Lloyd E Matthews' Obituary
LLOYD EDWARD MATTHEWS was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 1, 1934. He was the second of four (4) siblings parented by Walter J. and Ursella A. Matthews. His early childhood was spent at Ms. Boroughs Primary School, which provided an excellent foundation for attending Franklin Town Elementary School. He was a very bright student and managed to pass the 1st and 2nd year Jamaica Local Exams, by age twelve (12).
After successfully passing an Entrance Examination, he entered the Kingston Technical High School on a half scholarship. He graduated in 1950 with a number of British Certificates, after completing a Three (3) Year Course in the Mechanics and Fitters Department. He later attended Evening Classes in the Electrical Department, while serving an apprenticeship with a Refrigeration/Air Conditioning and Electrical Contracting Company.
By May 1954, he secured employment with Alumina Company of Canada, (the Bauxite Group of Companies in Manchester ‚Jamaica) where he worked as an Electrician. It was the size of these Production Plants, as well as the overwhelming exposure to Engineering, he recognized the need to further his studies, and improve his Professional skills. His trip to London, England in May 1958 was all about his academic future, and although it presented a major change in lifestyle, he worked hard to secure a Degree in Electrical Engineering from Brunel University, London, as well as Honorary Certificates in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from Willesden Technical College, London. He worked throughout the British Isles and Europe for a while in the industry, but always felt the urge to participate in other cultures.
On migrating to Canada in December 1965, Lloyd was truly thankful for the challenges that was waiting for him. The job market was good and diverse. His professional skills were embraced throughout the length and breath of Canada; whether it was the Nickel mines of Northern Ontario, the Steel and Oil Sands Companies of Alberta, the Power Generation and Petro-Chemical Plants of Ontario, the Coal Preparation Plants of Nova Scotia, or the Fertilizer Manufacturing Industry of Florida Lloyd was happy to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability. He loved Canada and always spoke about its vastness and beauty. Nevertheless, its extreme weather conditions, and his aging parents in Jamaica forced Lloyd to seek warmer climes, and a closer proximity to his homeland. He visited his parents on a regular basis, until their passing in late 1978.
After residing in New York for just over three (3) years, in February 1980, he negotiated a job assignment in Tampa, Florida. He was very impressed with the Area and its potential for rapid growth. Towards the end of the Assignment, Lloyd was offered a Permanent Position with the Company, as well as Re-location for the Family. Needless to say, he gladly accepted. This decision proved to be a good one, even though it was in Tampa that he learned of his affliction with macular degeneration, a devastating eye condition that progressively restrict and limit one's frontal vision. With that, he had to give up his favorite hobbies and pastimes, which included fishing, playing dominoes, reading, traveling to foreign countries, horse racing and driving long distances.
He was somewhat hurt that he was not able to achieve his two passions namely, speaking fluent Spanish and playing his favorite musical instrument, the piano. However, he was always very thankful to God and his Christian Parents for a very proud and productive existence. His honesty, decency, good work ethics, quick wit, good humor and a jovial attitude made him fun to be around, and I am sure that his sight deprivation did not hinder him from enjoying his zest for life.
As an Engineer, Lloyd practiced his Craft in four (4) major territories worldwide. He held Membership in several Engineering Bodies including the Institution of Engineering and Technology (Great Brittian) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (U.S.A.), of which he was a Life Member since January 2002.
Lloyd was also a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, a Worldwide organization that caters to the needs and development of a normal life for blind and visually impaired people. Concerns for such people, led him to several trips to Tallahassee. As part of a team, he lobbied with Legislators on various issues related to the Disenfranchised and Disadvantaged folks of Florida.
He will be sadly missed, and will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, loyal and friendly human being. May his soul rest in the arms of the Lord.
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