Wednesday, April 8, 2020
I first met Garth in 1969 when we started at Meadowbrook High School, Memory fails me now but we eventually became friends and part of the bicycle posse. Part of the reason we became friends was our similar interests which were tropical fishes, bicycles and cars. Of course as many of his friends will know, Garth became obsessed with cars, and always has some interesting thoughts on what he would like to do to them. These were the ramblings of a young person becoming a man. He was also noted for making up is own cuss words, maybe so that his parents would not understand. As the bicycle posse, we went on a few adventures down Spanish Town Road and up Old Hope Road. I remember racing on our bikes for the last stretch of Hope Road to Hope Gardens. Some how I entered the gate first followed by a lone Bike without its rider. The rider followed the bike flying and hit the grass luckily. Garth came in next quite nonchalant. I even remember visiting his mothers Red Hill's pharmacy. I don't remember if Garth went to sixth form, but I left after one year to go to UWI. Another year and a third I migrated to Miami. A few years later I ran into Garth at his Car Wash business and we reconnected. I reintroduced him to Ron Jones who was another alumni from high school. This hurts me a great deal because we were also born in the same year. My wife was also instrumental in introducing him to his wife Cheryl. In the last few years we have talked about getting together, and even though we live within a few mile of each other, it never happened. He even called me for advice when his son was trying out for Full Sail University since my background was in the the public school system. I regret not seeing my friend before his sudden passing. He was such a kind, gentle, giving, well versed person, that I feel like I have lost a brother that I never had. The good Lord decided that it was his turn to be with him and his family that preceded him to heaven. Fear not Garth is sitting with angels giving them a sample of his well written verses. My wife and I send our deepest sympathies to Cheryl and his sons, brother Steven and Marc. Know that you are in our prayers. Rest in Peace my friend Garth. - Peter and Annette Ho-Tung
