The family led by older brother Austin Bramble held a Celebration of Life funeral service for Howell Richard Bramble, who died on April 13, 2013. The service was conducted by Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Hastings at the New Carmel SDA Church in Salem.
Howell died in Nevis, which has been referred to as his adopted home. Howell moved there with his wife Ruby whose family owned properties there, following the onset of the volcanic crisis in 1995.
The veteran journalist was born on February 10, 1935. He has been referred to as the 20th century father of journalism in Montserrat, having begun his esteemed career in in the mid-60s in Montserrat. ZJB Radio (Radio Montserrat where over 40 years ago Howell was the first news editor, said of him, “…Pioneer journalists who have paved the way for many others, Bramble was an example of conscientious and dedicated commitment to the profession.”
Early brief tributes were paid to the journalist, by some such as Bennette Roach, Rose Willock, Keith ‘Stone’ Greaves in telephone interviews by the radio station. Much more is described in the coming weeks, as The Montserrat Reporter will publish tributes that have coming in memory of the deceased. This will be done in honour and in memory of one who is and will be remembered by many for his esteemed and true practice of journalism.
The New Carmel church was packed with family, friends, associates for the funeral service which was held on Sunday, April 21, 2013. There, they listened and brought prayers, tributes and blessings to all with a homily from the pastor, “one step between life and death”.
Howell who was the youngest son of his deceased parents, William H. Bramble, Montserrat’s first Chief Minister and his wife Ann Alberta, leaves to mourn, his wife Ruby Wade-Bramble, his sons, Howell O’Garro, Philmore Parris and Nigel Bernard; a step daughter, Dr. Cheryl D. Wade; granddaughter Amarah Parris; siblings, P Austin and his wife Marie, Olga Edwards; sisters in law, nieces and nephews, a step granddaughter, and a host of cousins, grand nieces, grand nephews and other extended family.
The tributes and eulogy, which we will publish beginning in this issue, will speak volumes of the man whose life was celebrated at his funeral service.
Lookout for the tributes and learn about the man who kept at his journalism even after he retired, writing about his beloved Montserrat.
