Approximately 14 years ago I saw a newspaper vendor called Henry Benjamin leaning against a wall outside the Intercare Medical and Dental Hospital near Tyger Valley.
He said he wasn’t feeling well. I asked him if he had anything to eat and he said no. From that day until 20 May this year, I used to make him sandwiches and coffee, sometimes three cups, sometimes only one.
I went to Henry’s wedding. Made sure he and his wife Elize and his three children Henrico, Hayley and Kaylee always had cake and presents for their birthdays. He became part of my family. Henry was always polite and smiling, no matter how hard things were for him. He stood in pouring rain and hot sun to try and make a living. He crept into many peoples’ hearts with a joke here and a prank there. People supported him in many ways be it cash or groceries.
Henry died in his sleep on 22 May.
You were so passionate about sport, especially soccer. Your discussions with Dr Smith made me giggle.
Henry, you were so young, only turning 36 on 26 June.
Rest in peace. Fly high with the angels and watch over your family whom you loved with all your heart and soul.
