Bernard Gracen Govia

Bernard Gracen Govia was born on August 16, 1933 in St. Paul's, St. Kitts to Bernice Govia and Albert Claxton. He was the first born of her four children. Bernard attended St. Paul's Government School until the age of 12, then Sprotts School through the age of 17. He was then employed as a clerk and a cinema projectionist prior to immigrating to England in 1954. Thereafter he held several positions until drafted into her Majesty's Service in 1956. He would spend two years in Service through 1958. During this period he met his wife Beryl Govia who he married in 1957. It is said he spent many a day hiding under her bed when the military police came looking for him after he went AWOL to be with her. He went on to receive an Honorable Discharge from the army. Two daughters were born of Bernard and Beryl's union, namely Bernadette and Brenda Govia. Upon leaving the Service, Bernard worked as a machinist until he immigrated to the United States in 1970. There he continued gainful employment as a machinist while studying to be a dental technician (in the evening) at the New York Dental School of Technology. Bernard was awarded a certificate upon successful completion of said training. In 1978, Bernard began employment as a clerk at the Mount Vernon Hospital. He worked in this capacity until relocating back to his native homeland of St Kitts with his wife in 1986. From 1991-92, Bernard held employment at St. Kitts Nail Factory as a supervisor on the production line. Bernard's interests included a good game of Dominos or Crazy 8's, fishing, watching boxing and cricket, playing board games and going on cruises. He also enjoyed taking a spin on the dance floor to some calypso music. The Caribbean artist Sparrow was one of his favorites. Bernard was a great father and family man. In his latter years he grew to be a devoted husband and was the primary caretaker for his ailing wife. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Beryl Govia, his daughters Bernadette and Brenda, his grandchildren, Tahira, Sean, Justin, and Ashanti and his great grandson Khalid.