Dear Editor,
It was with great sadness that I received the news of my grandfather, John Emanuel Nestor’s death via your website. John Emmanuel Nestor was the grandfather I never met. My name is Nkole Nkole. I am a 22-year-old female. My mother, Audrey Nestor Bess Nkole, is John Nestor’s daughter. Her mother, who is my grandmother, Carmen Albertha Bess, was once married to John Nestor. My mother was born in New Amsterdam but grew up in Georgetown.
In April, 1974, my mother travelled to Zambia, a country in southern Africa, as part of a technical assistance programme between Zambia and Guyana. She has lived and worked here (Zambia) since. My grandmother is living here as well.
Granny always told me about how tall my grandfather was and how he was such an avid sportsman and very popular. I remember her telling me once that he even tap danced. Last year, I started trying to trace him via the internet. After several frustrating efforts, I then decided that I would ask my granny’s friend in Guyana – Auntie Leola we call her – if she could locate him for me. I never did get back to it again until something made me google his name from out of the blue today.
Since finding out I have informed my mother and grandmother about his death. They are as sorry as I am that I did not get to meet the grandfather I so longed to see. Last year, I was training as a student journalist at one of Zambia’s national papers called the Times of Zambia, where I am currently working part-time. I was writing stories for the sports desk and it was during this period that I searched in earnest for ‘Granpa Nestor.’ That is how I always referred to him even though all I ever heard about him was from my grandmother. She often said he was a “gentleman.” I am so sad to learn of his death, I would have loved to meet him. Please help me get in touch with my mother’s half siblings. We read about granpa’s daughter, Petal, who offered a thank you at the funeral. Perhaps this Christmas, God willing, we can share black cake and pepperpot with ‘Auntie Petal’ and the rest of my mother’s relatives. My family would love to get in touch with any of John Nestor’s close relatives and friends. I ask you please, to help me trace my Guyanese roots. My email address is nkoledocious@yahoo.com and my mobile number is +260977531358. My mother, John Emanuel Nestor’s daughter’s address is, Audrey.Nkole@dunavant.co.zm.
Yours faithfully,
Nkole Nkole