Stephen Gregory Smith "Woody"

Stephen Gregory Smith was the devoted husband and soulmate of Rowena Eccles Smith, son of John and Andrea Smith (deceased), brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and close friend to many.

Stephen Gregory Smith AKA Woody

Let me tell you about Stephen Gregory Smith "Woody", the loving husband and soulmate of Rowena Vivienne St Claire Eccles Smith.

Early Life

Stephen Gregory Smith "Woody" was born in the foothills of the Northern Range in Trinidad in Blue Range, the son of John Victor Smith (deceased) and Andrea Smith (deceased), the second of five (5) children, elder brother Ian (deceased), sisters Jacqueline, Michele (deceased) and his younger brother Gerard.

Gerard admired Stephen for his ability to rise above all challenges that presented or beset him. Moreover, the manner in which he overcame them with consumate humility and anonymity.

Blue Rangers

The Rangers collective was then and is now and continues to be a very tightly-knitted group of friends, a family. As a Ranger, Stephen was very popular at his footballing prowess (more on that later) and his easy going disposition captivated many. It was on the field of play in Blue Range where Stephen was rechristened Woody by the Rangers cohort. Being solid in build , many an opposing player felt the hurt and unrelenting pain long after challenges to win the ball from him. In fact Gregory Gomez has named three (3) of his toes on his left foot Woody as after a collision with Stephen these toes remain numb to this day.

St Mary's College

At St Mary's College, he truly developed himself holistically (body, mind and spirit). He was very strong in Maths . He represented St Mary's in cricket at U-14, 1st eleven Football, Volleyball, ran track (200 and 400 meter) Champion as Juniors in 1975.

He was awarded the footballer Year Medal in 1974.

He was also a member of 6th Trinidad Sea Scout, a formidable swimmer and an even stronger rower. He became the President of the Presidium of the Legion of Mary and served as an acolyte occasionally at School mass.

Boston

Stephen's dream was to go to Europe and play FOOTBALL

but

His Dad sent him to Boston College!

At Boston College, he would introduce himself as Stephen Gregory Smith from Trinidad and Tobago and they would ask him 'What part of Jamaica is that'? I guess he knew he would become a naturalized Jamaican..

He represented Boston College (Boston Eagles) in football.

He graduated with a B.Sc. (Cum Laude) in Computer Science in 1979.

Bob Marley

An avid Bob Marley fan sharing birthdate Feb 6th, this is the only music played in his car. Stephen was called the Chief Philosophy Officer for his football club Vespers where they would be 'vesperized' with deep Philosophy which was riddled with most of Bob Marley's very deep and conscious lyrics.

Work/Service/Marriage

Stephen never like the cold, and upon graduation he headed back to Trinidad, where he was hired

by IBM.

It was on of his trips to IBM Jamaica (which happened to be around Bob Marley's birthday (no surprise why he timed that trip)) he met Rowena an IBMer in Jamaica who had co-written and was co-presenting the launching of a system for IBM locations in the Caribbean.

The attraction was mutual and instant (Rowena likes Handsome, Bright, Athletic men) and after secret meetings they married before immediate family and close friends on April 9th, 1994.

Rowena did not try to change him but enabled him to be true to himself and enjoy the things he loved (Sports, carnival, the beach , sleep anywhere anytime). He was/is truly her soulmate.

He performed his voluntary service to mankind through various organizations like Rotary of Bernardsville NJ (Now Somerset Hills NJ), Port of Spain West, and New Kingston.

In 1994, they together formed a consulting company business (Systems and Process Improvement Ltd (SPILTD)) before they migrated to the USA in 1998. In the USA, Stephen had a successful professional career with companies including CitiGroup and Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Every winter in New Jersey he was very 'depressed' and finally decided to head to Florida where he retired twice and came out of retirement the first time to consult and eventually retired again at the end of the year 2021.

Sports

Stephen was well known by All for his love of football. That includes playing ability, football intelligence and football watching.

Let's not talk about playing football on his wedding day

OR

The wheelchair maneuver to get a ticket when he attended 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Or

How the football ended up in his dinner plate,

and we won't even talk about how many screens he had watching several games at once.

Oh how he loved his BELOVED ARSENAL, Rowena would hear him shouting let's go GUNNERS!

Note: They even have a 'son' who plays for ARSENAL Check out Emile Smith Rowe!

And

of course we can't leave out BRAZIL!

Although less, he was also known for cricket. He played a little and watched a fair bit. He went to Guyana with his buddies to watch the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September last year.

He also liked golf and along with Rowena during retirement they both were working on improving their game. His knowledge of the sport had grown with his stint at being a caddie.

As a Boston man, he supported all the new England teams. The Patriots, the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Revolution, the Bruins.... (the Smith's house is a Boston House).

As a devout Catholic, he moves into the beyond, may he score a bicycle kick goal to let the crowd go wild.

Rest well Stephen Gregory Smith (Woody) from your labours and may we see you again in Eternity.

One Love.

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ROWENA'S WORDS OF AFFECTION AND CONTINUED DEVOTION AT THE SCATTERING OF THE ASHES IN THE GULF OF PARIA (TRINIDAD) AND SPEYSIDE (TOBAGO)

My dearest SOULMATE, the moment you took your last breath at 8 a.m. on Tuesday July 4, 2023 was the day My world went DARK!

All I know is my mind replays what my heart cannot delete.

I DON'T want memories, I WANT YOU!.

I wish I met you sooner so I could LOVE you more.

ALL I ask is FOREVER to remember me just loving you.

As you pledged to me on our wedding (words from Buju Banton's 'Girl You Make My Day'), I pray I made your day, your life.

Oh Smithos, my SOULMATE, my FOREVER love,

Oh how you love the sea ....

Rest easy and move gently with the ebb and the flow of the sea!

As we discussed years ago, I am keeping some of your ashes so you are ALWAYS with me. (It comforts me).

REST in Eternal PEACE until we see each other in GLORY.

As per Bob Marley, ONE LOVE...

MY FOREVER LOVE and SOULMATE.....

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TRIBUTES FROM ROWENA

All I ask of YOU is to FOREVER TO REMEMBER ME as LOVING YOU

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtikX0fmCpY

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

Until the 12th of NEVER, I will STILL be LOVING YOU

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNNRGa3pKyw

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

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NIGHT OF TRIBUTES AND SERVICES

A Night of Tributes for Stephen Gregory Smith aka 'Woody' was held Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.

Link:

https://youtube.com/live/HqVnLzlxAOE?feature=share ~

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

FACILITATOR – Lloyd Barnett

OPENING PRAYER - Errol R. A. Eccles

1. EARLY DAYS

Gerard Smith

2. BLUE RANGE

Gerard Smith

3. HIGH SCHOOL (CIC)

Jeffery Grell

Stephen Sahibdeen

4. BOSTON

Robert “Sam” Preston

Carmen Ortiz

Teresa Katuska

5. WORK

Nigel James (IBM)

Ian Lemonious (CITI Group)

Virginia Johnson (Federal Reserve Bank)

6. FRIENDS

Ingrid Lashley

May Evans

Nicole Joseph-Chin

Heather Davis

Peggy Byfield

Lascelles Haylett

Dorett Williams

Khadija Ashley

Marcia Webley

Arlene Henry-Dawkins

Kathryn Sealey

Ivor Crandon

7 . FAMILY

Sonia Donaldson

Keith Tillet

Gina Marquez

Sandra Comarcho

Recia Borelli

Krissy Jackman

Errol Eccles

8. SPORTS

Robert “Bob” Kane (Vespers)

LIMERS Club (T.J. Anthony)

9. SOUL MATE

Carlton Brown

CLOSING PRAYER - Bishop Dr. Devon A. O. Eccles

TIME OF REFLECTION

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There were four Funeral Services:

SERVICE in CORAL SPRINGS FLORIDA, USA

1. CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA USA

Full Service with Stephen's body on Thursday July 27th, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Coral Springs FL at 10:30 a.m.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0GfCi3SV-k

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

ORDER OF SERVICE

10:45 PRELUDE………………………………………… Live Steel Pan Music (Bob Marley & David Rudder)

• Redemption song - Bob Marley

• Rally Round the West Indies - David Rudder

• Trini 2 De Bone - David Rudder

• Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

11:00………………………………………… Life Story

Gerard D. Smith - Early Days

Keith Tillet - Boston Days

Dr. Ivor Crandon - Service

Dr. Errol R. A. Eccles - Sports

Carlton Brown - Work & Marriage

Processional………………………….… Let There Be Peace on Earth

First Reading ……………………….…... A Reading from the Book of Wisdom 4:7-15

Sara Affonso-Smith (Niece)

Responsorial Psalm………………….… Shepherd Me O God

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel…………………………………... A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 6:37- 40

(Father Mathew)

Prayers of the Faithful……………........ Father Mathew

Presentation of the Gifts ………..……. You Raise Me Up

Communion………………………………Ave Maria

Commendation of the Soul……………. May You Walk with Christ

Final Blessing

Recessional……………………………. On Eagle’s Wings

Pallbearers:

Gerard D. Smith, Keith Tillet, Martin Phillips, Trevor Tillet

Dr. Errol R. A. Eccles, Bishop Dr. Devon A. O Eccles, Clifton E.G. Eccles Jnr.

Robert Preston (Sam), Keith Best, Jeffery Grell

Dr. Ivor Crandon, Carlton Brown

Robert Kane, Domenico Reina

Christian Thomson

TO THE WORLD YOU WERE JUST ANOTHER PERSON

BUT TO ME (ROWENA) YOU ARE STILL MY WORLD

‘All Things in Moderation’

John Victor Smith (Dad)

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CREMATION in FLORIDA, USA

Cremation was witnessed by Family and Friends on Friday July 28th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

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SERVICE in WARREN, NEW JERSEY, USA

2. WARREN, NEW JERSEY USA

Service with ashes on Thursday August 10th, 2023 at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church in Warren NJ at 10:30 a.m.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1TZo6_NY9U&list=PLJIVLCapGDOmnDsQuGGOVGLmeW_mm1Y7e&index=10

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

Celebrant - Reverend Sean W. Kenney, OFS

ORDER OF SERVICE

Prelude …………………………………. Live Steel Pan Music - (Bob Marley and David Rudder)

• Redemption song - Bob Marley

• Rally Round the West Indies - David Rudder

• Trini 2 De Bone - David Rudder

• Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Processional ………………………….... On Eagle's Wings

Eulogy …………………………………… Recia Borelli (Cousin)

Old Testament Reading …………....…. Wisdom 4:7-15 - Nigel Furlonge (Cousin)

Responsorial Psalm ………………....…. Shelter Me, O God

New Testament Reading …………......... 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a - Traci Affonso-Smith (Niece)

Gospel …………………………………… Matthew 5:1-12a

Homily ………………………………....…. Father Sean

Prayer of the Faithful ………………........ Hannah Affonso-Smith (Niece)

Preparation Hymn ………………….....… Ave Maria (Schubert)

Presentation of the Gifts……………....... Robert Kane and Varghese Jimmy Kochuvaried

Communion Hymn ………………....…… I Am the Bread of Life (John Michael Talbot)

Meditation Hymn……………………....… All I Ask of You (Gregory Norbet)

Final Commendation …….……….....… Litany of the Saints (Becker)

Recessional ………………………......… Come With Me (from “Les Miserables”) Schonberg/Kretzmer

TO THE WORLD YOU WERE JUST ANOTHER PERSON

BUT TO ME (ROWENA) YOU ARE STILL MY WORLD

‘All Things in Moderation’

John Victor Smith (Dad)

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SERVICE in KINGSTON, JAMAICA W.I.

3. KINGSTON, JAMAICA W.I.

Service with ashes on Saturday August 19th, 2023 at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church in Kingston Jamaica W.I. at 10:00 a.m.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvYJ8uvqe3c

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

Celebrant - Father Richard Brown

ORDER OF SERVICE

Prelude …………………………………........ Live Steel Pan Music (Bob Marley and David Rudder)

• Redemption song - Bob Marley

• Rally Round the West Indies - David Rudder

• Trini 2 De Bone - David Rudder

• Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Tributes:

• Dr. Ivor Crandon

• Carlton Brown

Remembrance.……………………………… Dr. Arlene Henry-Dawkins

Entrance Hymn……………………………... Enter Into Jerusalem

Greetings

Ceremony Of The Paschal Candle

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading…………………………..…… Wisdom 4:7-15 - H. Wayne Powell

Responsorial Psalm………………………. On Eagles Wings

Second Reading …………………….……. 1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:1-13 - Dorett Williams

Gospel Acclamation………………………. Alleluia

Gospel……………………………….…… John 12 : 23-36 - Father Richard Brown

Homily:

Universal Prayer…………………...……. Crystal Furlonge (Cousin)

Collection Hymn ………………….….…. Let There be Peace on Earth

(During this hymn a collection will be taken for the following charities:

Stella Maris Church Charities & Boy’s Town Infant School)

Presentation of Gifts …………………. Winston Ormsby and Charles Simms

Gift Bearer - Janet Johnson-Haughton

Holy Holy Holy

Memorial Acclamation

Great Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Greeting of Peace

Lamb of God:

Communion Hymn……………………. Make Me A Channel of Your Peace

Meditation Hymn……………………… All I Ask Of You

Closing Prayer

Final Commendation:

Moment of Silent Prayer

Prayer of Commendation

Incensation Hymn…………………… Ave Maria

Recessional Hymn………………… Shine Jesus Shine

TO THE WORLD YOU WERE JUST ANOTHER PERSON

BUT TO ME (ROWENA) YOU ARE STILL MY WORLD

‘All Things in Moderation’

John Victor Smith (Dad)

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SERVICE in TRINIDAD and TOBAGO W.I.

4. PETIT VALLEY, TRINIDAD and TOBAGO W.I.

Service with ashes on Thursday August 24th, 2023 at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Petit Valley Trinidad at 10:00 a.m.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbUlyy07Uaw

(REFER to the 'MEMORIES' SECTION for QR CODE to VIEW)

Celebrant – Father Ron Mendez

Deacon - Derek Walcott

ORDER OF SERVICE

Prelude………………………………………………. Steel Pan Music (Bob Marley & David Rudder)

• Redemption song - Bob Marley

• Rally Round the West Indies - David Rudder

• Trini 2 De Bone - David Rudder

• Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Tributes:

• Robin A. M. Ford

• Ingrid L. A. Lashley

• Dr. Errol R. A. Eccles (Brother-in-law)

• Ian C. Smith (Late Brother) - Recorded September 16, 1984 Handel’s Messiah Comfort Ye /Every Valley

Eulogy ………………………………………….....… Gerard D. Smith (Brother)

Processional………………………………...........… I'm Walking on My Way to The Lord

Introductory Rites

The Liturgy of the Word

First Reading …………………………….…......…. A Reading from the Book of Wisdom 4:7-15

Jacqueline M.T. Borelli (Sister)

Responsorial Psalm………………………........... On Eagles Wings

Second Reading ............................................... 1st Corinthians 12:31 - 13 1-13

Bishop Dr. Devon A. O. Eccles (Brother-in-law)

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel

Homily

Prayers of the Faithful………….........…………… Gina Marquez (Niece)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Offertory ………………………….....…………….. Enter Into Jerusalem

(During this hymn a collection will be taken for the following charities:

Rainbow Rescue, Endowment Fund and The Morvant Youth Mentorship Program)

Presentation of Gifts ………………….....……… Christian Thomson (Nephew)

Suzette Tillet (Cousin)

The Communion Rite

The Lord's Prayer

Sign of Peace ……………………………………. Let there be Peace on Earth

Communion…………………………………....…. Ave Maria

Meditation ......................................................... All I Ask of You

Prayer After Communion

Committal

Blessing

Recessional…………… ………….………….. Live Steel Pan Music (Stephen's Wedding Pledge

Girl You Make My Day (Buju Banton)

TO THE WORLD YOU WERE JUST ANOTHER PERSON

BUT TO ME (ROWENA) YOU ARE STILL MY WORLD

‘All Things in Moderation’

John Victor Smith (Dad)

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SCATTERING of ASHES in TRINIDAD and TOBAGO W.I.

1. Gulf of Paria (Trinidad) on Saturday August 26th, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

2. Speyside (Tobago) on Monday August 28th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

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Rowena V. St. C. Eccles Smith and the Family would like to thank YOU for your Support, Kindness, Thoughtful Expressions of Love, Flowers, Calls, Visits and Prayers.

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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Smith family.