Barbara Ellington, Contributor
SIXTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Claude Marks lost his battle with cancer on February 10, 2004. He is survived by wife Olive and 12 children.
Following his successful surgery, Mr. Marks had been prepared to fight for full recovery but subsequent complications proved too much for the Dressikie, St. Mary, farmer.
Described as a man of the land, 'Mas Claudie' as he was popularly known in his community will be sadly missed. He spent his entire life in the parish and even though he made several visits overseas to be with his family who had migrated, he soon became home sick.
FAMILY TIES
His father, Bobby Marks, was a member of the Hoggs and Marks families from Animal Hill in Hanover, but he moved to St. Mary where Mas Claudie was born. The young Mr. Marks followed his father's tradition of cattle rearing and coconut and banana production. He also operated a grocery shop and trucking business.
Barry Wahrmann, a contemporary of Mr. Marks recalls that he was a very kind man who would not hesitate to offer his trucks free of cost to transport sports teams to matches.
"He was a quiet and unassuming man who was very proud of his country and the success of his children, especially Audrey for her initiative in establishing PayMaster Jamaica Ltd. He never had an enemy and he will be a great loss to us," Mr. Wahrmann said.
And former Member of Parliament for Western St. Mary, Terry Gillette said he knew Mr. Marks from the days when he operated a truck for the All-Island Banana Growers Association.
Mr. Gillette said, "Mr. Marks was a calm, level-headed, sincere and fair-minded man who never lost his cool. He was never afraid to tell you the truth if he disagreed with your point of view. He loved everyone's children and was a father-figure to them all but he was especially proud of his children's success.
Taken from the Gleaner, Friday, February 13, 2004
