Eulogy for Luchien Cashin Tundai Smith

Man that is born of a woman is but of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (Job 14:1-2).  Psalm 90:6 likens man as grass, stating that in the morning he flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening he is cut down and withereth.Jeremiah 29:11 states 'For I know the thoughts that I have for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end'.

Luchien Cashin Tundai Smith was born in the district of Amity Hall, Mocho, Clarendon, Jamaica on October 2, 1983, to parents Clive Smith and Collette Robinson.  He moved to live in Kingston with his mother at the age of two (2) years and attained his early childhood education at the Triumphant Basic School where he excelled and emerged as an "A" student. He later went on to Pembroke Hall Primary School in St. Andrew where upon completion of his studies, he was successful in the external examinations and gained placement at Pembroke Hall High School to obtain secondary level education.

For a while, Luchien lived with his great grandmother, Mama Joyce.  She found him to be humble and honest and loved him dearly, nicknaming him "Joyce Luchien".  He always tried to maintain his independence and was very ambitious as a young man growing up. He always possessed a zeal to work and study which got him his first part-time job at a supermarket where he began to earn his own income. He also loved to cook and especially one of his favourite meals, dumplings and chicken back, which he would prepare for himself and other family members.  Mama Joyce enjoyed his cooking and being her first great grandchild, he was endeared to her. I guess now the two are reunited on that happy shore.

It is no secret that one of Luchien's love was music and even from a very early age. This was his first area of entrepreneurship after migrating to the island of Antigua.  He gained much success in this area of business and credited all of his victories to God being a constant in his life and his acknowledgement of the Lord, Jesus Christ. While living in Antigua, he became the father of two (2) lovely daughters, Cashina and Luchiana, whose birth were of great impact and propelled him to a higher level of maturity.

After spending a number of years in Antigua, he decided to return to Jamaica where he decided to take a closer walk with God. He surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized at the Lighthouse Restoration International Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Jason Hall in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica.  It was also at this assembly where he started his music ministry.

Luchien was never afraid to take a leap of faith.  He was always in a mode of life improvement and so, he migrated to Florida and nothing could have deterred his music ministry which he took to a higher level with the help of the Lord. He attended the Overcomers Life Community Centre under the distinguished leadership of Apostle Sharon Bennett, where he was active in ministry – serving on the usher board, drama team, men's department and minister's team. As a result of his stewardship, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for faithful service in 2019.

He was a fashion icon in his own right, always attired per Luchien stylee. He loved dressing up, you know…being dapper and would always complement his outfits with the right shoes and accessories.  Going to any event meant stepping out in GQ mode. And so it was that while attending a wedding ceremony at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Miramar, undoubtedly, wearing eye-catching ensemble, that the beautiful Tyshanna Smith served to be his eye-catcher.  They met, fell in love and as they say…the rest is history.  On June 18, 2019, they had their own wedding ceremony where the two became one.  Indeed, the Bible is true that whosoever finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord. The union produced a beautiful baby boy named Isaiah Carter. Oh, how Luchien was excited at the birth of his first son!

One of Luchien's passions was working as a gospel DJ artiste which had him ministering at many gospel concerts. In this arena, he was more popularly known as DJ Israel and touched the lives of many with his music. He was a praise and worship leader who invoked the presence of the Lord in any audience that he ministered to, impacting the lives of many persons not only in the USA but also the wider Caribbean and other countries. His wonderful personality coupled with an ability to spin great music gave him a large following across social media platforms.

Luchien was business minded and philanthropic in nature.  In 2020, he opened an internet café and game shop in his childhood district, Woodside, Clarendon, Jamaica.  He garnered much support from the locals as this was the community where he was partially raised and so there was much camaraderie to support a fellow son of the soil.  Being skilled as an electronics technician, he was capable of elevating his business and positioning it to meet the needs of his customer base.  On many occasions he invested in the lives of the children within the community by donating electronic devices and credit for data which aided greatly in the online learning process brought on as a result of the current pandemic.  On his last trip to Jamaica, he hosted a treat for the children and presented them with gifts which brought smiles and happiness to many faces. Luchien was also selfless and caring. Whenever he was approached by anyone who would ask him for something he was wearing, he would literally take it off and just give it away.  Many times, he would travel with a full suitcase and return with an empty one.  Well…naked he came from his mother's womb, and naked he returned.  He was quite an extraordinary individual.

In January 2022, Luchien was hospitalized for heart problems he had been experiencing. The journey ahead looked rough but he was confident that with Christ in his vessel, he can smile at the storm.  He clung to his faith in God and vowed that whatever the outcome, he would still trust Him. Sadly, after a medical procedure on the morning of January 24, Luchien transitioned this life.  Mourning his passing is his beloved family: wife – Tyshanna, son – Isaiah Carter, daughters – Cashina and Luchiana, father – Clive, mother – Collette Robinson-Whitely, stepfather – Kingsley Whitely, adoptive father – Wayne Daley, sister – Marsha Smith, adoptive brother – Jason Gilzene and many more relatives and friends.

Ciroc, DJ Rozay, Churchboy, DJ Israel, Game shop boss! He is no longer with us.  Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight: here one day, gone one night. Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soon!

May your soul rest in sweet peace.