Early Life and Family
Hugh Mapletoft Keizs was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 21, 1938, to Eileen and Reginald Keizs. He was the first child of the household, which included his maternal grandmother Mary Jane Burgher and his aunt Phyllis Burgher, who was six years his senior. Hugh was soon joined by his sister Jean (deceased), and siblings Marcia, Dale, Manley, and Sonia. His early years living on Church Street, Chisholm Avenue, and Westminster Road were filled with love. He attended St. George’s and Calabar Elementary Schools and later graduated from Calabar High School.
Career and Personal Life
As a young man, Hugh worked at the Jamaica Rum Shop, a government regulatory agency that controlled Jamaica’s rum industry. He later moved to England in 1959, where he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and married Sybil Sylvia Jennings in 1961. They had three children: Howard, Nanaesi, and Sonji. The family resided in Thornton Heath, Surrey, where Hugh worked as a bus driver for the London Transportation Company. In the early 1970s, they relocated to the U.S.A., where Hugh worked for a printing company and later launched his own small trucking business.
Late Life and Retirement
Hugh pursued a college degree and received an AA in Liberal Arts from Medgar Evers College/CUNY. He began a late career in higher education, serving as a College Laboratory Technician at Bronx Community College/CUNY, Department of Education, from which he retired in 2014. In retirement, Hugh and his wife Elaine relocated to Sunrise, FL, where he became a member of the Merrell United Methodist Church. He enjoyed extended family gatherings and traveled to various destinations, including Rome, the Greek Isles, Ghana, Panama, London, Denmark, and Jamaica.
Legacy and Resilience
Hugh was a friend to many, loved and respected by all who knew him. His character traits included self-effacing humor, keen insights drawn from his expansive reading, and a dry wit. He maintained a rock-solid friendship with his children as adults, which he counted himself fortunate to have had right up to his last breath. He generously shared that relationship with his whole family, which was much appreciated by those not blessed to have children of their own.
Final Days and Passing
Since being diagnosed with cancer in May 2024, Hughie has shown remarkable resilience and focus during his months of rehabilitation. He was able to spend quality time with his wife, children, siblings, extended family, and friends who had been there to support him in this last leg of his journey. Hugh passed peacefully on December 23, 2024, two days after his 86th birthday, at Catholic Holy Cross Hospice, Fort Lauderdale, FL. "After life’s fitful fever, he sleeps well."
Conclusion
Hugh Mapletoft Keizs’ life was a testament to his strength, resilience, and love for family. Though he has left us, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Hugh’s early life like?
A: Hugh was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in a loving household with his family.
Q: What was Hugh’s career?
A: Hugh worked at the Jamaica Rum Shop, joined the RAF, and later pursued a career in higher education.
Q: Who was Hugh’s wife?
A: Hugh was married to Sybil Sylvia Jennings and later to Elaine Dixon.
Q: What was Hugh’s favorite hobby?
A: Hugh enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
Q: What was Hugh’s most notable trait?
A: Hugh was known for his self-effacing humor, keen insights, and dry wit.
About The Author
