specialist, McKenzie asserted that she has found passion and satisfaction with working with the dead.
“The only thing that can make mortuary science fun for anyone is their love and passion for working with the dead. No amount of of money will ever make it fun for you; it is a peaceful field to be in. It’s a completely different feeling, because nobody tells you how to do your job. You’re trained to respect the dead, and so we still treat them with respect and compassion,” she told THE
STAR. ouie Fagan, the Trelawny man who died while giving service to his country as a juror, has been remembered as a loving and caring husband and a committed fan of Chelsea Football Club.
Fagan, 46, died on November 10 after fainting while at court during the lunch break. He was one of seven jurors in a case in which Michael Guthrie, 21, is answering to charges of buggery, indecent assault and having sex with a minor in the Trelawny Circuit Court
During Fagan’s funeral, which was held at the New Testament Church of God in
Sherwood Content, Trelawny, last Saturday, the late sanitation supervisor at Royalton Hotel was remembered as a jovial person who could not stop smiling.
“The first thing you see upon meeting Louie was his teeth. He was always smiling, “Yolanda Alexander said as she delivered the remembrance.
She said Fagan was a quiet man, adding that “the loudest you would hear his voice was at the domino table, or if you have anything negative to say about his beloved Chelsea Football Club”.
His widow, Tricia, said Fagan never regarded any work around the house as being a woman’s job.
Shawna Brown, in her tribute, had the whole congregation dancing and singing. She gave a rendition of George Nooks’ Ride Out Your Storm.
Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Wayne Wallace told the congregation to acquaint themselves with the law surrounding jury service. He said that Fagan, despite not feeling well, turned up at court on the fateful day out of fear that he would have been prosecuted for his no-show.
“All he needed was a medical certificate stating he was ill; that’s all he needed,” Wallace said.
Fagan’s remains were buried in the family plot in the community of Coxheath.