Kelvin Audley Burnett, Sr

Reflection on the Life of the Late Kelvin Audley Burnett, Sr.

“One of the hardest things that has ever been required of me was that I had to let go as the angels carried you up to heaven,” anon.

Today we celebrate the life of one who has lived. He has accomplished so many milestones in his years, too numerous to recollect.

As a young man he along with his friends at the time, in the early 1950’s, rode from Westmoreland to St. Ann, on bicycles, at the beginning of the construction phase of the Reynold’s Bauxite Co. development. He resided in Golden Grove and was employed to the company.

Kelvin has been married to Leslyn since Dec. 31, 1951, until his passing on Aug. 13, 2024. A union of over 72 years. During this period, he welcomed Audley, Dale, Kelvin Jr., Karen, and Nicola in creating a family. His priority and focus became family first. The education of each child was not a questionable factor, each child was able to read prior to kindergarten, thanks to mom and dad, and The Best Stories from the Best Book. The family worship at least once per week which was not debatable, and praying before going to bed was non-negotiable.

The family is Wesleyan Methodist by choice, Kelvin was the first Congregational Steward for the Golden Grove Methodist Church from 1962 – 1980. There was a vibrant Women League, Young Christian Endeavors, Boy Brigade, and one of the best Church Choirs on the island.

During the early 70’s through early 80’s he established a construction enterprise. They offered opportunities to a lot of young men from the community to learn and develop skills in carpentry, mason, plumbing, and general residential and commercial construction.

Once a workman came to a site, seeking work. The foreman said they did not employ casual workers, only on a job description basis. The man saw two men digging a trench and joined them without approval. He worked all day, through the breaks and in the evening, he went to the foreman after putting in more than an hour extra and said “Boss you see what I have done, please pay me for the days work.”

The foreman told him he will have to submit his work into the office even though he did not give him approval. While he was trying to convince the foreman to pay him, Dad came on the site. He went over and stated his problem. Dad paid him from his pocket. Years later Dad and Audley were in Kingston when noticed a F150 following. They went into a hardware, Magnol House, and the truck pulled up behind them. The man came out and said “Hi! Mr. Burnett, you remember the man who ask for the one-day work. Now this is the one-day work, plus I have a going business and a house in Beverly Hills.” That was dad, always extending opportunities to others.

During the early 80’s Kelvin, Lyn & KB Jr. emigrated to ELKHART, In. They later found their bearings and was joined by Dale and Audley subsequently. He was attached to the Carpenters Union for several years, until he retired to Florida. Due to falling health, it was decided to relocate to Elkhart again where it all started. I wouldn’t do justice to this man by pretending to relate his life achievements in that we wouldn’t have the space nor the time to for such endeavors.

Kelvin Audley Burnett is pre-deceased by his daughter Karen and survived by his devoted wife, Leslyn Burnett; his cherished children, Winston (Audley) Burnett, Dale Burnett, Kelvin Burnett, Jr. (KB) and Nicola Burnett; his adored grandchildren, Kelcin Burnett, Karl Burnett, Leslyn Burnett, Jamila Shine, Kasinda Wolfe, Keenen Burnett, Kelvin Burnett, Jr., Terrelle Burnett; 8 great-grandchildren; as well as his beloved daughters-in-law, Audrey Burnett and Barbara Burnett. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, dear friends, and his church family. Kelvin Audley Burnett will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his vibrant spirit, love for family, and unshakable faith.

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Greive not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes, we’re together again.”

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

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