Hayward Laclain "Clanka" Dean

Hayward Laclain Dean Age 77 Years of Cambridge Street, 
Hatchet Bay Eleuthera, The Bahamas installed his final light, 
at his sister's residence on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Clanka was born at Hatchet Bay Eleuthera, the Bahamas on Friday, May 19, 1944. 
He was the first of three sons, but the second offspring to the union of these proud 
parents of Ruth and Hayward Dean Sr.  

A Time To Learn 
He obtain his formal education at the now P. A. Gibson Primary School. 
Growing up in Hatchet Bay afforded him a wide range of experiences. 
He aspired to become more knowledgeable and desired to fulfill his life purpose. 
Hence his migration to New Providence in search of a higher education and employment 
working at Taylor's Industries and Clifton Pier, he was a skilled electrician and a proficient handy man. 
Always desiring the finer things in life he was an inspiration to some and the envy of many.   

Warrior-Tread Carefully  
While he did not bother anyone, like the caption on the American dollar bill, 
which depicts a bald-eagle with an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left talon, 
which translates: I come in peace, but if there is a war I will not back down, so tread carefully. 
He was strong, ambitious, and fearless! 

Time For Love 
His eyes caught the attention of a beautiful shapely young lady 
who he was really fond of, a one Carmetta Kemp, who he later courted and married. 
She was a choice catch in Fishermen terms. Needless to say he was once again 
the envy of the young men in the settlement of Hatchet Bay. 
To that union was born four sons and one daughter.  

The Vicissitudes Of Life  
Through an unforeseen circumstance the family relocated to Grand Bahama, 
where he was then employed at the Grand Bahama Cement Factory. 
Not too long into the move again misfortune hit where he had to be transported 
to the capital for emergency care, it was discovered he had incurred trauma to the 
head as a result of a fall where he suffered a brain injury along with other 
complications that left him somewhat incapacitated. Upon being discharged 
from the Princess Morgarette Hospital he returned to Hatchet Bay, and was 
employed with The Ministry of Works for a while then he resorted to plumbing, 
hand craft, and electrical repair. He was truly a proponent of what it is to be clean, tidy and smelling good.   

The Entrepreneur  
It was easy to prejudge him because of the items he collected around town or 
wherever his searched led him. He was really an entrepreneur. He shipped items like copper, 
iron and other pieces to the USA for sale. Whatever was necessary to make ends meet, 
from mowing lawns to clipping trees, but that was him.   

The Environmentalist  
He had a love for his settlement and the environment so he would be seen 
picking up what others perceived to be junk, but really he saw it differently. 
This was one of his many extracurricular activities.   

The Born-Again Experience  
Laclain Clanka as he was affectionately called committed his heart and life to the Lord. 
It was his relationship with God, which kept him alive, he would constantly communicate 
with God praying and singing spiritual songs or humming a tune. He prayed for his children 
and grandchildren, and his entire family. Sometimes you would find him alone on his knees 
praying beside his bed or singing throughout the night as his niece Dr. Toniya can attest. 
Some of his more favorites songs were: what a friend we have in Jesus, praise Him, 
Father I stretch my hand to you, and God is Good, and more recently, I have no God but you. 
You see he had a close relationship with the one who understood and love him most.  
He was unable to read the Bible as he had desired due to his impaired vision, but he had the 
word hidden in his heart. He was able to quote scriptures, sometimes entire passages.  

He constantly asked God for His forgiveness and prayed for those he may of offended or wronged. 
He was pretty hard on himself to the degree where his sister had to encourage him to forgive himself as well. 
He was deeply loved and cared for by his relatives.  

The patriarch  
Being the Patriarch in the family after his dad's passing, everyone looked to him for guidance, 
direction, and advice. He adopted the slogan: "A humble child will taste the grace of God!" 
Hence his humility, which some took advantage of. He gave up his right for the peace of all. 
So you knew his life was changed at that point.    

The Father Figure  
Laclane loved his children dearly, but was quite fond of his 
only daughter, she was his pride and joy, she was daddy's little girl, 
who had him wrapped around her little finger. He found pride in the 
development and the accomplishments of his sons, and desired to 
contribute more to their success in the market place. 
He took great pleasure being in the company of his siblings. 
Whenever they arrived on the island he would spend a significant amount of time with them.  

Many thanks go out to all the family and friends who took a special interest 
in him and devoted their time and resources in his sibling's absence, 
special mention to Rev. Eric Johnson, Lashell Sands, Yvonne Miller, 
Wendy Hanna, Mrs. Lucy Sue, Carolyn Miller of New York, Glen Stuart, 
Hon. Alvin Smith, Christine Barr, medical staff of Hatchet Bay, may God forever bless you all.  

Setting Things Right  
I'll be remiss if I don't mention this one thing, I remembered 
my mom speaking about my dad when she visited him to set things right, 
of course everyone knew the relationship was estrange, but they became 
friends being respectful of each other. She apologized to him and asked 
his forgiveness and he unturned did the same. I can't tell you how I felt 
when she mentioned that to me. I Just thought to interject that pertinent 
piece of information. It was priceless to me, to say the least!   

The Departure 
At the earlier part of 2021 my dad traveled to Freeport to seek 
medical attention he was warmly greeted at the airport by his two sisters. 
On May 19 of the same year he would of celebrated his 77th birthday 
with some family members and and a few friends, hosted by his 
beloved sister, Patricia. He danced, laugh, and enjoyed himself, he had a real blast.   

The Diagnosis  
He attended doctors regularly, he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 
or (fluttering of the heart). At that particular time he was longing to be home, 
while he appreciated being in Freeport, he wanted to be back home for 
Christmas in Hatchet Bay, but his next doctor's appointment was scheduled 
for January 5th, 2022. With his doctor's appointment being so close it was 
thought best he remain in Freeport until his next appointment. 
As fate would have it on the 12th of December everything changed, 
dad went home to be with The Lord to that celestial city called heaven, 
flight eternal would be leaving that day and he would be on it. 
He traded one realm for the next, leaving his earthly suit here in this realm 
while his spirit soared into the arms of his maker. His last words were quotations of the Bible, 
such as: The lord is my refuge and my strength, no weapon formed against me shall prosper, 
I would live and not die, fight against them who fight against me! Wow would a testimony! 
When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, 
when we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory!! Left to cherish his memories.   

Hayward is preceded in death by his:
Father: Hayward Laclane Dean;
Mother: Ruth Louise Kemp-Dean;
Grandfather: George Henry Dean;
Grandmother: Remona Curlene Bethel-Dean;

The Radiance of this "Emerald of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of his:
His Wife: Carmetta Dean:
Four Sons: Elder Clayton, Minister Chad, Minster Ricardo and Price Dean; 
One Daughter Charmaine Watson; 
Grandchildren: Clayton Jr, Clayshar, Cristal, Ricarno Dean, Reginald Woods, 
Rasheed and Wayshonda Watson; 
Great Grandchildren: Jordan Ranger, Jacobe Dean Jeremiah and Jermhime Kemp, 
Prince Tucker, Joshua Watson, Richan, Richaun, Ricarno Jr, Ryan and Brianna; 
Two Brothers: Larry Dean Sr, Randy Dean Sr.;  
Five Sisters: Vernell Harmon, Carolyn Correa, Mattie McDonald, Delma Miller, Patricia Dean; 
Nephews and Nieces: Previn and Taris Harmon, Desmond McDonald, Keon, Randy Jr, 
Randio, Randolph, Larry Jr. and Alonzo Dean, Tasean Miller, Ta'Shad and Tyvanna, 
Toniya Lewis, DeAdra and Dale McDonald, Cheakaand Tamal Bruise, Tanyeka, Takia and Peter Spencer;
Two Uncles: Anthony "Tony," Nathaniel "Skip" Dean; 
Three Aunties: Edith Hanna, Bertha Dean, Rosa Eberhart of Miami; 
One Son-In-law: Wayde Watson;  
Three Daughters-in- law: Cynthia, Shelia, Nuvia Dean; 
Two Sisters-Inlaw: Patsy Johnson, Geralene Dean; 
Other Relatives includes: Wendell Goudell Dean II, Doreth C. Campbell, Trennie and Dwayling Dean, 
Wendy, Debbra, Shane, Charmaine, Keith, Derec, Gill, Terry Hanna. The offsprings of Audley "Step light" Sr. 
The offsprings of Campbell Sugar Boy. The Offspring of Nathaniel Skipper Dean, offspring's of Tiny Lewis, 
descendants of Sonny Dean, offsprings of Hazel Carey, offsprings of Estelle Zonicle, Louise Staurt of Miami, 
Rev. Bessie Dean and family, offsprings of Lewis and Clarance Pinder, Dr. Odia Stubb, Yvonne Miller, 
Preccola Fox and family, offsprings of Eula King, Irene Dean, Bonnie Dean, offsprings of Audley and 
Anthony Dean, Fredrick Ferguson, Peter Carey, Carol Pinder, Susan Pinder,  descendants of 
Rev Cladwell Farrington and a Host of other relatives and friends.