A Tribute to Ted

Excuse the intrusion into the blog space with this personal message but I am compelled to pen a line or two of tribute for my friend Ted Webb. I received the news of his death and these few words are making their way to Trinidad in my place.

Mervyn Ted Webb was a Black aviation pioneer who served as one of the first Black Wing Commanders in Her Majesty's Air Force. He flew many important and top secret missions into Rhodesia and with his rank and by his demeanor he caused the apartheid era policies that were in place at the RAF base to be eliminated.

After hanging up his military uniform, he became a captain for BOAC - British Overseas Airlines Corporation - being the first Black man to don their uniform and sit in the cockpit. He was present for the birth of BWIA and trained a generation of pilots of color in the West Indies. When he joined the ranks of management at BWIA, it was his job to allay the fear - But Will It Arrive!

Two years ago, Ted and his wife Judith came to New York for the graduation of their daughter from Marymount College. They stayed in my home as I had enjoyed their hospitality many times during my visits to Trinidad. Ted took ill and they remained with me six months for post surgical chemotherapy and radiation.

From time to time when he was able, they would visit the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew. One sure thing about cancer, it tends to cause one to seek a deeper knowledge of their faith so Ted and I enjoyed many great conversations about the Anglican Communion and, yes, that very same topic that is practically on every lip and heart here. I enjoyed our time together.

Ted passed from this life as he had lived his with stature, great dignity and looking forward to the promise of his new life with Christ.

May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace.