I met Herbie in 1970, and endorse the enduring and glowing descriptors of his many admirable and defining qualities. Herbie was gregarious, warm, musical, outgoing, fun loving and funny, confident, generous, and consistently demonstrated a larger than life persona. Notable also, was his admirable devotion to his family and friends, and his commitment to his faith, which have remained as constant as his evergreen personality.
With the benefit of time, beyond these widely admired traits what I have found uniquely impressive about Herbie was the seemingly easy way in which he navigated, mastered, and modeled a difficult set of qualities - autonomy, authenticity, and life balance.
It is no secret that Herbie’s roots can be accurately termed “Jamaican Adventist royalty”. Both the Fletchers and the Nations ‘trees’ were foundational in Adventism’s roots, and his lineage featured outstanding, esteemed leaders/ influencers within Jamaican Adventism - unquestioned bastions of the faith. The imposing profile of the great Pastor LH Fletcher II, legendary icon whose name Herbie bore, must have only added to the reality of the monumental perceptions and expectations that Herbie inherited through no choice or fault of his own.
When raised in that elevated, rarified air, the unconscious psychological, social, and religious pressures are intense, while the surrounding air is thin; the metaphorical oxygen is limited, and spiritual, social, and psychological breathing can often become labored and difficult. Those who know will understand. There are many examples of others, some from far less demanding circumstances who developed insulated and entitled demeanors and life practices, or made shipwreck of their spiritual and life legacies while trying to determine and navigate their own unique and authentic place in such rich histories.
Herbie did an amazing job of adroitly avoiding the potential landmines, to establish his own legacy of faith, family and life that was uniquely his own, authentically real, singularly influential, and unmistakably rooted in the strong and genuine faith foundation, from which he drew, and made his own.
Herbie seemed to find and embrace his singular and unique personality early, and consistently exuded confidence and comfort first with the developing boy and then the man who he was. It was clear to Herbie’s peers and others who knew him, that he saw no conflict in fully loving and embracing both his rich heritage, and his responsibility to be authentically Herbie.
No wonder it seems that Herbie’s constant facial profile was a smiling face. His was a life course of visible joy, effectively and autonomously charted with authenticity and with firm reliance and fidelity to his enduring family and faith roots and practices.
It is a testament to Herbie’s authenticity and “groundedness”, that he maintained loyal, lifelong core friendships with early peers even as his circle of friends was large, multi ethnic and multigenerational, and always growing.
We’ve lost another great one. It hurts even more, because by all measures it seems so premature. But we are thankful for Herbie’s legacy of a quality, joyful, authentic life that has positively impacted many along each leg of his brief life journey.
To beloved wife Althea, daughters Alexis and Meghan, Matriarch Mrs Olive Fletcher, Barbara and family, accept our deepest condolences. We join you in seeking comfort in the reassurance of the ongoing value of a seed planted in good soil, and the precious promise of a Resurrection Reunion that will soon come. What a day that will be! Be encouraged - it won’t be long!