MEMORIAL

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Memorial

In Loving memory of

A small tribute to the fallen Cat Island Rake 'N Scrape family

We miss all you dearly ..

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Mrs. Jan Kessinger

She was a fully embedded and active member of the community and her steady involvement over the years ranged from supporting youth literacy and art initiatives to aiding animal advocacy endeavours to promoting island cultural events.

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James Levi Webb aka Dodger, was undoubtedly one of the most prolific Rake ‘N’ Scrape drummers of our time. His rhythmic precision and innovative style set him apart from his peers in the music industry. He developed an off beat that was never off. In Rake ‘N’ Scrape terms his sense of rhythm was impeccable, allowing him to effortlessly maintain the beat regardless of the tempo. In simpler words, he had the ability to stay on time with the music no matter how fast or slow it was playing. If you happen to visit the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C, you would be able to hear recordings of his one of a kind beat he did with Ophie & Da Websites. Visitors that came to the Rake ‘N’ Scrape Festival were often impressed by the intricate layers of sound and catchy melodies of his beat. Hearing the beat in person is a truly unforgettable experience that highlights the talent and creativity of Dodger that allowed him to play with other bands such as “Bo Hog & Da Rooters” and “Franko & Da Dogs”. Dodger, along with his brother Ophie and nephew Huck, formed the iconic Rake ‘N’ Scrape Band Ophie & Da Websites. The band performed in multiple cities in the United States, Paris, and many Caribbean countries, captivating audiences with their unique style of Rake ‘N’ Scrape music. Huck’s energetic stage presence, Ophie's soulful vocals, and Dodgers masterful drum skills made them a fan favorite wherever they performed. Each time he travelled with the band he took Shoe-Baby! Shoe-Baby was his goat skin drum that was passed down to him by his older brother Sherdan Webb which was also passed down to him by his brother Sam Webb. Dodger was a Rake ‘N’ Scrape icon, but also a devoted husband, with his wife always supporting him and his passion for his music. As a loving father, Dodger would light up whenever he saw his children cheering him on from the crowd, inspiring him to give his all on stage. You would always know when Dodger was embodied with the spirit of Rake ‘N’ Scrape, he would throw his head back and slowly bring forward looking at you with passion and fire of Rake ‘N’ Scrape in his eyes. Everyone loved Dodger, he was one of the most down to earth performers you could ever meet. Although an educator by profession, Dodger loved educating anyone who was interested in learning about Rake ‘N’ Scrape. His bloodline, which includes his sons and grandsons, will carry on his traditions and values, ensuring that his memory lives on for generations to come.

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Frank William's Frank "Franco" was born in Arthur's Town, Cat Island May 3, 1948. He was a teacher, hotel manager, and building contractor. Formerly lived in Freeport and Maryland, USA. His heart revolved around Rake & Scrape and playing the accordion. He became an ambassador, showcasing Bahamian culture; particularly Cat Island Rake and Scrape. His band "Franko and The Dogs" won the very first R & S Battle of the Bands. Every summer he participated in Rake & Scrape camps along with Ms. Diana Hamilton on the island. These summer camps exposed and trained students of all ages. This he did until being diagnosed with cancer and leaving us May 20, 2022. May he Rest In PARADISE Peace and Power.

We will miss you

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Mrs. Merlene Louise Stubbs (Mother) Sunrise February 10th 1943 – Sunset: July 20th 2021 Survivors : 5 sons and 5 daughters Mother as she was affectionally known was one of the founding members of the Cat Island Rake N Scrape Festival. Being the great chef that she was she held a kitchen at the festival for 21 years. Merl’s Kitchen has lost a gem but the flavours of her pot will be forever shared among her daughters who will carry on her legacy. May Her Soul Rest in Peace

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Gone to soon

Ramon Newbold Sunrise: October 28th 2003 – Sunset: March 9th 2021 A very talented, intelligent young man, who loved music so mucg he became a member of PC and The Boys Junior Rake N Scrape Band. This band entered many of the annual Junior Battle of the Bands Cpmetitions and they were usually the winners. Pobus was always the life of the party . Where ever there was music Pobus was there. Pobus even though you are not here with us we will always remember you. Continue to sleep in peace.

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Bernard Lynden "Huck" Pratt Born: November 17th 1963 – Died: March 11th 2022 Lyn “ Huck “ Pratt was in his pure element around music, whenever he was there it was bound to turn into a Rake n Scrape session, Lynn was a master of the saw. He was a member of Ophie and the Websites and they took Rake n scrape to Washington DC, Paris and other places around the world and of course were always a favorite staple at the Rake n Scrape Festival in Cat Island Heartfelt condolences goes out to Pratt family from the entire Cat Island and rake n scrape community. Cat Island and The Bahamas has lost a legend, an icon, a treasure and dutiful steward, a master of his craft, a master of the saw, they don’t make ‘em like him no more. May he rise in glory and power and scrape away in the Rake n Scrape ancestral heavens

One of the Greats

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We will miss you

Carla Saunders Born: 8th April 1971 and died 1st September 2020 Carla was a great Rake N Scrape enthusiast and a loyal regular volunteer. Year after year you could see her smiling face helping out at the bar or where ever needed. The Executive Committee and Members of the Rake N Scrape Association sorely miss her. May her soul rest in peace