November 23, 1946 – July 28, 2018
On Saturday, July 28, 2018,
Cecil McEwen, husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend passed away at the age of 71. Cecil will be forever remembered.
Cecil Wellington McEwen, the son of Archibald McEwen and Jean Gibson, was born on November 23, 1946 in Trinidad. He attended Osmond High School and later transferred to Emanuel High School. In 1969, he moved to St. Thomas and worked for the Hess Oil Co. He later moved to the United States and worked for The American Insurance Group where he met his wife Janice Sandiford.
Cecil had a personality that could light up a room, with a distinctive voice that has MC’d numerous family, friend, and work events. Always quick with a smile, Cecil had a unique and deep laugh that could only make you laugh along with him. His sense of style and attention to detail were impeccable. He was truly a gentleman. He spent his life doing things his way and living on his terms. This included touching the lives of those around him, whether friend, family, or stranger. From helping a friend of a friend get settled in New York, to assisting with church events, or making regularly scheduled surprise visits for Sunday family dinner, Cecil left a favorable impression on all those who were blessed to know him.
Cecil was a founding member of Sesame Flyers International (SMI) and was passionate about bringing a community together around the rich heritage and culture of the Caribbean islands. Through his work at Sesame Flyers International, Cecil was an integral member of the committee responsible for developing and formalizing the articles of incorporation for the organization and creating the Sesame slogan “Love a kid today and everyday.” He also assisted with the preparation and publishing of the Sesame Constitution, which established the guiding principles for the organization, and directed the Immigration Naturalization project at Sesame headquarters
Cecil was elected to the office of President in 1987 and served the organization in that leadership role for 3 years. During his tenure as President, he executed the functions of the office in an exemplary manner. He was a critical asset to the growth and evolution of Sesame Flyers as a community-based institution. A major accomplishment that he spearheaded was the acquisition of the Sesame Flyers headquarters building which stands as a symbol of the diligence, hard work, and dedication, devoted to the affairs of Sesame Flyers. In retrospect, his overall contribution to Sesame Flyers International was invaluable. His tireless work will continue to inspire others to emulate his example of love, humility and selflessness.
Cecil was a vibrant man that was full of life. Even in his last days, we all know that he loved to live life to the fullest. His passion for life affected all of those around him. While he will be truly missed, we know that he is being guided into this new transition by his very own angel and son Ruskin McEwen. We may think that he is gone too soon but be assured that he was called because he has fulfilled God’s purpose for his life.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Janice, sons, Kevin, Tremaine, and Sheldon, grandchildren Anthony, Bryce, Sheldon, Shane, Troy, Elijah, and Sade, his siblings, Edna, Eutille, Michael, Daryl, Roslyn, Kenrick and Jackie, step-daughter Nikki, sister-in-law Jennifer, Daughter-In-Law Stephanie, wife to his son Ruskin (RIP) and all of his numerous, nieces, nephews, god-children, cousins and friends.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Date: September 1, 2018
Location: Caribe Funeral Home
1922 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Time: Viewing: 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Service: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Repass: Caribean Hall
1914 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Time: 9:00pm to 11:00pm
In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations. A GoFundMe account has been created in the name of Kevin McEwen at
https://www.gofundme.com/cecil-mcewen039s-funeral-expenses . Condolences can be sent to Greaves Memorial Funeral Home website at http://www.greavesmemorial.com/obituaries/Cecil-McEwen?obId=3183966#/celebrationWall .
The family would like to thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes during this difficult time and transition.
