Primary school fêtes centenarian

Edwin McFarlane wept openly as students and staff from the Sudbury Primary and Infant School in St James serenaded him in song and speech on June 1, two days before he turned 100.

The students celebrated with McFarlane and his family at his home in Murray Hill. McFarlane, who is originally from Industry in St James, was very appreciative of the gesture, softly muttering "Thank you Jesus, thank you God" repeatedly.

He was given a citation, a fan and gift basket, courtesy of the school. Neighbours and friends also lauded him in reflective pieces and tributes, which underscored his kindness to residents in the community, especially the children. When asked why he thought he was blessed with long life, the centenarian said he is doing things right.

"Jesus appreciates how I was living, Jesus loves me. I was never partial [in my dealings]," McFarlane said.

In an interview with JIS News, Althia Palmer, Sudbury's guidance counsellor, said she was informed about McFarlane's impending milestone and thought that it was something that needed to be recognised.

"I discussed it with my principal [Susan Davis] and she agreed that it was a good idea, [then] spoke to students and teachers, who [also] agreed. When I think of him being 100 years old, it's like something bubbled inside of me and I said we have to do something for him," she said.

Interestingly, McFarlane and his wife are both past students of Sudbury and have a great-grandson who is currently a grade-five student.

Davis said that recognising McFarlane was part of the school's welfare programme, which extends its reach not only to students, but to members of the community.

"I believe, as a school, we looked forward to this celebration. We looked forward to this day to come and celebrate with Mr McFarlane, because he has [a great-grandchild] there and used to be there, as well as his wife," she said.

McFarlane's wife, Mavis, spoke glowingly about her husband of 55 years, telling JIS News that she met him while on her way to church in 1968; they got married that same year.

"I thank the Lord for him because he is a very nice gentleman. I don't say everybody don't have their little ways, but praise God, he is very nice and gentle," the 87-year-old said.

Mavis added that when they met, she already had five children, and that her husband accepted all of them as his own. She never bore any children for him.

"I have about 12 grandchildren. He is a grandfather for them; the great-grandchildren, [I have] 20; he is a great-grandfather for them; and the great-great-grandchildren, he is [there] for them also," she said.

Mavis said that McFarlane has been a farmer his entire life, which enabled him to be a great provider for his family.

McFarlane expressed gratitude to the school for their recognition of her husband, as it was well deserved.