Vivian Janice Kelman

Vivian Janice Kelman was born to Alfonso and Mabel Kelman of Trinidad, West Indies. He is the youngest son of three children, his sister Linnet Kelman and brother Bertrand Kelman. He completed elementary school and was educated through government trade in his homeland. His brother “Birch” as he lovingly referred to him, recounts that Vivian was a lover of music (steel band) growing u as a young child. Vivian spent many hours studying behind his brother, tuning pans, learning chords and at times composing end pieces to music. He played soccer and was a very athletic young man, often times giving verse for verse on sports highlights.During his early twenties his curiosity grew to an extent where the islands could not contain him, so he decided to go to the United States. Upon arrival to Newark, New Jersey he took a job with White Rose Meats where he became a manager and gave them 15 years of service.He met Jacqueline Chambers who he fell in love with and married, although she had five children he took care of them all and they soon had a daughter together Michelle T. Browning. He lost his wife of many years in 1989. He grew tired and soon moved to Pikesville, MD and started a home care provider business that was successful for several years until he started to battle with his health. He found love and piece in taking care of the elderly people as well as mentally challenged young people. He would run through the names of Lou Lou and Mrs. Margaret as dear friends who he would sometimes be the last face they would see before they went to rest. Upon knowledge of his health he called his sister Linnet Kelman and he spent hours getting knowledge on health issues and what he could do to take care of himself. He often spoke of the fact that his sister was more like a doctor and could tell him what to do. She took care of all his concerns and made certain that he was well informed.During his work and play Vivian had a son by Elaine Green of Dawson, Georgia Raymone Kelman. To him the birth of his son was like a miracle and he treated him as such. His son attends South Carolina State University. He is currently in his freshman year majoring in Electrical Engineering. He was proud of his son; his attendance was like success of his own how often he spoke of his son.As his health digressed he let the business go and moved in with his sister Linnet Kelman. Months of battle in the hospital his sister was there each night missing no more than 3 nights the entire 3 months in the hospital. She assumed the role with grace and honor.During his last days there was work to be done and his sister knows well. He spent countless hours-packing boxes for his son to send off to college. He sent a box of cookies and gifts to his grandkids; his brother received boxes as well of music TV’s. He sent checks to his daughter for his grand children’s Christmas and bought different things to enjoy at dinner disregarding his the price. He gave gifts of love to his sister in his last days.Vivian Kelman was consumed also with the life work of his brother Bertrand Kelman writing notes on his accomplishments, taking clippings from the paper of all Panarama events. He was in the process of writing a book with the life’s work of his brother, steel pan music progression and the rich history of the Kelman Family. He could keep up with his brother’s work but not with how great a musician he became.He came to Christ living with his sister in 2001 and started attending church in 2002 St. Marks Episcopal Church. Reading the Bible and worshipping god is how he spent his days.He spent a life giving to whomever whenever and taking pride in his family, loving his sister as he refers to as the Queen, his son as his hero and his daughter as strength, his brother as true friend more than a brother.Vivian goes home to his Lord with parting words, Dec 1, 2002 words he gave to his family,”“If anything in my heart is unclean expose it Lord that I may live a good life, no secrets for this man.”

Tributes

Vivian Janice Kelman

July 30, 1949 - December 10, 2002