BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - LIVINGSTON MORLEY TROTMAN, (Trotty) whose association with the firm of S.L.Horsford & Co. Ltd (SLH) goes back over forty years when he started work there in 1969, came to a regrettable end when he left for vacation in the USA in December 2010. There he took ill and despite gallant efforts to save him, he succumbed to his illness on November 1st 2011.
In his tribute, Anthony Kelsick, a director of SLH spoke warmly of his sterling contribution to the Firm, his dedication to work and the high level of motivation he instilled in his fellow workers. He led by example, he said, and he became a friend to all.
He was also regarded as a friend to all contractors and builders who came to SLH. He made customer satisfaction his personal goal and this led him to hold posts in the Contractors and Builders’ Association as well.
But Livingston Morley Trotman was far more than an exemplary worker at the workplace.
From the many tributes poured out to him at his Thanksgiving and Homegoing Service on Thursday 17th November, 2011, it was clear that he shared himself with many others. All without exception spoke warmly of his caring attitude and described him as a special and remarkable person.
As a husband, a father, a brother, uncle, cousin, friend and as one of the boys, he touched the lives of many in unforgettable ways.
Probably no one was more touched by his caring and selflessness than his life-long friend and namesake – Livingstone Sargeant – to whom he owed his life. In his tribute, this is what he wrote:
"Trotty and myself are survivors of the Christina disaster. I can say without a doubt that I owe my survival of this disaster to Trotty because of his generosity and human touch. While I was swimming towards the shore, Trotty came alongside me with a wooden soft drink case. He realized I was in some difficulty and he gave me the case and told me to hold on to it, which I did until I was able to get help from some others with a drum….”
This story, more than any other, speaks of the calibre of the man Livingston Trotman was. It has echoes of the story of the One ‘who laid down his life for his friends’.
Not surprisingly his son, Josh, wrote in his poetic tribute:
“As I looked upon your face
I saw the wonder of God’s grace…”
Remarkably, Livingston Trotman was the only boy in a family of ten sisters which earned him the nickname of “Boy”! In the Eulogy given by one of his sisters, Sheila De Silva, she spoke of his love for them and their’s for him. She described how protective he was towards them; he was the peacemaker; the voice of reason and she spoke of his ability to remain unbiased in their ‘squabbles’. He was always generous with his advice to family and friends alike.
In an emotional and heart-wrenching tribute, his only daughter, Kalia, described the strong and loving bond that existed between herself and her father, of the ‘utter bliss’ that existed between her father and mother – his wife, Agnola.
“He was not just around,” she said, but “present”… words that were pregnant with meaning and relevance.
The large congregation of mourners who filled every pew in the Anglican Church felt her pain.
Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Superintendent of the Methodist Church, had ‘borrowed’ the Anglican Church which was expected to more easily accommodate the anticipated large number of mourners. Many had travelled from Nevis where the family originated and where many members still reside.
“This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do,” his wife Agnola wrote in her tribute to him, and truly many of the family and friends gathered there had similar sentiments. It was difficult to say goodbye to such a “good” person.
His sisters, in a single goodbye tribute said, “We grew up together and it saddens our hearts to know that you have parted from us, especially as an only brother……although your life on earth is over, our memories of you will linger forever…….”The memory of the faithful is ever blessed.”
In an age that is now so filled with greed, selfishness and corruption, we give thanks and treasure a life like that of Livingston Morley Trotman. He stands out as a beacon among others, reminding us of what our contribution to this life ought to be.
May his soul be truly blessed.
