WASHINGTON, D.C., June 23, 2024 — BAHAMAS CHRONICLE EDITOR’S NOTE: My very good friend Joseph Taylor, with whom I grew up during my boyhood years at Stanyard Creek, Andros, died in New York, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 88. Joe moved to New York in his late teens and had a highly successful career in New York’s hotel industry. His niece, Loretta Butler-Turner, former member of the Bahamas House of Assembly, wrote a stirring tribute to her late uncle that I decided to share as a Guest Commentary with readers of my Washington, D.C. – based online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY LORETTA BUTLER-TURNER
My earliest memories of Uncle Joe take me back to my childhood days, where he would regularly call my mother, his dear sister Rose, from afar. I remember the anticipation and excitement as we huddled around the phone, eagerly waiting for our turn to greet him.
Uncle Joe resided in the bustling city of New York, a place he adored for its vibrancy and energy. Despite his love for travelling, he cherished his visits back to the Bahamas, where he would reconnect with family and old friends.
He acted as an informal ambassador for The Bahamas, often organising group trips for friends from the United States to explore the beauty of the islands either by cruise ships or planes. His ties to his homeland ran deep, and he made a point to visit the settlement of Staniard Creek, Andros, to reconnect with his roots.
Accompanied by his beloved partner, Barbara Coston, Uncle Joe embarked on adventures around the globe, from The Bahamas to various exotic destinations. They shared a passion for the thrill of the casinos, revelling in the excitement of a well-deserved win.
With his dashing looks, impeccable attire, and meticulous grooming, Uncle Joe exuded charm wherever he went. His love for fine dining was apparent, both through his professional excellence in the service industry and his joy in treating his family to exquisite meals at the finest restaurants in New York and back home in The Bahamas.
He was no slouch in the kitchen, showcasing his culinary expertise by whipping up delicious meals that we would savour in his home. One of my all-time favourites was his beef liver smothered in sautéed onions.
New York wasn’t just a city to Uncle Joe; it was a place he embraced wholeheartedly. Becoming an American citizen, he immersed himself in the local community and national affairs, staying informed about the world around him.
During our visits to New York, Uncle Joe made sure to expose us to the magic of Broadway and off-Broadway shows, ensuring we experienced the city’s cultural richness. Navigating the bustling streets and subways, he led us on adventures, unveiling the city’s hidden gems like a true New Yorker.
Living near the Garment District, Uncle Joe shared his insider knowledge with us, guiding us to designer showrooms where we could snag the latest fashion trends at discounted prices, a true connoisseur of style.
In addition to his worldly pursuits, Uncle Joe was a man of faith, grounded in his Christian beliefs. This aspect of his life added depth and character to his already multifaceted personality, enriching the lives of those around him with his unwavering values and principles.
Uncle Joe held the esteemed title of an ordained Deacon, a significant achievement in his life. Undoubtedly, this role brought him immense joy and peace as he shared the spoken word and his gift of singing within the church community.
I felt immense pride when he shared with me all the updates about his life, family, and friends. His exceptional memory recall stood out, particularly in his later years and until his passing. His phone lines, both landline and mobile, were always active as he engaged in calls throughout the day.
These calls became his lifeline to all those he cherished. Thanks to his extensive network of friends, he could keep us informed about the happenings in the lives of his family and friends back home, despite being in New York.
He cherished his long conversations with family and friends, whether they were near or far.
Upon learning of his hospitalisation last year, I came to understand that the passage of time had started to affect the health and mobility of my once vibrant and agile uncle.
In our conversations, he remained clear-minded and insisted that he was doing well. He detailed the care he received from the nurse, house cleaner, neighbours, and transportation services for his doctor visits and errands. Despite his reassurances, I felt compelled to visit him in New York to see him in person.
Accompanied by my daughter, Elizabeth, we made the trip to New York. After informing Uncle Joe of our arrival and intention to visit, he suggested we postpone our visit until the following day due to the rainy weather, wanting to prepare properly for our meeting.
Reflecting on his pride, it was evident that he wanted everything to be just right for our visit. I am grateful for the precious time we spent together during that visit, as it turned out to be our last meeting.
As I returned to Nassau, it dawned on me that it might have been our final farewell.
Your memory will always hold a special place in my heart, dear uncle.
Your earthly journey may have ended, but you have now entered the eternal life with your heavenly Father, reunited with your departed family members. Rest peacefully, knowing that you are cherished by us, but embraced with everlasting love by Jesus.
With undying love,
Loretta (Laurie) Butler-Turner, Niece
