OBITUARY Esterley Tibbetts
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from February 2000.
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In 1926, he saw Melba sweeping her yard in Dixie, and it was love at first sight. But it was not until 1940 that he returned to Cayman to take her as his bride. On 12 June 1940, he wed Emma Melba Borden in this church [Elmslie Memorial] at a ceremony conducted by the late Rev. George Hicks.
Because of lack of opportunities for employment and shortage of food due to World War II, he went to Panama in 1941 where he was joined by Melba in 1942. They returned to Cayman in 1947 and took up residence in the family home on North Church Street where he remained until his death.
On 3 March 1949, he and Melba rejoiced at the birth of their beloved daughter, Mary Janet. In later years, they welcomed John Macmillan into the family when he married Janet in 1969. In 1972 and 1974, they opened their hearts and greatly rejoiced at the arrival of first Sheena Marise and then Bruce Alastair two grandchildren - their pride and joy for the balance of their days, and in 1995 Mark joined them and was welcomed and loved.
On their return from Panama, Esterley and Melba joined Melba's three sisters - Audrey, Hazel and Mary - who remained with them. After Melba's passing in 1989, Esterley faithfully provided and cared for her three sisters and could not have been more attentive and kind had he married all of them.
His working life in Panama began with his first job at Fort Sherman where he was foreman to a group of painters. He then worked for Macdonald & Tarlton Construction Co., building a hospital and nurses' quarters as foreman of the masons. Later he served with the US Army, assisting in the cleaning up of their operations at bases after the war.
On returning to Cayman, Esterley, better known as "Pete", joined the Civil Service on 1 September 1949 as superintendent of works with the Public Works Department, appointed by Sir Hugh Foot, Governor of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. When he commenced his duties he had about 12 members of staff to build and maintain roads, all Government buildings, lighthouses, telephones, the runway with flare pots, fogging of the whole island for mosquitoes and the maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment. These tasks also included Cayman Brac.
In those days, PWD had three wheelbarrows, a few picks, shovels and hand beaters made from hard wood. Later, a second-hand grader which was drawn by mules was sent from Jamaica and this was hitched to the Studebaker truck in order for the roads to be graded. Several years later, a roller was sent from England via Jamaica which was of great value to this island. The first time this was used was on the road to the airport which we all still travel today. The roads were made from marl which had to be dug by hand using picks and shovels, with rock removed with dynamite. Times were very hard for everyone as government had very little money and wages were small, but the work had to be done and it continued steadily.
"Pete" saw some very trying days and nights, but he knew the various jobs had to be completed and this he did. To his credit, many roads and buildings remain today, a perpetual memorial to his hard labour and expertise. He was the only one who could keep the Town Hall clock giving the correct time on all four faces, and in fair and foul weather he kept the lighthouse lights burning. He was very innovative in that, with a little light plant he brought from Panama, he charged batteries. He had one of the first refrigerators and cars and always looked forward to new technologies.
In 1976, he officially retired but was asked by the government to stay on as deputy director of the PWD and remained in the service until the mid 1980s when he finally retired.
Mr. Tibbetts was an active member of the community as a charter member of The Rotary Club and a life elder of Elmslie Memorial Church. He served on the property committee of the church, where he was absolutely indispensable. He was awarded the BEM in 1965 for his long and dedicated service to the people of the Islands.
This caring, loving man, who passed away peacefully on 29 November at the George Town hospital, was more interested in caring for and helping others than he was in gaining anything for himself, as evidenced by the numerous Caymanians that he provided employment for. His personality was such that he attracted people to him like a magnet and each one who came in contact with him was treated with love and respect and received anything it was in his power to give.
Left to mourn their sad loss are: his daughter Janet and her husband John; grandchildren Sheena and her husband Mark, and Bruce; half-sisters Leonides and Eulalee; half-brothers Herbert and John; cousins; nieces; nephews; and a multitude of friends. "God is the MasterBuilder
His plans are perfect and true, And when He sends you sorrow It is part of His plan for you.
For all things work together To complete the master plan, And God up in his heaven Can see what's best for man." May his soul rest in peace.
