Witcliff Ronalder Afflick

Eulogy Mr. W.R. Afflick (DAD)

As stated in Mathew 7: 7,

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If it is God’s will, I ask in faith that in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God that Grandpi rise up!

Born 30 May 1944 in St. Thomas, Jamaica, raised by his wonderful late mother Ms. Kathleen Stewart, as his father passed very early in his life. Athletic, having a love for sports particularly track and field, soccer, and cricket which he also participated in his older years.

Mr. Afflick joined the Jamaica Constabulary  Force (JCF) as a Police Officer in 1965 – 1983 achieving the remarkable rank of Sergeant.

He migrated to Canada in 1983 for a better life to Peace River/High River, then to Calgary where he became one of the Pioneers of the current Bridgeland SDA Church performing a variety of duties to include Deacon, Sabbath School scholar, Elder, and a true man of God.

Concurrent to his reverent Spiritual walk with God, he had spent 27 years working with the Calgary Remand Centre.

His love for education and helping those who were less fortunate guided him in the study of law. He clearly had a sense of humour, and was sincere with his love for people. This is dearly known by his gracious loving wife of over 20 years who rejuvenated his being, Mrs. Earrie Atlan-Afflick (My Mom, commonly known as Nana)

The man I knew as Mr. Witclifff. R. Afflick was made mentioned with different titles.

DAD, DADDY, GRANDPI, SGT CLIFF, DEACON, ELDER, and SIR. This was also dependent on who addressed him. He was a walking dictionary and encyclopedia who knew his words,

history and loved his affiliation to the Ashanti tribe.

Extremely hard working, devoted husband and an Agent of GOD.

It was mentioned that he spoke in parables, and may have thought he was Jesus. Actually his Grandparents were named Mary and Joseph Afflick, so maybe there are some correlations!

He was unique in many ways, a man I would described as a THOUSANDTH MAN.

Ecclesiastes 7:28

“While I was still searching but not finding— I found one upright man among a thousand.”

A THOUSANDTH MAN

By RUDYARD KIPLING.

One man in a thousand, Solomon says. Will stick more close than a brother. And it’s worth while seeking him half your days If you find him before the other.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend on what the world sees in you,

But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend with the whole round world agin you.

‘Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show will settle the finding for ‘ee.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine of ’em go by your looks, or your acts, or your glory.

But if he finds you and you find him, the rest of the world don’t matter;

For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim with you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk than he uses yours for his spendings,

And laugh and meet in your daily walk as though there had been no lendings.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine of ’em call for silver and gold in their dealings;

But the Thousandth Man he’s worth ’em all because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong’s your wrong, and his right’s your right, in season or out of season.

Stand up and back it in all men’s sight with that for your only reason!

Nine hundred and ninety-nine can’t bide the shame or mocking or laughter,

But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side to the gallows-foot – and after!

Dad was a devoted man of God, who loved life and his children. Cared for others, compassionate, thoughtful, disciplined, punctual, valued structure. He had an extremely high intellect, very analytical, and felt it was important in continuing learning throughout his life. Achieving several accolades from such institute as Devry Institute of Technology, and Cleveland Institute of Electronics, he choose humility instead of advertising his accomplishments.

Dad was grateful to those family and friends who spent quality time with him. He loved happiness. Often would look for the positive in everyone, this was demonstrated regularly with those he interacted with while also working at the Calgary Remand Centre.

A man of strong statue – I remembered as a young lad while sitting in attendance with  Dad at the North Street SDA Church in Jamaica, playing with his noticeably size hands, I felt my fingers compared to his were very small. With that image I thought no one was greater than my Dad, not even superman.  I later learned his true character was indeed greater than superman, he was a loving and caring father who loved God.

At the approximate age of 8 years, I made a decision ensuring that my younger sister was able to travel home safely from school by giving her my bus fare as she had spent hers earlier during the day. It took me at least a few hours to navigate the walking home while recalling the bus route. Not realizing that my father was worried sick, but thought I would be in trouble from my late arrival home,  as soon as he saw me from a distance, he ran lifting me up and asked if I was ok, I told him I was hungry and my feet hurt. Concern about my well being, he carried me home the rest of the way, sat me down cared for me, and provided with a delicious meal. Though worried, he was proud of what I did.

The care and love he emulated continued in his recent years when his grandson Tevaugn sprained his ankle at school. As soon as Grandpi received the phone call of what had happened, he went to meet Tevaugn, lift and carried him over his shoulder to the house. What he had done for me, he would have done it for any of our family members with a loving, and caring heart.

Encouraged using our kidneys

– A phrased used in Jamaica to use our brains intellectually.

I grew up in a multi faith community.  When I made the decision to be baptized in the Adventist faith, Dad encouraged me to do my own research, to spend quality time in the Word reading and studying until I understood what my decision entailed. He would make himself available to answer any questions as he mentored my spiritual growth.

An Excellent cook

.  Nana is a great cook, which I believe she could have had open a restaurant if she desired to.  However, Grandpi could have given Nana a good run for her money when he accepted the culinary challenge, but instead they were a perfect team together with regular food prep for family, friends, and the many international students they hosted in their home.

Very Strategic

–  My parents taught and encouraged me to read regularly expanding my world. As a child, my perspective of having a balance life involved a great deal of play time instead of reading.

When required to complete my home work or have my studies completed, amazingly I would be tired no matter the time of day rubbing my eyes telling my Dad I could not see the words clearly.

On this particular day, I found myself going on a road trip with Dad, I was excited and wondered why was it that my siblings were not with us. Dad and I stopped at a store that I thought was quite professional, organized with many glasses inside.  I thought this visit was specifically for him as he wore glasses. My name was called by a gentleman in the store. I was asked to sit to conduct an eye examination. Upon the conclusion of the test that I passed with flying colours, the optometrist did not think I needed glasses, however, my Dad insisted otherwise.

As we travelled home, I thought nothing of this as I was cared for with a day off from school. As the afternoon drew to a close, my father reminded me it was time to study, and my eyes should not hurt any further. The words were now larger than life, I had no more excuses but to follow through with completing my homework.

As children we think we could out smart our parents, however he was always several steps ahead of us having the solution to most problems.  Once I became more academically inclined, he was very proud of my success demonstrated by him sharing this news with our neighbours telling them he was proud of his boy.

As a young lad, Dad saw my interest as a Pathfinder while in attendance at the Braeton SDA church (Jamaica).  In High School, he encouraged me to join the JCCF (Jamaica Combine Cadet Force). When I migrated to Canada, my High School social studies classes reflected on the Vietnam War and its impact upon society. It was then during conversation with Dad that I learnt he applied to become a soldier with the intent to support the Vietnam war.

Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 7-8pm, we would settle to watch the TV series “Tour of Duty.” With a slight increase of the volume of television was his motivation ensuring I completed my chores quickly.  This shared experienced planted the seed for my interest to join the Canadian Armed Forces, instilling service to GOD, Country and mankind.

Dad encouraged and taught me to stand up and defend those who were not able to do so for themselves, thus becoming an advocate for them, He also had mercy towards the instigators/perpetrators. With his strong personality, this quality was apparent even within his personal life where where he frequently became my advocate. Given the opportunity, I would tell him I love him, and felt he was the best Dad God could have given me. Being humble, he would regularly change the subject by asking me a question.

While serving in Afghanistan, Grandpi was a strong pillar who would regularly encouraged me to have the Amour of God first in addition to my body and vehicle armour, having at least twice a day worship and bible studies.

He had a strong spiritual walk with GOD and prayed for his children and extended family on a regular basis, wanting the best for us.

During his later healthier years, I felt he was very happy travelling the world with his Grand children and his wife (Mrs. Earrie Atlan-Afflick) This was apparent during one of his travels as he danced while embarking on one of the cruise ships they travelled on. He loved a variety of music and loved to dance, or as he would described as “bus foot”

For those family members in Jamaica, he had planned to visit you in August 2022. He felt at least to travel once more was possible if the Lord allowed him the opportunity. We spoke extensively about this, however the Lord knew differently.

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” well, Respectfully, Grandpi would have been the village leader.

It was fitting for Shereese to have asked him to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. He was exceptionally happy and proud to have that impact in his grand daughter’s life, and for sure wanted the moment to be perfect. Shereese, you made a positive impact in loving and giving back to him when he could appreciate it.

During his passing, I felt the power of GOD with us especially after the prayer Pastor Ali prayed the night before he passed.

Matthew 7:7 – 7th August, 2022. Mrs. Earrie Afflick and I had experienced this Miracle..

After an episode of difficulty to breathe, his breathing became calm for about 90mins while the room was quiet and reverent acknowledging my Mom and I there.

Dad’s oxygenation and breathing was now diminishing, Mom’s reaction was to pray asking GOD to preserve his life. She pleaded and felt it was too soon. He stopped breathing for at least 90 seconds. From his right side, having my left hand on his head, I leaned across his chest while rubbing his sternum with my right hand. I spoke into his left ear informing him that his wife and I were with him, and what her prayer entailed. Every time I asked him to take a breath for Mom, on command he would. His oxygenation increased back to at least

78%

.  I realized it was becoming challenging for him, so I informed him it was ok, GOD is with him, and GOD is with us. Even in his last breath Dad expressed is love for life and to his wife ( Mrs. Earrie Afflick), a virtuous Proverb 31 Woman who created a safe space for him to be loved, grow and give love to his beautiful extended family.

Mrs. Earrie Afflick (wife), you had created the perfect warm, loving environment for him increasing his longevity to at least 15 years. You both complemented, completed and loved each other on many levels.

Mom, thank you, we your family loves you.

Phonetic Alphabets and radio procedures

–  As a CB and AM Radio Operator, he required to communicate with brevity with other radio operators around the world. I could visualize his last breath in like manner with his radio transmission to GOD.

Gulf Oscar Delta this is VE6 Yanky 5 Whiskey Alfa, Radio Check – over,

VE6 Yanky 5 Whiskey Alfa this is Gulf Oscar Delta you are loud and clear – over.

VE6 Yanky 5 Whiskey Alfa task complete now over.

Gulf Oscar Delta, Job well done my servant, task complete, breath returns to the creator now – over.

VE6 Yanky 5 Whiskey Alfa, thank you, Love to GOD the creator, country and family, task complete closing down now – out.

In John 15:13, we are reminded from the word that “No greater love is there than a man who is willing to lay down his life for another.”

Grandpi, you have done this. It is only fitting for your resting place to be amongst the ranks of those who willingly sacrificed for others, The Veterans!

You have been a great blessing, mentor and support to many lives that you have come in contact with directly and indirectly. The love you have given, the path you have left will never be replaced. However, your legacy will continue.

We’ll miss your bright brown eyes, and radiant smile that filled our hearts and the room.

I salute you DAD. See you during the second coming of Christ. Love, Your Son – Terry.

A moment of Thanks

First of all, Glory and thanks to GOD almighty for the life of Dad/Grandpi, who was an Agent of God.

Thanks to the Bridgeland pastoral staff, and support personnel,

Thanks for the tremendous support from Pastor Ali, and Garden Roads church

Pastor Ferary and family

Pierson funeral home (Teressa), Rocky view Garden of peace funeral grounds

Calgary Remand Centre, Ginette my sister, Members of the Bridgeland church, Family and friends, Jesse, Ms. Dona, and Mr. Derry  –  Thank you all, and God Bless!

A Funeral Service for Witcliff  was held at Bridgeland Seventh-day Adventist Church (48 – 12 Street NE, Calgary) on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 11:30am.

Graveside Interment took place at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery (243208 Garden Rd, Calgary)