Andrew Wildes, Gleaner Writer
Dudley Stokes speaks at a Gleaner long-service awards function in 2000. - File photos
"Life at best is bittersweet," are the sentiments of the family of Dr Dudley Stokes, regarding the national Order of Distinction to be bestowed upon him today, during the annual National Honours and Awards ceremony at Kings House.
From 1986 to 1992, Dr Stokes held the position of editor-in-chief at The Gleaner Company.
Dr Stokes will be conferred with the OD in the rank of Officer for his contribution to education, sports, religion and journalism.
While his family welcomes the 'much-deserved' award, the fact that he is seriously ill and will not be able to personally accept it, makes them think it has come a 'little late'.
"I think it took a little too long and he's not in a position health-wise to even appreciate what is happening," said his wife Veronica Stokes.
Dr Stoke suffers sfrom the crippling combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Well deserved
Though a bit more guarded, there was not much difference in the views of son Dudley Stokes Jr.
"I'm happy to see that his life of service, hard work and sacrifice is being recognised. On that account, I am happy," said the younger Stokes. " I think that it is well deserved and probably a little belated, but that's how these things are."
Dr Stokes' daughter, Theresa, will accept the award on his behalf.
Dudley Stokes was born in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, to Victor Stokes and Doris Daley-Stokes. He was educated at Knockalva Practical Training Centre, Calabar Theological College and Wake Forrest Seminary in North Carolina.
Dr Stokes was a teacher for many years, working at institutions such as Boys' Town, St Mary High School, Calabar High School and Cornwall College.
A minister of religion in the Baptist Church, he was president of the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, chairman of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's Committee on Education, a member of the Education Advisory Council at the University of the West Indies, a member of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Tertiary Education and president of the National Council for the Church and Social Action.
Dudley Stokes in 1991.
