Patrick’s legacy will live on in his wife of 36 years -Joyette, son Dominic, daughter Annaleise and grandson Zayne; daughter in law Kerry-Ann; siblings Erica, Arnold, Radcliffe, Louis, Athena and Ansel; Aunt Winnie, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends and well-wishers.
Uncle Patrick, you were always one of my favourite Sunday school teachers. You were gentle, loving and truly concerned about our spiritual direction and well-being. You have ran your race well and kept the fire of righteousness going sir. Your memory and works will live on forever in our hearts and lives. Go now and take your rest sir and we'll meet again. All the glory be to GOD. Amen.
Ennis Edmonds
I have been a good friend of Joyette since the mid 1970s. Though my contacts with Patrick were periodical and usually brief, I was always impressed by his quiet dignity and confidence. Unfortunately, it was during his bouts of illness that I came to know him a bit more. I visited him and Joyette in January 2023 as he was recovering from his stoke. I was moved by the strength of his faith. I was also the recipient of his kindness, receiving from his hands a Julie mango (my favorite) which was out of season and a sweetsop. I visited them again in January 2023. This time his illness was quite advanced. I was delighted as he told me about how he was committed to lift up people. I was particularly touched when he told me of a younger worker whom his colleagues were ready to jettison. He volunteered to mentor and train that worker, who later became a standout in the office and in the profession. There were other stories of people he committed himself to help while others were ready to leave them by the wayside. Most of all, I appreciate his commitment and unqualified love and support of Joyette over the years. RIP my friend. I am sure you will hear from the Master, “Well Done!”
Edgar Mclean
Uncle Patrick, the way you and Auntie Joy has influenced my life has been incredible. You both gave me my first job selling in the store in HWT. I remember being asked to assemble a bicycle and Uncle Patrick out of nowhere came to help me. Auntie Joy, you taught me strength, always saying "Edgar you are going to be a very important man when you grow up, keep focused".
Uncle Patrick, Wow!! I just thank God for your influence in my life.
Condolences to you Auntie Joy from my family and I.
Sharon Smith
My sincere condolences to the family of the late Major Patrick Aiken.
I had the pleasure of working with him at JDF EU and then 1 Engineer Regiment JDF. Our paths would again cross when we both worked in the Public Service. I would call him sometimes for consultations on some matters of public concerns or to tell him I was referring someone who needed his services. He always spoke with a gentle yet commanding tone never one to shout or get easily upset.
Major Aiken was a consummate professional.
"May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten"
-Julie Hebert-
May his soul rest in Peace.
Daniel Simpson
I know Patrick from sunday school days. I am going to miss him. We use to talk a lot. Even when he was ill we use to communate a lot. Although he was ill ,he took it well. He had a good attitude, joyous spirit. Our condolences to Joyett, Analese and Dominique. He is safely in the arms of his Lord. Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord.
Everett Mitchell
Uncle Patrick, as he was affectionately called at Galilee Gospel Hall in my early years, was a mentor and advisor. He was always calm but purposeful in his conversations and always left a mark on me. My last conversation I had with him was in in 2014, when I was going through a rough patch in my life, and his wisdom and advice has lived in my soul to this day. Gone but never forgotten Uncle P.
National Prayer Vigil Committee. Rev. Errol Rattray - Chairman
Special Tribute to
Elder Patrick Aiken
The National Prayer Vigil Committee is saddened by the passing of Elder Patrick Aiken.
For us, he was a gentle giant, very resourceful, highly talented and we found him to be very reliable. The National Prayer Vigil Committee has benefitted immensely from his knowledge which he shared without any reservation.
During the 25th Anniversary of the Vigil which was held on the lawns of King's House, Elder Aiken played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of this special National Service. Once again we were looking forward his involvement in this year's National Prayer Vigil because of his experience and commitment.
As a committee we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Joyette, children Dominic and Annaleise and the rest of his family.
We are heartened by the fact that he held firmly to his Christian commitment and he is now with his Maker. He certainly will be missed but not forgotten.
Glendon G. Newsome
Our heartfelt condolences goes out to Joyette and family over the loss of our dearly beloved colleague and friend Major Aiken. Ever since I met Major, I found him to be very mild-mannered, humble and accommodating. Having served twice at the Surveys & Mapping Division, my experience with Major was that of someone who was very supportive and willingly share his opinion and advice.
His time on earth has certainly being of a positive impact to many, in particular junior surveyors, as well as the profession, in general, where he would have given freely of his time to serve in various capacities.
We all mourn his loss with you, although we are empowered and comforted by the huge legacy he has left with us, one which will serve the many generations of land surveyors to come.
May his soul RIP🙏
Maureen Thaxter
I met the late Major Aiken at Headquarters Jamaica Defence Force whilsI I was a young clerk and he was such a gentle and humble Officer hence I would readily hasten to assist him with his administrative enquiry. He is for sure an Officer and a gentleman. I further learnt on my retirement that his sister Athena is a good friend and neighbour of mine. I am sadden of his passing and I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family. May the Lord grand them the strenght to carry on. May the late Major Aiken's soul rest in peace.
Derrick Jarrett
I never met Maj Patrick Aitkin while he served but by a remarkable confluence of events we met after I decided to build my home in Queen Hill and needed a Land Surveyor. As a medical doctor in the army I would see medical reps for Drug companies in my Pvt practice and I would mention that I was building to his wife Joyette ( who I would learn was the sister of Col Oral Khan) and she referred him to me . Our friendship grew ever since and I was so impressed by his humility and calm demeanor that I would often tell my wife that I could not imagine Patrick as a commissioned officer and as officers would need to do , gruffly order his juniors to task. Our last interaction would have been my last building project when we missed an encroachment on the land I was purchasing. He calmly advised on a remedy and through his efforts we got it done . To Joyete and his children , I express condolences on behalf of my wife and I . He was truly an officer and a gentleman
Rest well Trooper
Major Patrick Aiken and I met while I was a recruit in intake 41 when I joined the JDF in 1981. Later when I served in the Engineer Unit I had the honor of working in # 5 maintenance squadron and Patrick was a member of EU in his capacity as commissioned officer
Our relationship grew very close and strong and he was a person that I could confide in. Later in my careers I learnt that his sister worked at air Jamaica and was a co worker to my wife. I also learnt that my wife’s family knew Patrick and his family as two of her brothers were members of the Brethren church. They also knew LT Commander John McFarlane via that channel
One of my wife’s brother worked for Tank Weld alongside Patrick’s other brother. I learnt these things much later on in my career
I rose through the ranks fairly quickly after attending courses in Canada and the UK and when I contemplated leaving the JDF. Patrick and I had a talk and I was most comfortable in my decision after and our friendship became much stronger
Some 30 years went by after I left and one day my phone rang. It was Patrick. I was so delighted to hear him. He called to tell me there was a young man at his home repairing his refrigerator and he wanted to talk to me as he never got to say goodbye when I left. We spoke
Since that call, Patrick and I conversed daily and he would send me Bible quotes and sometimes we spoke on the phone.
Last year I was in Jamaica as a brother in law had passed. I called Patrick to tell him that I was there. I passed the phone to relatives of my wife that he knew. What a re union it was for his. He was so happy and told me he has not been in touch with them since high school
I didn’t get to go and see him and when I returned to Canada we spoke and he shared what he was going through health wise but his faith in God never wavered and he was happy that Gods will be done. Even though he was down he was always very optimistic and uplifting and he encouraged me to renew my faith and he prayed with me. We reminisced about our time in the JDF and the things that we shared while on course overseas including the cold of winter and people always trying to degrade you
My last communication from Patrick via whatts app was on Jan 3, 2023
I learnt later that he had passed and I was not sad because I knew that his faith was strong and that he is with his maker where he will no longer feel any pain
Major Aiken. You have enriched the lives of many. Including me and I thank God that our paths crossed. Rest in peace my friend. My brother. To God be the glory!
Oral Khan
Patrick was my brother in arms and brother in the Lord before he became my brother brother-in-law. I first met him when we sat the JDF's Selection Board for potential officers. We attended the same Basic Officers Training Course at CFB Chilliwack, British Columbia and Infantry Officers Course at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick Canada.
I was happy to discover his deep Christian faith and looking back, I can't help but marvel at the goodness of God in providing for our mutual support and encouragement as we sought to work out our salvation through those very trying times. He discovered and later introduced me to a place of worship off base, and Patrick and I emersed ourselves to the extent possible, in their fellowship. some lasting friendships were forged with the brethren at Geary. It is true that "iron sharpeneth iron". Standing up for one's faith and living a life characterized by humility, gentleness and graciousness, as you may well imagine, can run counter to the culture in the School of Infantry where the "mean, green, fighting machine" is prepared to "kill, crush and destroy". This explained some of the challenges that both Patrick and I encountered at Gagetown, but we fought the good fight and God made a way.
In testimony of the high esteem in which I held my friend Patrick, I had no trepidation in introducing him to my sister Joyette and even trusted him to be alone around her. When their romance started, Joyette never had to do a background check, and my father never raised an eyebrow. Patrick was principled to the bone, uncompromising, altogether an honourable man.
He never lost his faith through his illness. We petitioned God based on our own desire for Patrick to continue his labours, building the kingdom. We thought there was still more that he could contribute. However, God in his wisdom overruled and we accept that Patrick's mission was completed, his purpose fulfilled, and his time had come to be promoted to be in presence of the Lord. I thank God that our paths not only crossed but became entangled. Memories live on.
Errol Stewart
Tribute To Major Patrick Aiken a True Officer and a Gentleman
From Capt. Errol Stewart
February 11,2023
On Wednesday December 5th, 1979, thirty-one young men (one not so young) boarded a JDF Bedford Truck bound for Newcastle Training Camp to take part in the Officer Selection process. On arrival at New Castle, we were met by a group of Officers headed by the then Capt. Stewart Saunders who would be the Head our selecting team.
For the next two days we were taken through some of the most challenging tests in the cold hills of Newcastle. As a Cadet in High school, I thought I was fully prepared for cold weather and intense testing. I was rudely awakened.
Having survived the selection process we could not wait for Friday Morning December 7th, 1979, when we all mustered at the foot of the stairs of Headquarters JDF ay the (White House) to hear the outcome of our attempt at joining the JDF as Officers. The Chief of Staff, then Brigadier Robert Neish, was the person that told us how we did.
Of the Thirty-one (31) young men and the one not so young man only Eight (8) of us were successful in passing the Officer Selection process. However, one was sent back to High School to complete his Six Form studies (That was Oral Khan).
To our surprise the not so young man had passed, that was Patrick Aiken.
Early the following year (March-April 1980) a group of now seven (7) Potential Officer were again transported to the New Castle Training Depot to commence our basic training to become soldiers with the intention of being trained further to become commissioned officers. We were shortly joined by two others namely Karl Young and Stacy Lee.
Our training bonded us together to become Military Brothers. Patrick being the eldest within the group was given the Title as Senior Potential Officer by the then Troublemaker within the group, Karl Young (Later to be called Seaman and Ranking Scrap Iron).
Patrick demonstrated his Leadership Qualities from the very first day. He kept us focused, but more profound with Patrick was his Christian Faith. While there were other Potential Officers professing the Christian faith, Troublemaker Karl Young had to question their brand of the faith which he said lacked the humility of Patrick’s. Karl therefore encouraged to stick to what Patrick had to say to keep us out of trouble and punishment.
At Newcastle the nine of us were the only Trainees at the time as the previous intake (36) had recently Passed Out and sent to their respective units. With such a small group the focus of the instructors was intense.
During our time in Newcastle our morale was kept high by the Senior PO Patrick even when we were ordered to cut grass and sweep the roadways from BUSH Cottage to the Parade Square by then Depot Commander Capt Allan Douglas. Grass cutting and sweeping became the norm.
On one such fatigue duty we saw a Helicopter land on the parade square. a Chinese Man dressed in a blue three-piece Suite came out of the Helicopter and as usual PO Troublemaker (Karl young) commented that the “Bigger Man come and him a Chinese”.
Hours later at 0200Hrs we had only reach Refuge Lodge when the Chinese man, still dressed in his blue three-piece suite joined us. Again Troublemaker (Karl Young) as usual questioned him “Chiney man, wah you fah?” his next question was “Chiney Man, weh you usually work?” The reply was “JPS”. Next was “What you did at JPS?” the answer was “Supervisor”.
Trouble then said, “You mean to say, you left JPS as a big Supervisor to join the JDF, to come sweep street at 2:00am in a tree piece suite”. Well needless to say the sweeping stopped and there was an outburst of laughter from us all.
It took Patrick to say we are all God’s Soldier no matter our colour, where we are from or the way we dress, that’s when we realized just how deep Patrick was in His Christian Faith.
At no time during our stay in Newcastle did I see Patrick express anger or disgust because his faith kept him focused. Later throughout his military career he kept that faith and was a shining example of an Officer and a Gentleman.
Finally on behalf of our PARTY Ewan Oliver( Spec) Stacy Lee(Chiney man) Derick Hinds (Ferluchie) Clive Farquharson (Far Q) Joey Alexendra (Old Joe) French Campbell (Frenchie) Karl Young ( Ranking Scrap Iron) Richard Lewis (Ricky who is waiting at the gates of the Almighty to receive Patrick with open arms ) and myself Errol Stewart (Stewie) I wish to thank General Stewart Saunders for selecting us ( NOT YOU BASIL) as Officers thereby giving us the opportunity to bond as Military Brothers to share in the gift of life that was given to Patrick Aiken. He has moved on to a higher calling, and we shall forever remember him.
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER
MAY YOU REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MILITARY BROTHER AND LIGHT PERPETUAL SHINE UPON YOU.
FAREWELL, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Keith and Rose Ellis
Brother Patrick's life was a living testimony of what the Lord will do for a person who has totally committed himself or herself to the Master's service.
We will remember him with great respect and admiration.
Shalom
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