Edgar Merren, age 61 and nine months, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, 5 May at around 5.30pm at George Town Hospital.
It was two months to the date after his nephew, Chad Wood, was killed in a car accident on the Linford Pierson Highway.
Edgar was the fourth child and second son of the late Enna Valerie Merren, who predeceased him seven year and five months ago, and the late John Clayton Merren Sr., who predeceased him 53 ½ years ago.
His eldest brother, Johnny, also died suddenly, after a brief illness, on 11 April, another shock to his family.
His younger brother, Rayal Mitchell, died 48 years ago at age 12.
Edgar attended primary school at Triple C for a short time. As he was a slow learner and there were no trained specialists in Cayman at the time, he went to live in Jamaica for one year with the O’Sullivan family.
He attended boarding school there, did well and returned to Cayman. The O’Sullivans were a devoted Christian family originally from West Bay.
They loved Edgar and could not have given him better care and attention, for which we continue to be most grateful.
Edgar also loved them, and never forgot any of those wonderful people, especially Mrs. O’Sullivan, whom he affectionately called Granny Hoe.
After Edgar returned from Jamaica, he attended Cayman Islands High School briefly. He attended several recent CIHS class reunions along with his sisters Aline and Deanna, and always enjoyed himself.
As a youngster, Edgar was very active and loved to attend church services, especially the annual conventions at the Church of God. He was a good swimmer and diver, and was known as a one of the best limbo dancers in Cayman. Tourists used to love to watch him dance the limbo, each paying him $1 for his performance.
He also enjoyed the late. Elroy Arch, who was an exceptional building contractor, and would sometimes assist him has a handyman.
Edgar and his mother lived on South Church Street for several years after his other brothers and sisters married and moved to their respective homes. His brothers and sisters continued to visit, but his youngest sister, Aline Wood, visited daily. She assisted with looking after Edgar’s needs, as he had physical illnesses and was mentally challenged.
After their mother passed away, a caregiver was employed in the South Church Street home. Aline continued to be devoted to him, attending to his daily care. She took him to church services, on trips to Tampa and Miami and to various functions. She took him to Goerge Town Hospital for his medical check-ups, where he was always a favourite visitor.
He used to like to visit private doctors occasionally including Dr. K. Vivek, his favourite.
After dear mama passed away, it was very difficult for all her children, but especially for Edgar who depended on her so much.
He missed her immensely. In the past two years or three years, Edgar returned to church services at the Church of God (Universal) on Walkers Road, where his spirit rose and life began to be happier for him.
He loved everyone in the congregation and was always happy and excited about going to church to serve the Lord.
As a youth, Edgar spent a lot of time in the Arch’s Square and loved the Arch’s families, especially the late Pastor Raib Arch, his wife Velonie, their children and, in particular, their son Eddie and his family.
Edgar was always a great believer in God and said he was a Christian. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing hymns and songs.
About six years ago Edgar developed a desire for drawing, and even referred to himself as an artist at times. He was proud of all his drawings, and could not wait to give them away to friends.
Edgar loved to mingle and interact with people, and had many friends island-wide. He had a good and tender heart. He was a giving and caring person, who truly loved the Lord.
In the past several years, he confronted health problems, suffering shortness of breath due to asthma. Due to his breathing problems, he was no longer able to walk into George Town as he had previously, so he used to visit the office staff at Esso and Texaco terminals, Coconut Harbour and Sunset House along with his special cousin, Pauline Wood.
Sunset House became his favourite spot. They treated him exceptionally well, for which we, the family, are most grateful to the owner, Adrian Briggs, and all the staff there.
Edgar was very dear and special to all of us. He was a good soul, had a great sense of humour.
He is greatly missed and we grieve his loss. He will always be loved and remembered. We are confident that he has gone to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who he loved so very much. We believe that he is rejoicing in Heaven with Angels and all our loved ones.
He leaves to mourn: his broken-hearted and loving sisters, Deanna Merren, Chasteen Bodden; devoted sister Aline Wood; one remaining devoted and loving brother James; brothers-in-law Robert Bodden and Cebert Wood; sisters-in-law Milly and Shirley Ann Merren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; one last surviving Aunt Veta Merren-Bodden, age 90; his church brothers and sisters; and many other relatives and special friends in Cayman and overseas.
May his soul rest in peace and may his reward be great in heaven.
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