ERROL BARTHOLOMEW ROCKE

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ERROL BARTHOLOMEW ROCKE

Errol Bartholomew Rocke, 86, passed on June 19, 2024, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg Manitoba. He was surrounded by his devoted family and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Errol is survived by the love of his life and wife of 51 years Edith Rocke; children John (Taylor), Judie-Marie, Peter (Angie), Susan (Rob), Tammie (Cam), Sonia (Daniel), Nicole, David (Asma); grandchildren Cheyenne (Tyler), Jean-Paul, Haley, Mackenzie, Danielle, Saje & Noa; great-grandchildren Keaton and Kohen; siblings Cynthia, Linda (Neil), Lennard (Freda), Lloyd, Atlanta (Victor), Annette (George), Deane, Michael (Cathy), sister-in-law Charlene; and a multitude of treasured nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends. He is pre-deceased by his parents Camsee and Lenny Rocke, older brother Carl Rock (Agnes), younger brother Alva Rocke, brother-in-law Tony Leemack and sister-in-law Joan Cherrie-Rocke.

"Rocker" as he was fondly known was born October 23rd, 1937, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Errol's parents instilled in him and his 10 siblings the importance of family, lending a hand and the pursuit of education and self-improvement. One of his earliest memories of 'school' was sitting on the front porch as a toddler 'riding' a rocking chair to school with briefcase in hand ready to learn. Errol could be counted on to help his parents with odd jobs and taking care of the family; a promise he kept to his mother throughout his life. Growing up, he enjoyed getting to Toco, Trinidad for cherished summer escapes to visit grandparents, having adventures around town, on Piccadilly Street and on and off the soccer field with his siblings and partners-in-lime.

From lean beginnings Errol and his siblings branched out into the world to make an impact and supported each other along the way. Errol first moved to New York in the 60's where he worked for the consulate for a few years before relocating to Winnipeg. He was among the first of a community of T&T ex-pats to come to Manitoba, gain higher education and make roots for himself and for others to follow. He had a hand in helping many people create a home in Winnipeg and would go out of his way to include and check in with anyone in need. He always took the opportunity to mark a notable achievement by hosting a dinner or fete and a weekly open door Sunday morning brunch was a foregone conclusion where the family's favourite Trini dishes (bake and salt-fish) were topped with Edith's Hungarian dishes. His meals were more than just food; they were an expression of his love and his way of bringing people together. He was a fabulous cook.

Errol had a tenacious spirit and demonstrated his resolve in achieving the goals he set for himself throughout his life. He was our example. He was a naturally skilled jack of all trades and a master of carpentry and at human connection. He was a funny man and enjoyed busting a gut with those he loved- the biggest laughs and thick Trini-speak came out when his sibling's recounted stories to each other of their escapades. The younger generation enjoyed sitting and soaking in those precious moments. He poured his attention and heart into whatever he did; be it building or renovating homes as a career and to help his family, farming, training horses, cooking and gardening with Edith, giving his kids tasks to complete, coaching, being a devoted sports fan or his daily journaling. One day, upon receiving a photo radar speeding ticket through the mail slot, Errol quickly consulted his trusty logs and pinpointed the culprit with the heavy foot, his notes were thorough.

He loved to dance and sing- especially Calypso and Soca. His smile was our home. Errol will be dearly missed.

A viewing, service and celebration of Errol's life will be held on July 5 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at 603 Wellington Crescent. For those unable to attend, a video recording will be made available afterward via EthicalDeathCare.com

The family would like to thank all the hospital staff and home care workers that have cared for Errol over the last few months. Many of you became friends.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made as tribute in Errol's memory to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2024, Jun 29, 2024