Estern Gay

Estern Gay was born in Leogane, Haiti on May 5, 1939, to Rosemine Jean Baptiste and Joseph Gue. Born the 7th of 11 children, Estern was always known as a funny person who loved to make others laugh. He spoke with a fond nostalgia of his formative years. He attended “Ecole de Campagne” and “Centre de Reéducation” where he studied academic courses. Later, he attended “Centre d’Aprentissage St. Martin” where he furthered his academic studies in French and learned the trade of carpentry. However, his passion for the arts led him to art classes with Lavinia Williams, a renowned American dancer who taught ballet in Haiti. Eventually, he returned to Leogane where he learned to drive agricultural tractors to tillage the land. In the late 60s, he, his brothers, and a friend formed a theater group called “Société des Jeunes Moderne” performing poetry, sketch comedy, as well as folkloric song and dance at festivals. Estern was the creative force who made sure things went well. He wrote a 12 person play, “La Reine au Coeur D'or” which the group performed. It was around this time he welcomed his first daughter, George Leegardie. Under the tutelage of Charles Alexandre Abelard, he attended “Centre d’Art Dramatique” where he further studied drama and met his future bride, Hollande Trevant. On December 24, 1969, he was initiated as Freemason just before he embarked for Miami on Christmas day. He and Hollande married in 1970 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Together, they welcomed their daughters Dinah and Beulah. Estern diligently worked overnight shifts to support his family as a private nurse’s aide and as mental health technician for New Horizons Mental Health Center for many years. An avid reader, his passion for continued learning and helping others led him to further his degrees as a mason. He was promoted to the highest degree and in 1980 became Venerable Estern Gay. On March 21, 1987, he became one of the founding fathers of Loge Rocher D’Horeb. In 1991, on his way to work, he was involved in a horrific accident that left him with a broken neck. His doctors predicted he would never walk again. His upbeat response was “If that’s how the Man Upstairs wants it, I’ll take it.” But that wasn’t God’s plan. Through faith, perseverance, determination, and humor, Estern defied all expectations of permanent paralysis and became a well-known fixture at Bally’s Total Fitness and then eventually, Planet Fitness. Estern had an infectious smile and a sense of humor that cracked himself up as well as others. His heart was filled with love, goodwill, and selflessness. Very service oriented, he extended his warm heart to family, friends, masonic brothers, and anyone in need. While he was many things to many people, first and foremost, he was a man of God. His mornings began with prayer and his evenings ended the same. On February 13, 2023, the Lord summoned him to be His newest angel in heaven. Estern Gay, beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather will truly be missed, and his hilarious stories and endless wit will never be forgotten. Preceded in death are his parents: Rosemine and Joseph Gue; his siblings: Ulrich, Gerard, Jeanette, Marie Lourdes, and Annette; his beloved wife, Marie Hollande Gay; and his son-in-law, Vastey Dorvil, Jr. He is survived by his daughters: Leegardie Pierre, Dinah Gay-Dorvil, and Beulah Fray; his sons-in-law: Vital Medor and Ishma Fray; his four grandchildren: Kervin, Fabrice, Julia, and Nailah; his siblings: Solange, Marie Therese, Immacula, Ducarmel, and Joel. Also mourning the loss of Estern are grieving nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Estern lived a life well-loved and well-lived. His soul is at peace.

Estern Gay

May 5, 1939 - February 13, 2023

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