He cared about the small things

No-nonsense journalist John Maxwell remembered as a friend to the environment and his fellow man

Anastasia Cunningham, Senior Gleaner Writer

John William Maxwell's immense impact on and connection with nature and every living thing with which he came in contact was at the heart of a moving memorial service held in his honour yesterday.

Early yesterday morning, the University Chapel in Mona, St Andrew, brought out a full congregation of family, friends, journalists, media practitioners, dignitaries, and politicians who reflected on and celebrated the life of a man who was full of passion for the tiniest of God's creatures.

Laughter and joy often interrupted the tears and heartache that marked the sombre gathering as close family and friends shared their intimate experiences with Maxwell during the memorial service.

"This afternoon, we did not come to say farewell. That's difficult because of his spiritual connection with nature. Instead, we are here to incorporate all he stood for into our lives," said the Reverend Canon Ernle Gordon.

Solemn reality

Bringing home the solemn reality that dust you are and to dust you will return, Maxwell's cremated remains lay in a small square, wooden, carved box on a table covered with a pristine white cloth surrounded by a floral arrangement.

Veteran journalist and lifelong friend, 92-year-old Peter Abrahams, reminded the church filled with journalists and others of the essence of their colleague and his never-failing passion for the profession, which made him "one of the most fired journalists in Jamaica".

Everyone laughed.

"I first met John in 1955 as a cocky, young journalist, bubbly, and argumentative," shared Abrahams, to more laughter.

"He cared about the small things. He cared about the land, what happened to the land. He was particularly worried about the environmental problems of Jamaica, and sorry to say, but both political administrations treated him shabbily about his grave concern for the environment."

Working together for most of their lives, Abrahams and Maxwell shared a lifelong friendship. One main thing Abrahams wanted to remind journalists of about John was that "he made mistakes, but never, to my knowledge, has he ever repeated the same mistake".

Remain committed

Abrahams urged journalists to remain just as committed and to do whatever they had to do, no matter the cost, to get the truth and serve the people.

Still full of fire, the ailing Abrahams got a standing ovation.

Younger brother, Maxi, failing to find a hero with whom he could adequately compare his brother, said the most fitting thing to say about John was "that was a man".

He said John was a general who commanded his words and ideas, then set out in battle against stupidity and injustices.

Reflecting on life as John's younger brother, earning the nickname 'Little Big Head' in high school from John's own 'Big Head' nickname, he shared a myriad of light moments with his brother "who did everything to control my life, no matter how much I tried to resist".

In a twist of irony, he told the congregation that his big brother hated funerals.

"In fact, the last one we went to, he leaned over to me and said, 'This is it, this is the last one. I will never be caught dead at another funeral'," said Maxi.

The spitting image of her father in looks and her passions in life, often accused of being 'John's son', eldest daughter Leah Gold, said: "My father was an acquired taste, peppery, savoury, and sweet at the same time, like his cooking. He either had friends or enemies. No in-between. He was complicated."

She described her father as a rakish, romantic figure with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

"My father had two goals: to change the world, and take care of Jamaica. He took the idea to love your neighbour literally. He wanted to save and care for everyone. In fact, if he had been anymore open-minded, his brains would have fallen out, and some may have thought it had," said Leah.

Unable to hold back tears, youngest daughter Katie could only manage the few words: "Dad, you're always in my heart. Nothing can keep us apart. I love you, Daddy."

Tribute from regional neighbours

Among those who paid tribute was Cynthia Miller, of the Free Winnifred Development Society, who said she was honoured to know a man who had fought tooth and nail for their cause. Cuban ambassador to Jamaica, Yuri Gala, said Maxwell had forged a bond of unbreakable friendship between Cuba and Jamaica. He said Cubans would always remember and thank him for fighting for their cause.

Myrtha Désulmé, representing the Haitian community in Jamaica, said Maxwell was an illustrious Jamaican warrior.

"I never cease to marvel at his fierceness in fighting for Haiti's cause. He never wavered, never backed down from an argument. Haiti had an invaluable friend in John. We lost John at a time when Haiti needs him most. The Caribbean is the poorer for losing him," she said.

Environmentalist, friend, and fellow journalist, Lloyd D'Aguilar, said Maxwell was committed to social change and used his weapon - the pen - to defend and fight for it.

Tears and laughter

His wife of 20 years, Marjan de Bruin, daughters Leah and Katie, and son Matthew, were often in tears, and sometimes laughter, as they absorbed all that was being said about the husband and father.

"John Maxwell was a perfect contradiction. He was tough as nails, but had a heart of cotton candy. He was a fierce environmentalist, yet he didn't need matches or a lighter - he used one cigarette to light the other," said Maxwell's friend, comrade, and mentee, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.

She said Maxwell taught Jamaicans to be fearless, factual, and fair and that the best tribute to his life was to follow his example.

Aggrey Brown, Maxwell's friend of more than 50 years, said: "John Max was not a religious person, but was cosmic connected, a deeply spiritual man who had reverence for life. He believed to harm the Earth was to heap contempt on its Creator."

Maxwell's cremated remains will be buried with his father, John Maxwell Sr, in a private ceremony at the Baptiste Church Cemetery in Duncans, Trelawny, at a later date.

Born May 20, 1934, Maxwell died on December 10 after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 76.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com