Many people knew him as just the Happy Wanderer across Montreal. He would show up at major events in Montreal with staff in hand, dressed in his unmistakeable African outfit and a smile. In fact, some would say he smiled more than Mcdonald's workers. He was called the Mayor of Burgundy because everyone knew him or knew of him. He was not easy to miss but as one pastor said today at Edwards' funeral,
"If you had somewhere to go and you saw Leeroy coming down the street, you would duck him".
That was true in a good way. The Happy Wanderer was a great conversationalist and could talk for hours making you late for whereever you were going. He was a man of great stature who worked for Air Canada for over 30 years, served in the British Navy and travelled the world. The Happy Wanderer as he loved to be known also supported black institutions financially and was one of those in the black community who fought the exclusion of blacks from certain hotels. In fact, he was known to frequent one Ritz-Carleton for a drink on the regular. So much so that he is a friendly and familiar face there.
Leeroy Edwards' legacy is cemented in our community. One of his favourite events were all the different parades which he attended as many of you may know already. In particular the Carifete parade which has recently been cancelled and is looking bleaker and bleaker for 2011. What a way it would be to honour The Happy Wanderer by ensuring that Carifete 2011 is a reality and maybe honour the Happy Wanderer in some way.
Hopefully those who continue to hold the parade's fate in their hands can maybe see how integral Carifete is a unity tool. Something Leeroy Edwards was all about. Leeroy "The Happy Wanderers" Edwards' funeral was earlier today at the Imani Church in Little Burgundy. He will be laid to rest at Cote Des Neiges Cemetery.
Written by Fabien (opinions24.blogspot.com)
Soul Perspectives
CKUT 90.3 FM
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