Patrick Alonzo Messam,Sr.

On Thursday, November 28, 2013, after a long and hard fought battle with illness, our beloved quietly went home to be with the Lord. Patrick Alonzo Messam Sr., the loving son of the late Roberto Joquin and Ethlyn Orphelia (Davis) Messam was born on May 15, 1930 in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, C. A. Patrick was preceded in death by his sons, Harold Lee Myers, Bernard Myers and Patrick Alonzo Messam, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Linda Messam; brothers, Edward Vaughn and Roberto Joquin Messam; sisters, Gertrude Renau, Henrieta Messam-McCord and Thelia Rebecca Messam. He was educated at Wesley Primary School in Belize, C.A. and strongly believed in higher education. Patrick as a teenager worked in Honduras for Lima Progresso Company, building bridges, and also on ships that export and import goods. He loved working with his hands and was a self-taught carpenter. As a recreational activity, he was an amateur boxer. In 1950, he came to the United States to pursue a better opportunity and career. His travels led him to New York City where he met and fell in love with Mary Myers. Their love of one another led to marriage on May 9, 1952. They were proud parents of eight children through this union. Patrick supported his family while working at Silver Lining for over twenty-five years. He also maintained a second job as a car washer on the weekends to help bring his relatives from Honduras to the United States. Patrick believed in hard work and held jobs such as a cab driver and security officer. Subsequently, he became a self-employed general contractor and worked in this capacity up until his illness. He took pride in his craft and always provided excellent work. Patrick was an avid reader that could hold an intellectual conversation on any topic. Even his penmanship was very meticulous and flowed smoothly. He loved all sports and often displayed his passion through his “boisterous cheer or dismay”, depending on the circumstances. Also, he had a fondness for hats and often wore one. He possessed many and various kinds. Patrick relocated to Richmond, VA in 1990, where he worked at A.H. Robbins Company and Hewlett Packard respectively. Patrick’s engaging personality made him a friend to many people. He often spent his leisure time on Sundays with his close and longtime friend Norris Rivers. Patrick accepted the Lord as his Savior and attended Jerusalem Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Hartwell C. Macon, Sr. Patrick leaves to cherish his precious memories a loving and devoted wife, Mary Messam; daughters, Gail D. Wilbur and Eslyn Ann Messam-Morrison (Charles Jr.); sons, William J. Messam, Robert S. Messam (Mary) and Steven Edward Messam Sr. (Vinita); 9 grandchildren, Rodney Wallace-Messam, Stephanie Politte, Sonja Politte, Charles Morrison III, Christine Morrison, Jazel Parks, Sierra Messam, Steven E. Messam Jr. and Keith Pinckney; 3 great-grandchildren, Xavier Messam, Delahna and Iyana; brother-in-law, Emmanual King; sisters-in-law, Estelle King and Hermena Myers; nieces, Carmen Valentine, Joan Pena, Rose Messam and Iris Messam; nephews, Austin Valentine and Greg Henderson and a host of cousins and close friends.

Tributes

Patrick Alonzo Messam,Sr.

May 15, 1930 - November 28, 2013