Goodnight, 'Shoey'

RUEL WATSON Reid, affectionately known as 'Shoey', was born on April 1, 1929, in Hopewell, Hanover. He was the son of Samuel Reid and Mary Garrison.

As a young man in the early 40s, Shoey laboured as a field worker at DJ Henry's in Adelphi, St James. He later worked at Seaforth Sugar and Rums, cutting cane. Subsequently, he learned the shoe-making trade and continued in that line of work for the rest of his working life, earning the name, Shoey!

During the '70s and '80s, he worked in partnership with N. Samuels. Even into retirement, he continued to serve his community, often at no charge.

Shoey was happily married to Pearl Emmanuel. They married late in life. Although they did not have any biological children, Shoey was, indeed, a father to many.

I was one of many children Shoey took under his wings. I admired his faithfulness, his inquisitive spirit, his reliance on God, his trust in his fellow man and his smile that could light up a room.

I met Shoey at the North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church more than 40 years ago. As a young child, I sat at the corner of James Street with Grandma. As I grew older, I started to sit with my friends, Geri and Georgette.

They sat next to Shoey, who took me into his family. He saved seats for all of us every Sabbath. He made leather covers for our Sabbath School study guides. He also made slippers and shoes for us.

What I remember most from that time was the conversations we used to have, especially when I was in high school. Although Shoey had limited formal education, he was one of the most intelligent, well-read individuals I have ever met. His hearing and speech were impaired, so when speech failed we would write in the exercise book he carried at all times.

Shoey took pride in augmenting our education. He questioned us about the things we were learning in school and regularly challenged our knowledge and assumptions. He addressed any deficiencies he detected. Shoey and I carried on our conversations over the years, even after I migrated to the United States. He wrote me regularly and if he did not hear from me, he would write again. I got a letter from him as recently as a few weeks ago.

In addition to his hearing and speech impairment, he suffered the effects of polio, which he contracted in the '50s. He walked with difficulty and suffered excruciating knee and leg pains, especially as he grew older. He struggled to survive each day, with limited financial means.

Good night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!