By ANGELA PIDDUCK Sunday, August 19 2007

Twenty six-year-old James Andre Maule was laid to rest at the Western Cemetery, St James, last Tuesday, after a funeral service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church in Arouca. The Asa Wright Nature Centre guide died of cancer.

The eulogist, his mother Lynette, remembered her son with fondness, describing him as “an energetic, mischievous little live wire who grew up in our home in Arima.” He attended Kidsplay Kindergarten, Guisseppi’s Preparatory, Arima Boys Roman Catholic School, and was an O’ level graduate of North Eastern College.

With a love for agriculture, vegetable farming and nature, he became a tour guide at the Asa Wright Nature Centre where he earned great respect for his skilled tour guiding techniques and presentations. While at Asa Wright, James travelled overseas for training and attachments which broadened his perspective considerably.

Mrs Maule eulogised: “James matured early, was responsible, quietly assertive, talkative at times but could be a very good conversationalist when ready. He was an unusual young man who possessed very high moral standards and was very law-abiding. An independent, self-confident young person, he had a different sense of humour and quietly unassuming personality. He was intellectual, focused, positive, brave, and ambitious, and was a wise money-spender with a tremendous ability to save.”

James had varied interests: Was very computer literate, showed interest in computer building and repairs. loved photography, astronomy, listening to music, observing birds, animals, fish, flora and fauna, hiking, and just being with friends.

He started studies at the University of the West Indies in the faculty of Natural Sciences, but then at age 23, James was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer which did not prevent him from continuing to work at Asa Wright and to study at UWI.

He began chemotherapy, tried natural health healing methods, and eventually considered radiotherapy. After receiving assistance from family, friends and well wishers, James began treatment earlier this year. He returned to Trinidad looking and feeling better and resumed work at the Nature Centre. He attempted to do a short broadcasting course, and registered for a computer programming training course. Sadly James Andre’s health failed again and he became weaker and thinner, and his zest and enthusiasm were also affected. When he experienced shortness of breath a few days ago, he was hospitalised at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he died on Friday August 10, surrounded by his immediate family and a team of doctors and nurses who tried on two occasions to resuscitate his heart.

“I must state publicly how much we admired the way James Andre dealt with his illness. His spirituality increased and he became more uplifted and accepting and was baptised into the Ethiopean Orthodox faith where he was given the name “Haile Lul” which means “The Power of The Most High God.” He was very proud of this name and became even more peaceful” said his mother, Lynette.