The Joe Laquis Story…

‘He was more beautiful than he was flawed, caused more joy to those who knew him than pain…’

 

Dr Joseph “Joe” Laquis was remembered for many things. He was a medical doctor, a politician who in 1981 won the Diego Martin Central seat for the People’s National Movement. In his eulogy, Mark Laquis recalls his father’s love for people, the sea and Mayaro where he passed away.

Below is the eulogy delivered at the Church of Assumption Church in Maraval at the funeral last Tuesday:

 

My father, Dr Joseph Laquis was born on the 29th April 1945 at Robert Street in Woodbrook. This was right at the end of World War II and while I was growing up, he used to joke to his friends that this was one of the most significant days in the history of the world as it was the same day that the allies got Hitler.

He was the son of Anthony and Josephine Laquis and the fifth of eight children – three boys and five girls.Both of his brothers were elder than him. He grew up at Roberts Street and attended the Mucurapo Boys R C Primary School in St James where he passed for and was allowed by his parents to attend St Mary’s College rather that Mount St Benedict with his brothers. He opted to follow the path of his brother George and study medicine rather than his eldest brother Abraham who chose to remain with his father and build their business.

He stayed and always remained extremely close to his parents and siblings as well as his cousins, uncles and aunts all of whom he loved dearly, so much so, these were the only people I knew before I began school. He and all of his sisters always had a very special relationship and the love of his life was my sister Rachel, his princess who he never lost the chance to remind my brother Stephen and I that she was not only better looking but much smarter.

He was extremely loyal and made friendships from a young age, all of which remained strong until death. He was given the nickname “Bond” by his friends, he being debonair in much the same way as the movie character is portrayed. This nickname he was particularly proud of, as, I suppose, any man from that era would be.

He grew up in a deeply religious home and family as a Catholic with faith and belief in God. He loved calypso music, steel pan and Carnival and was fortunate enough to make and foster relationships with many of our legendary calypsonians.

He also once was the sponsor for the Valley Harps Steel Orchestra for some years.

It was evident to me from a very young age that he had an affinity to and loved the sea. This is how my brother Stephen and I developed our passion for fishing, diving and boating. What he finally realised was that his love of the sea was enjoyed most from the beach and in particular Mayaro. It is there he found his true peace.

He was blessed to have spent his twilight years in the place he loved.

He was also a very social person and enjoyed being around people, especially if there were a couple of drinks involved. When we were younger, I remember he would enjoy a Saturday evening of cards with his friends or Sunday game of Backgammon by his uncles, always with family, food and drinks.

In his later years, entertaining friends, family and associates in Mayaro was what he most looked forward to and especially enjoyed when his longtime friends and brother George would spend weekends with him.

Very rarely is someone possessed of as many god-given gifts as he. Even rarer is a person’s ability to recognise their gifts. Most rare of all is for someone to use their gifts for the benefit of others. This is exactly what he spent his life doing.

He loved and felt it is his duty, honour and privilege to help and serve people and his country and this, I think, was a key contributor to his becoming a medical doctor and then entering politics.

As a medical doctor, he was brilliant and accomplished. He was a top-rated diagnostician for which he was renowned. He also had a natural ability to deal with and understand people so well that he could give the worst possible prognosis in the most direct manner to a patient or their family without instantly devastating them.

He was retired for over 20 years but I would still get regular calls from former patients insisting that they get his number in order to get a medical opinion or beg that he examine someone.

In his mid-thirties, he decided that he would not be able to help and serve at the highest level unless he also become a politician and in 1981 did just that.

His endeavours in politics have been well documented and since his death, elaborately published.

He would give freely of his medical services and supplies to all who would come to him unable to afford.

He would use his personal funds to help his constituency and community in Diego Martin and would give as much of himself and his resources as he could if he believed it would help another person.

His heart had no bounds and his charity endless. From his endeavor to help his beloved country and people was created a political strategist extraordinaire. I do not know whether he was aware of this ability in himself, but it definitely showed itself to me later on and developed into something revered and respected by all in this sphere.

Many a political consultation or conference with him over the years resulted in something that we, the public, would observe happening in the country, not knowing of its origins.

He was a man of the people and saw himself no differently to any other person regardless of race, creed, religion or social status. As far as he was concerned all people were equal, full stop.

Anyone who knew and interacted with him would realise this. He was always smiling. He was an optimistic person who knew how to make people laugh and smile and everyone who interacted with him, loved him. So much so that even if you felt that he wronged you, you could not resent him for it.

He was a teacher. He always imparted his knowledge and experience to all who were interested, willing and able to learn. However, much like his father and brothers, he did not suffer fools and had no hesitation in telling you if he thought you were one.

He was very kind and gentle and loved being around his grandchildren and the children of his nieces and nephews. That brought him particular pride and joy.

My entire life, I have been treated by almost all persons who he has touched (and these were countless) in a very special way, with no questions asked, because my father was “Joe Laquis”. That is something very humbling.

During the last few days, I have realised that everyone has their own “Joe Laquis” story and I know that his friends and family have more than a few.

He was more beautiful than he was flawed, caused more joy to those who knew him than pain and made everyone around him lives richer for having had him in it.

REST IN PEACE DAD