Have you ever been to New York City during the summer? It gets hot. Hot. Swampy. You step outside, and the heat radiating off the pavement makes your eyelids start to sweat. The only thing that makes summer in New York City bearable is the miracle of central air conditioning.
Felix "Bobby" Calixte was one of the miracle workers who bestowed the gift of cool air to hot, harried New Yorkers. He worked for BP Air Conditioning, and on September 11, 2001, he was in the World Trade Center, on the 101st floor of Tower One. He died there, bringing comfort and a pleasant working environment to the people who worked or did business in the Towers. He was 38 years old.
In 2002, one of his colleagues, Dana, had this to say about him:
I just wanted to say that I miss you so much, I miss talking to you and having you make me laugh. I miss seeing you every Monday morning. All the guys miss you very much especially Vic, Wilton. The customers also miss you also. It's almost a year already and still it feels like yesterday that you were standing by my desk. We read that they found you and that your finally gonna be going home buddy were you belong. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you and love you very much. May god always be with you and keep you in his loving arms. You will always be an Angel on my shoulder. Love ya Buddy. Dana
Bobby wasn't all business, he had a kind heart and was good to his family. In 2007, his cousin Nigel Simon shared his thoughts about Bobby:
Felix (Bobby) Calixte was my cousin, but we were like brothers. He would visit his home country, St Lucia, on a yearly basis, where he built his dream house. But after it was completed, he never got the chance to spend a night in it. But I am pleased to say that his dream was to make his grandmom and his mother comfortable and happy. But unfortunately his grandmom passed away before the house was completed. I know that wherever he is, he is very pleased that his mom is living the way he would want her to in the house that he built for her. The one wish that Bobby had that was not accomplished was to be buried in St Lucia. The night of the 8th of September while on vacation in New York, Bobby invited his cousin John Calixte and myself to have dinner with him at his favorite restaurant. On our way home we were quiet for a minuite when he said to me, if he ever die in new york please make sure his body is flown back to St Lucia to be buried. Unfortunately, his body was not found so his wish was never met.
Bobby was a loving, kind and jovial person. He believed in achieving his goals. He was my role model. I miss him very much, but always in heart and mind he was loved by many and hated by none. He is also remembered by many including the Paul, Simon, Chastanet, Sonson, Calixte families both in St Lucia and St Croix, not forgeting his Dad, Mr. Jaques.
Felix "Bobby" Calixte, a mournful nation will remember your kindness and good humor in every cool breeze, whether sent by machine or sent by God.
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