Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
William 'Dada' Rose was in an obviously jovial mood at his 90th birthday party.
AT 90 years old, William 'Dada' Rose has so far lived a long and fulfilling life, and seems set to take on many more years.
On Saturday, February 25, 'Dada' Rose's family, including his 13 children, gathered at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road, to celebrate his 90th birthday.
The evening not only celebrated the life of 'Dada' Rose, but also served as a family reunion, as family members travelled from all over the globe to share in the celebrations. The party started when the man of the hour entered the venue with his daughter, Mrs. Jasmine Rose-Marshall, on his arm, to sounds of the saxophone played by his grandson, Kevin Barnett.
All stood to honour their father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, whose face was glowing with happiness and pride as he strutted down the walkway flanked by his friends and loved ones. He took his seat beside his wife, Doris Rose, and the party
officially began.
ROSE BUDS
During the formalities, many had wonderful things to say of the Rose family, or the Rose buds, as they are affectionately called, and most importantly, the man at the helm, William 'Dada' Rose. The first tribute was made by Mr. Berley Adair, a church brother of Rose, who playfully suggested that 'Dada' was good at obeying the word to multiply and replenish a comment that was met with much laughter from the guests. He also added that 'Dada' had confounded the pundits by defying the suggestion that the good die young.
"William Rose has been good to just about everyone with whom he has crossed paths, and he is still going strong," he says.
The guests heard a number of tear-jerking memoirs as recalled by his sons, daughter, brother, son-in-law, grandchildren and many others. 'Dada' was also honoured in a number of musical tributes that were made by his family. His granddaughters, Donya and Tonya Quesada, and Letha Francis, performed a song. Another granddaughter, Natalie McGlashan, did a dance, and son Patrick Rose, who is a classical tenor, also serenaded him.
Among the guests were his 13 children, Patrick Rose, Julie Rose, Errol Rose, Dr. Anna Matthews, Elaine Rose,Beverley Rose-Marshall, Pauline McGlashan, Jasmine Rose-Marshall, Claudette Barnett, William Rose Jr., Dr. Vivienne Rose, Sharon Woodhouse and Derrick Rose. Event planning and
coordination was done by Ms. Patricia Gillings.
