One of the iconic voices of Barbados has been silenced.
Mark Lord, who gave us I Hear A Love Song, My Prayer and My Country to Me, among others, passed away tonight, his son Corey announced in an emotional post on Facebook.
“Just a short while ago, you took your final breath, and although I knew this day was coming, nothing truly prepares a son for the moment he loses his father,” he said.
But in the midst of death, he was grateful, remembering the sacrifices his father made that the family never saw so he could provide for them.
“Thank you for teaching me strength, perseverance, responsibility, and for showing me that a father carries burdens his children often never realise. Thank You for every ride, every meal, every conversation, every correction, every hug, every laugh, and every memory.
“Thank You for believing in me before I believed in myself, for protecting me when I was too young to understand, for celebrating my victories, loving me through my failures, showing me what hard work looked like, and helping shape the man I have become.”
He was especially thankful to younger sister Lisa “who faithfully cared for him through these difficult years”, his brother and other members of the family.
“The last words I heard from him were back in June. I never imagined they would be our final conversation, but I will hold on to them for the rest of my life. There are so many things I wish I could say one more time, so many questions I wish I had asked, and so many moments I wish I could relive. But tonight, I choose gratitude over regret. Thank You for every year You gave us together,” Corey added.
Lord was in his mid 70s. Almost 20 years ago, he battled prostate cancer, discovered during a routine health check for his job as a security guard at the Barbados Port Authority.
He performed on the hotel circuit and in the calypso tent.
Lord was awarded a Pride of Barbados Award last year by President Emerita The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason.
His death follows that of Sir Emile Straker of The Merrymen and National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers. (SAT)