Alvin Constantine Gyles was born in Palm Hill, St. Catherine, Jamaica to Vincent and Adina Gyles. Alvin survived his wife, Beryl, by twelve years. He was one of seven children and is survived by his younger sister Fendolin, eleven of his twelve children, and many grand and great grandchildren.

He spent his early life in Palm and Linstead, St. Catherine before moving to the capital city, Kingston, as an adult. He made a career in the automobile industry (sales, service, rentals) with Sinclair’s Ltd . as a service advisor/ manager, and later as manager of the Mandeville and Ocho Rios offices.

He immigrated to the United States in 1987, and lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 2001.

Alvin, affectionately known as Padre, was an outgoing, good-humored and funny man who interacted with almost everyone. He would always make you laugh, and always had a twinkle in his eye. Padre had friends from many nationalities and from every walk of life, including a few celebrities. Padre knew Jamaica, his native land, like the back of his hand, and swam its beautiful blue Caribbean Sea like a fish, preferably in the pre-dawn hours.

Alvin was a very spiritual person. He was thoughtful, hardworking, and disciplined, always providing for his family. Alvin was also very loyal to family and friends – you always knew you could count on him. He was mentally and physically strong, always very focused on his goals, and a fighter for life.

Padre was an avid reader who was fully immersed in current affairs. He also loved sports, his favourites being horse racing and soccer. He also enjoyed a good domino and card game. And, what a story teller he was!

Rest In Peace, Padre