Obituary of Bishop Cecil Ricketts

In the year of his century milestone, the life of Honorable Bishop Cecil O’Sullivan Ricketts will be celebrated on March 22, 2015 at the Faith Sanctuary Pentecostal Church located at 1901 Jane Street in Toronto, Ontario. Born to Robert and Alice Ricketts on July 18, 1915 in Clarendon Jamaica, Cecil was one of eleven children. He immigrated to Canada in the 1950’s and was employed at the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway. As a hard-working man, Cecil Ricketts prided himself on having strong worth ethics and always observed punctuality. After being called into full-time ministry in 1967, Elder Cecil Ricketts resigned from the Railway and he along with the late Bishop Westin Hall began the ministry of Mount Zion Apostolic Church, serving communities in Canada and Internationally for over 48 years. Elder Cecil Ricketts was later ordained a Bishop on January 30, 1988. His kind and caring disposition allowed him to be deemed a strong leader to his parishioners. Bishop, as he was affectionately known was recognized throughout the community as an honest and principled man. Through his dedication, he mentored, counseled many, overseeing countless community service events and launching the Mount Zion Apostolic Bible College. Bishop was an eloquent pianist and sang with a strong vibrato. On most Sunday mornings, he could be found playing and singing his favourite hymns that declared his love and devotion to God. Bishop enjoyed spending time with his family at their vacation home in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where he enjoyed sipping coconut water. Bishop savored recounting stories of his past and used his compelling humor to captivate the attention of all who listened. He was also known for his impeccable sense of style. He was a leader not only in speech, but more importantly, in his actions. Bishop Cecil O’Sullivan Ricketts peacefully transitioned to eternity on Sunday, March 15, 2015. His legacy lives on through his wife of 72 years, Phyllis Ricketts, children two sons, Ron (Sybil), Lloyd and one daughter Winsome (Monroe). Eight grandchildren Christine (Patrick), Shawn (Ann-Marie), Duane (Theresa), Darwin (Brandi), Michael (Tanya), Candice (Darryl), Michelle (Durell), Andrew and thirteen great grandchildren Duane, Jr., Devin, Vanessa, Natalie, Teylah, Alana, Alicia, Lauryn, Peyton, Penelope, Gianna, Erica, and Donavon. Bishop will also be missed by the Mount Zion Apostolic Church family and the Pentecostal Community at large. Resting at the OGDEN FUNERAL HOMES at 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Agincourt, Ontario; visitation will be Friday, March 20 from 1-3p.m.; and later at Mount Zion Apostolic Church (30 Pemican Court, Toronto, ON), visitation from 6:30 – 7:30p.m., followed by a Celebration Service. The Homegoing Service will be held at Faith Sanctuary Pentecostal Church (1901 Jane Street in Toronto) on Saturday, March 21 at 10a.m. with visiting one hour prior. Interment: Pine Hills Cemetary (625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, ON