Elkanah Fenton

Elkanah McDougal Fenton, 79, of Pembroke Pines Florida, formerly of Kingston, Jamaica entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was welcomed into this world on January 27th, 1935 as the 7th child of the late Charles and Mabel Fenton of Mt. Airy, Westmoreland, on the beautiful island of Jamaica. The Fenton family eventually grew to 11 children - 10 boys and one girl. Elkanah's childhood growing up on "Fenton Hill" was filled with love, happiness, a sense of adventure and, of course, a full measure of mischief. It was during theseformative years that he developed his love of God, his fellow man, his deep appreciation for family and his legendary work ethic.Elkanah received his early elementary education at Mt. Airy Primary School where he excelled as a student. Upon graduation he matriculated to Sheffield All-Age School where he once again distinguished himself as a scholar, innovative thinker and cricketer. With limited resources available to pursue higher education, Elkanah accepted a position with Appleton Estate as an Apprentice Sugar Boiler. The training he received would serve him throughout his life. Elkanah's dr...[more]

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and ambition led to employment opportunities with a number of sugar estates throughout the island. He left the sugar industry in the 1960s after accepting a position with a startup company McNair Ltd., where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations. The experience he garnered would eventually lead to him startinghis own company, Fenton &Sons. At the peak of its existence, Fenton & Sons provided employment for eight full- and part-time employees while serving markets in Toronto, Canada and London, England. In an attempt to provide better opportunities for their children, the Fenton family migrated to the UnitedStates in the early 1970s. However Elkanahcouldn't resist the lure of Jamaica and missed being home so he quickly returned there. After much persuasion, and longing to be with his family, he reluctantly joined them in Miami and accepted a position with US Sugar, from which he would eventually retire. Elkanah received many accolades throughout his life but the ones he cherished the most, were husband and father. He was married to the love of his life Orel Fenton for 55 years and together they raised three biological children: Judith Nelson (deceased), Horatio Fenton and Rohan Fenton. He was affectionately called "Daddy Fenti" by the scores of young people he mentored and parented. The Fenton household was never empty. It served as a way station and Elkanah and Orel made sure that there was always something to eat for those coming through or stopping in and ensured that their home was a safe refuge for those in need. Elkanahis preceded in death by his daughter, Judith; father, Charles, mother Mabel; sister, Mary Evans; brothers, Isaac, Winston, Gerald, Joseph, Hubert, Wilbert, Ishmaeland a brother who died in infancy. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Orel; brother Nollis; sons Horatio and Rohan; grandchildren, Nadia Nelson-Hepburn; Sade Fenton; Horatio Fenton II; Vanessa Barry-Austin; Rohan Fenton Jr.; Royce Fenton; and Rashad Fenton; great grandchildren, Gabbriel Barry-Austin and Abbigail Barry-Austin. He also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews including Narva Barrett-Forbes and Donovan Evans, whom he considered his children. Elkanah will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.