CHOISEUL BIDS FAREWELL TO MODESTUS DESMOND aka COCKSHOW

A congregation of well over 500 gathered in the  Choiseul Catholic church and in the vicinity of the Choiseul presbytery last Friday to bid farewell to Choiseul's most popular auto mechanic, widely known as Cockshow.

Viewing Body

The gathering came from the length and breadth of the island as well as Canada, the UK, and the United States of America, wearing a kaleidoscope of colours.

Upon arrival via a mini motorcade from the Crick's Funeral Home, the body was set up for viewing at the Church. Scores of person paid their final respects as the filed passed the body on their way to their pews.

Sherrie Alcee

Ms Cherrie Alcee, niece to the deceased delivered a heart-moving eulogy. "Modestus Desmond aka Junior/Cockshow  -  a simple man– my uncle, was the third son of the humble family of Augustin Desmond widely known as Mazoraye and Roslyn Desmond. He was born in the Choiseul village on November 29, 1961, Her opening salvo was.

Looking quite composed and with the fluency and diction of a top executive's secretary of a big corporate institution, she delivered.

 She mentioned Modestus' early education his passion for auto mechanics his early struggles to found his first garage at Reunion and the person he really was. "Junior was hard-working, compassionate towards everyone, and deserved the success and life that he enjoyed."  

She continued, "He taught us many, many things, but I think most importantly he gave us the ability to know that if you really put your mind to something, anything is possible, and never to be afraid to give anything a go."

Junior was a family man. Junior was also a family man. He met the love of his life Meuris Stephen in the 90s and they have a beautiful daughter Amanda Merline Alcee – their only child. He was also always there for Meuris and for 36 years they shared everything life can offer - together. They were a great team supporting each other in every way, Cherrie told the congregation. 

Meuris Stephen

With regard to the family's loss, Sherrie said, "We are all humbled by Meuris’ strength over the past few weeks and days and her ability to focus on the amazing life she shared with Junior and not dwell on what she has lost. We hope that through this we can find strength from her example and be there for her whenever she needs us."

Before she ended her message she let the congregation know that Junior’s love was unconditional and this is something we will cherish from his character – and take with us forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The service officially began with the pallbearers following the priest as he led the body to the altar. The service which lasted less than an hour followed the routine Catholic program for the dead - entrance hymn, first reading, seconding reading, the gospel reading, the comments by the priest, etc.

The Priest, among other messages in his homily, mentioned that he personally knew Modestus and he believed that Modestus was a happy man since he crossed over the bridge. He referenced the song "Across the Bridge" to bring out his message.

Last moments at tombside

At the cemetery, Junior was laid to rest in a concrete tomb. With flowers spread all over the tomb Junior's family took their last photo with their beloved. Farewell, my dear friend!!