Photos/Video: American Airlines Honours Driver
American Airlines today [Nov 18] dedicated a permanent bench at L.F Wade International Airport in honour of Mr. Calvin Keith ‘Redboy’ Astwood who was the American Airlines crew driver for 22 years. Mr Astwood, taxi operator of T1030, passed away in April of this year.
A group of American Airlines pilots and flight attendants raised funds and coordinated with Department of Airport Operations Management to arrange this monument to be placed.
Airport General Manager Aaron Adderley led off the ceremony saying, “This is a wonderful occasion. I think it speaks volumes for Mr. Astwood and the way that people felt about him, and the impression that he has left on people to do such a wonderful gesture.
“This touches home a bit for me because my grandfather, Mr. Rupert Todd, used to do exactly what Mr. Astwood did. He used to drive the flight crew for both American and, years before that, Pan Am. He used to drive the flight crew from the airport to and from the hotel.
“I can certainly relate to the wonderful job that Mr. Astwood did. I think this is a fantastic gesture put on by the flight crew. I think it’s first class on your behalf, no pun intended.
“We have a very special spot for this bench. We’re going to put it right outside the door number 1, there. For every passenger coming in and out of the airport, checking in for US Airways, checking in for American, will have to pass this bench everyday.
“On behalf of the family here at the department of the airport operations, on behalf of American Airlines, on behalf of US Airways and all of us here at LF Wade International Airport, we’d like to honor Mr. Ashwood and his wonderful, beautiful family, and to the flight crew, again, for a wonderful gesture. Thank you everybody for sharing this time with us this morning. Thank you.”
American Airlines Captain Charlie Canavan said, “I brought my reinforcements. These are Keith’s grandchildren. Aren’t they beautiful. Thank you for showing up today. This is very good to see everybody. It’s a beautiful day here in Bermuda.
“We’ve put together a beautiful bench in honour of Keith, our great friend and family member, and American Airlines family member, who took very good care of us for 25 years.
“Whether we were late or early he was always there for us with something cool to drink that he concocted himself. He never let us down. When we were here on layovers he would take us around the island. I was lucky enough to be with him golfing, looking for his golf balls most of the time.
“He introduced me and all the crew members to all of his friends and all the fine people here and made our stay here much more than just a layover, more like going back home, or as you might say, “home”. It was always … I really miss Keith.
“Every time I see a car go by, I think he’s going to jump out of the car. I miss him already tremendously. Thanks for helping me out here, kids. It’s good to see you. We hope you enjoy the bench. Thanks for coming out.”
Attending today’s ceremony were Mr. Astwood’s wife Vynton Astwood, children Mark Gibbons, Marilyn Joell, Tina Durham, siblings Earlston Astwood, Vera Johnston, Margret Lambe and many other family members.
Mr. Astwood’s wife Vynton Astwood and son Mark Gibbons addressed the gathered crowd with Mr Gibbons saying, “Good morning, everyone. We are sincerely touched and humbled by this tribute and are proud to be here today to remember our beloved Keith.
“He valued working for American Airlines and would want us to express a heartfelt thanks to all of you who made this possible. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are immeasurable.
“Proverbs 18:24 states “a man that has friends must show himself friendly”. What a friend Keith was. To have his memory honored in such a lasting way speaks volumes to the man who we all knew and loved. He is forever in our hearts and forever a part of the BDA Airport experience.
“To quote author Melody Biddle, “Gratitude unlocks the fulfilness of life and turns what we have into enough. It makes sense of our past, brings peace today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” We are deeply grateful, and with love and appreciation say thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless.”
Visiting American Airlines Captain Charlie Canavan along with crew members Joy Pruitt and Annie Sharood joined local American Airlines staff Joyce Ming, Nikia Augustus, Divon Rogers, Sai Swan, Marifa Symons, Janet Smith, Judithann Astwood, Oneika Burchall and Latasha Hayward at the dedication.
General Manager at Grotto Bay Beach Resort JP Martens and Resident Manager Clyde Darrell were also in attendance along with Acting Airport Terminals Manager Jacqueline Horsfield and many other airport staff.
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What a great way to remember such a great man…always smiling and loved his golf…..To his wife Vynton and his family…..God Bless all of you
Good for American Airlines to do this for Mr. Astwood. What a dedicated gentleman he was. May he rest well.
Keith was a great guy and always really friendly to me.
This is a wonderful thing to do in his Honour!
What a wonderful tribute to Keith! Blessings to his family and friends.