MURDER victim Matthew Chancellor was laid to rest yesterday, at the church where he would have been baptised this weekend.
The Tabaquite Open Bible Church was packed with mourners to celebrate the life of the 21-year-old New Bolt, Tabaquite, resident.
On Sunday morning, the Subway employee was gunned down near Cito Lane, Guaracara Tabaquite Road, by an unmasked gunman, while on his way to his grandfather’s home. Chancellor, who was accompanied by his younger brother, Justin, 19, and two cousins, died at the scene.
OVERWHELMED: Maxwelo Chancellor, father of murder victim Matthew Chancellor, consoles loved ones at his son’s funeral service at the Tabaquite Open Bible Church yesterday.
—Photo: DEXTER PHILIP
During yesterday’s service, he was remembered as a young man of faith, who demonstrated dedication to the church. Eulogised by his cousin, Jessica Gore, he was praised for his commitment to spiritual growth.
“His faith was the cornerstone of his life, showing an unconditional love for Jesus and genuine desire to change his life for the better,” she added.
As the eldest child to his parents Maxwelo and Janelle Chancellor, she said he helped guide his younger siblings. She pointed to his relationship with his younger brother, Justin, which she said depicted unconditional brotherly love.
She lamented that while Chancellor was taken too soon, his life provided important lessons.
GRIEF-STRICKEN: Loved ones of 21-year-old murder victim Matthew Chancellor console each other during his funeral service at the Tabaquite Open Bible Church yesterday afternoon. Chancellor, a resident of Tabaquite, was gunned down by an unmasked gunman in his
ommunity early Sunday morning. He was preparing to be baptised this weekend at the same Church. —Photo: DEXTER PHILIP
“The light you brought into our lives will shine forever. At just 21, Matthew may not have had the chance to live a long life, but he lived a life of love, laughter and genuine connections. He showed us that it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life you live in those years,” she said.
Meagan Rush-Charles, manager of the Montrose Subway branch where Chancellor was employed, described him as a rare gem.
“Matthew was someone who cared deeply about all of us. He didn’t just lighten the mood, he lifted people up, making sure everyone felt included and valued,” she said.
She added that last November, they observed a change in his life spiritually. This, she said, was seen as he began listening to gospel during his shift at work.
Rev Dilip Samaroo, who officiated the funeral service yesterday, said Chancellor’s death should not be in vain.
He said the nation was reeling from the effects of crime, gang activity, murders, and the use of drugs. He added that while policing was important, the community required the assistance of the church to address the crime situation.
Speaking to the youths in the congregation, he said, “The way to retaliate against crime and violence is to give your heart to Jesus. That would be one less that they (criminals) can influence into their gangs. The only retaliation that will take place is from heaven down to the earth.” He also warned criminals against occupying Tabaquite.
“Tabaquite is not going to be a haven for any gangs,” he said.
Lloyd Fleishman
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