Winston Fitzgerald Quammie quietly left us on July 15th 2019 just 14 days before his 92nd birthday at Capital Caring Halquist Center in Arlington, Virginia.
Saddened by the passing of the family patriarch, a wonderful son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, god-father, father-in-law, friend, and neighbor; he lived his life full of adventure, fun and to the fullest leaving everyone with a wealth of amazing memories.
Winston was born 29 July, 1927 in Caracas, Venezuela to the late Ivy (nee Brathwaite) and Percival Quammie. A few years later his parents returned to Trinidad where Winston grew up to be a young man and earn his education. He loved and was extremely active in sports where he organized, coached and participated in several sports including netball, boxing, bodybuilding, weightlifting, track & field, karate, and field hockey. He was also the founder of the Boston Old Boys (B.O.B.) gym in Mon Repos whose motto was “Each One Teach One, Look and Learn”. He played in the neighborhood steel band Guinness Cavaliers.
As a young boy Winston was very handy and loved building and fixing things as to why he chose a career in construction. He was very proud of his career and would always take his boys on drives to see his work especially the Trinidad Hilton Hotel and the Grace Plant at Federation Chemical.
In the 60’s Winston migrated to St. Croix, USVI continuing his construction career, where if you were fortunate to visit him and get his island tour it included the St Croix Water Plant, the Hess Oil Refinery where he worked for many years and the many laundromats where for several years after retirement he was the only person on the island that knew how to repair the machines. He loved the beach and always kept a pair of swim trunks in the car. The story is that he was swimming at the age of 2 years old.
Winston was a very active member in the community. He was a proud member of the St Croix Lions Club where he held several positions including Club President. He was a member of the local chapter of the Orchid Society, the Bonsai Club, a member and contributor to St. George Village Botanical Gardens Mango Melee, and the American Hibiscus Society where he was a senior judge. He also was a soccer coach and referee, and the photographer for the USVI Olympic Team; travelling to 2 Olympic games. He was also an avid supporter and volunteer of the Virgin Islands Special Olympics.
In September 2017, it took two Category 5 hurricanes to convince Winston to leave St Croix, his “American Paradise” and moved to Virginia. He was surrounded by family and friends enjoying their visits from both near and far; eating, dancing and listening to his favorite music old time calypso and salsa, watching his favorite African and Western movies and spending time with Zack and Nate.
Thanks to Dr. Muhammad Ali, MD and his staff, and the staff at Capital Caring Halquist Center for their kind, professional and personal service they provided to Winston and his family.
A celebration of Winston’s life will be held at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Friday 19th July; Visitation at 1pm and Life Celebration Service at 2pm.
Condolences for the family may be offered at https://www.cunninghamfuneralhome.net
811 Cameron St. Alex. VA 22314
07/19/2019
1:00pm - 2:00pm
May his soul rest in heavenly peace.
I would like to say to the entire family I never meet him I know he was a wonderful father husband and friend to those that came on to contact with in so I leave saying sleep in peace Mr Winston
The tears will flow knowing that you are gone, but the memories of you will still live on. God saw your talent and said come on son your work on earth is now done. The Atherleys,
I’m so sorry for your loss. “Uncle” will truly be missed. So grateful to have known him and have many memories to cherish.
Terrance, On behalf of the NAVSEA06L4 team we extend our most sincere condolences to you and your family. May God bless and comfort you and your family in your time of grief.
My dearest condolences. May God give you and your family the strength to endure this sad moment for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and may our prayers help ease the pain that you are feeling right now. God Bless
Condolences to the family of Winston Quammie. Though the hole left be his leaving can not be filled; Loved ones, be joyous in the knowledge that Winston takes with him all the love and support that you gave him in life.
Sending Prayers that this hard time will past.
Sincerely
Sheryl, Shirell & Shirley Belcher
Condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. May he rest in peace.
Condolences to the family of Winston F. Quammie , may you all , continue to have faith ,and the love you shared will always be in your memories.
My condolences to you and your family. I pray for your family for peace and comfort. I am so sorry for the loss of your father.
I am so sorry for your loss, Roger. Thankfully, you were able to make some last good memories right before he left you. He will always be with you, in your heart and watching over you. He is your guardian angel now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Sending my condolences to you and your family Roger. Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Tamika & Family
To Roger and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Prayers of peace, strength, comfort and healing to you all as you remember the good times. May he rest well..
Peace and blessings to you all,
Bianca R.
To Roger and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Prayers of peace, strength, comfort and healing to you all as you remember the good times you shared. May he rest well..
Peace and blessings to you all,
Bianca R
“After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all you have to hold onto are the happy memories that you’ve shared with your loved one who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through family & friends. My condolences.”
I am deeply and sincerely sorry for the loss of your father.
Wanda & Family