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A union blessed with children

Viron and Marjorie cutting their 40th anniversary cake. - Contributed Photo

"Children can have no better inheritance than believing parents. Religion can become real in the midst of the family as in practically no other way. Many of us have inherited great riches from our parents - the bank account of their personal faith and family prayers." Nels F.S. Ferre

THIS IS THE inscription on the programme of the celebration to mark the 40th wedding anniversary of Viron and Marjorie Forbes on December 28, 2003.

And, it was their children who honoured them. The union of the Forbes produced four children - Maureen, Marcia, Margaret and Gussie. They were also parents to Garfield, Michael, Beulah, Jennifer, Sandra, Ann-Marie, Janell, Sharon and Doreth.

Strict disciplinarian

Marcia, who spoke on behalf of the children, described her parents as strict disciplinarians, especially her father. "We could get a way with things from Mommy, but not Daddy," she said. "I mean Mommy would like to beat, she always had a belt, but Daddy, when he spoke we listened. He wouldn't beat us, he wouldn't have to."

However, there was one occasion when the children did not listen to specific instructions from their father. The children were given a rabbit to take to church for Harvest. They were told not to take the rabbit out of its cage and then sent on their way. Being children, curiosity got the better of them.

The rabbit got loose in the church sanctuary. In the frantic bid to recapture the animal, one of the boys grabbed at it and pulled its tail off.

"We all got beaten that day," Marcia recalled.

The Forbes were more than just disciplinarians. Their granddaughter, 15-year-old Aneika Angus, described them as being the most loving persons she has ever known. "My grandparents are the best people I know. They are the most loving, most kind people."

Viron and Marjorie wed on June 29, 1963, at the St. Paul's Kirk on Lockett Avenue in St. Andrew. Viron, a Kiwanian, worked for most of his life with the Alcan Bauxite Company while Marjorie cared for the roost at home. Over the years, their marriage has been sustained by a deep love and belief in the Lord as well as their love for each other.

"That was a family that had a true and deep and abiding love for each other," said Valda Chambers, a longtime friend of the family who described the Forbes as "a strong unit."

It was that deep love that helped them through a rough spot in 2002. At that time, Marjorie became ill and there were fears that she would not have survived. However, she overcame her illness, something that is seen as a testament to her strength.

Speaking of the Forbes' marriage, Headley, Viron's brother said they believed wholeheartedly in the institution. "They believed in marriage and they believed in togetherness and that is how they lived," he said.

They also believed in investing in the future of their children. They believed in their children's education," said Norma Dawes, who taught several of their children.

Marcia shared fond memories of her school days during the Ruby celebration. "My father had this way about him, that he would turn up at school unannounced. You would be sitting in class and a classmate would say to you, 'Marcia, Mr. Forbes outside talking to teacher'", she said. "My parents believed that whatever the teacher said was law."

The Forbes were in awe of their children after all the glowing tributes.

"These children, yuh tink them easy," Viron said smiling.