Peridot Foundation bade farewell on Tuesday to a very kind and gentle man, the late Kenneth Kong as he was laid to rest on Tuesday in close family circles.
We are still stunned and very saddened by his sudden passing March 30 last.
Our special relationship goes beyond the many times we sat in his front yard together with his beloved wife Dolores, his dear friend and neighbor Mr. Don Hughes and numerous other persons from his down-street neighborhood. Passing through his alley, some would stop to participate in the talk about the topic of the day. He was always encouraging. Those were happy and memorable moments I will always cherish. Kenneth was truly a genuine generous person, acting from his heart, selflessly in support of a general causes without hesitation.
Peridot Foundation was extremely happy with his support last December which ensured that the lights surrounding our Statue at the Churchill Roundabout (opposite Carrefour supermarket) shone bright with the Happy Holidays, Happy New Year 2020 messages. It is a fact that relational violence increases during the holiday seasons. Keeping the lights on during this time was important to him as well.
Mr. Kong was the first to receive photos of the roundabout as soon as they were placed. We were extremely grateful, without him it would not have been possible. His uplifting beautiful messages continued until just before his passing.
Based on the COVID-19 circumstances the world is experiencing, including St. Maarten, we are unable to extend our personal farewell to our loved ones, family and friends who have passed away recently. To his lovely wife Dolores, who always warmly welcomed us at their home, we say thank you, for sharing!
Kenneth’s brothers, extended families, his close friends, colleagues and neighbors, we wish you much strength ahead. His presence will be sorely missed. We will always cherish his memories.
Kenneth always greeted me cheerfully with these words whenever we met: “Dag Meisje.”
Dag Kenneth, rust in Vrede.
Gracita Arrindell
Peridot Foundation
