Obituary of Basil Harriott

Basil Canute Altimont Harriott was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica (Trelawny) on January 27, 1957 to Sylvia Sinclair-Roberts and John Audley Harriott. He grew up in Mocho and Greentown, Trelawny and attended school in the town of Wait-A-Bit where he eventually become an entrepreneur.  In early 1986, he migrated to the United States of America and worked in the healthcare industry for more than 2 decades.

Basil loved cooking and spending time with his family, which he did often. Dozens of family members would line up for a taste of his jerk pork, stewed chicken, fried fish, and curry goat – he was an amazing and generous cook. He always sent his guests home with a full belly, a full “to-go” plate, and the memory of a wonderful time. His food, his stories, and his jokes will be missed at family gatherings for years to come.

Basil went home to be with the Lord on September 29, 2023. His illness struck suddenly and progressed rapidly, but he fought valiantly to stay with the people he loved for as long as his body allowed. As he fought, he was surrounded in love by his brothers, sisters, and loving children right up until he took his last breath. Basil left an indelible impression on all who knew and loved him. While we will forever miss Basil’s physical presence in our lives, we know that God has a plan for all of our lives and that his plan for Basil included calling him home at this time.

Basil was preceded in death by his father, John Harriott, wife, Monica Harriott, and beloved mother, Sylvia Sinclair-Roberts. He is survived by his five children; Stacey Brown, Garrick Harriott, Racquel Chiles, Rachelle Harriott, and Andrew Harriott; nine grandchildren; Janessa Chiles, Lamar Pink, Joseph Chiles, Cameron Harriott, Christopher Harriott, Trelauni Harriott, Leah Brown, Laylah Brown, and Luke Brown; brothers and sisters, Michael Harriott, Eugene Mendez, Junior Roberts, William Roberts, Donia Roberts, Allison Roberts and Andrew Roberts; a host of aunts, uncles and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins,  and dear friends.