Kenneth John, lover of jazz, meets a century

Jun 06, 2020 News

Jazz enthusiast, Kennett John October celebrated his 100th birthday at his lot 35 Broad Street Home, with close relatives and friends.
Caregiver and neighbour, June Nunes, yesterday spoke to Kaieteur News, detailing Mr. October’s upbringing and his lifelong passion for music.

Kennett John October posing for a photo dressed in his dark shades and Kongal-Cap during his Birthday celebration yesterday

Mr. October was born on the 5th of June 1920 to the late Mathida Benjamin and Johnie October. Growing up as a young boy, October was a lover of Jazz music and fancy suits. He dreamt of becoming a jazz superstar, performing on stage before large audiences.
Unfortunately, his grand dream did not – after completing secondary school. October got a job as handyman at the Booker’s Stores (now called Guyana Stores) and was later granted the opportunity to become a chauffeur of his company’s radio van. It was during this period that he began pursuing his jazz dreams once again.
With a smile on his face, October himself recalled “For a second time I did not become that jazz superstar but at least I became a jazz dancer and that was enough.” Mr. October, as many would call him, remembers that in the evenings after work he would dress up in his suits and head down to the popular Jazz spots in Georgetown and just dance.
When he fell in love with a young lady by the name of Ava, he was forced to give up the night life and settle down. The two got married and their union produced six children, 14 grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. At this point of his recollection, Mr. October’s smile changed and a hint of sadness was heard in his voice: after decades of marriage and companionship with his beloved wife Ava October, she passed away at the age of 96 sometime last year.
Nevertheless, October still cheers himself by playing his favourite jazz CDs on his CD player. “I cannot dance any more but I can reminisce on my younger days when I used to lock-off the dance floor.”
Nunes told Kaieteur News that most of October’s children and grandchildren reside in the US. Nevertheless, she and one of his sons, Shawn, who currently resides with him, do their best every day to make sure that the centenarian is well taken care of. The woman said that she has known October since as child living next door and described him as funny and outgoing person.
“He was a bad sweet boy and very energetic…He was and still is like a grandfather to me”. Nunes told this publication that October now spends his days relaxed at home as a storyteller, sharing folklore and past experiences with friends and neighbours.

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