Arthur Owen Tracey

Arthur Owen Tracey, 90, of Sanford, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. He was born on October 28, 1930 to Rose Weir and Joseph Tracey, in a little Spanish village known as Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. He was the fourth child. His siblings sister-Cora Weir (deceased), brother-George Anglin (deceased), and Dorothy Thomas. At the age of 6, his father passed away and his mother relocated the family back to Jamaica.

At a very early age, he entered an apprenticeship, learning bus body construction and other trades. He took advantage of the opportunity and whatever his goal was, he certainly accomplished it. He personalized private buses by specification and designed the blueprints starting with the chassis. The job would be done in no time. The demand for his service increased along with customers' satisfaction.

He later migrated to the great U.S.A. He continued his education and obtained a degree in real estate then eventually received his brokerage license. He invested his money in real estate by purchasing, repairing, and renting apartments. He was the jack and master of all trades. For example, he would repair, maintain, and install boilers. He would complete electrical installation, repair roof, and plumbing. Did I forget anything? Ha! ha! You just name it; he could do it. If you caught Mr. Tracey around, he would be making something.

He was a lover of all animals, but chicken was his favorite. He would also show you how to skin a cow. His favorite food was jerk pork and make sure you had some leftovers for him to take home. Owen, as he was known, was a good baker of buns and bread. He was top chef, so when he was cooking you needed to leave the kitchen. His meals were so delicious, even Oliver Twist would have asked for more. Holidays were his favorite time to cook. He would start preparing a week in advance.

Owen loved having fun. He loved trips and exploring new places. He did not like to fly. Trains were his favorite mode of transportation. He loved a good party. He spent his quiet time fishing. He had a green thumb and planted a variety of ground provisions and just this past week, we dug up a "Yam" as they call it in Jamaica. It weighed about 80 pounds and of course, there is a lot more where that came from. In places where he grew his yams, Mr. Tracey never left his snake stake. It was a sharp spear that he carried around in case there was a snake. He designed it himself and you will never find a better snake stake in any stores. Now you know why I said, "He was jack and master of all trades". Most of all, Owen was a man of love, peace, and faith.

He is survived by wife of 39 years Bernice Tracey, 8 children: Yvonne Tracey, Spencer Tracey, Norman Tracey, Maxine Tracey, Patrick Tracey, Rosemarie (Tracey)Cadette, Janice (Tracey)Pineiro, and Leon Tracey, 25 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, one sister, Dorothy Thomas and cousin, Ruth Moore .

Arthur Owen Tracey, Owen, Baba, Dad, T, Rest in Perfect Peace until we meet again.