Kenneth Fitzpatrick Tappin

Kenneth Fitzpatrick Tappin was born in Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana, on September 12, 1953, to Claude and Priscilla Tappin. Kenneth went home to be with the Lord on February 24, 2021, after battling chronic health challenges and a brief stay at Holy Cross Hospital.

Kenneth was the third of four children. Lawrence, the eldest, is now deceased, his only sister Patricia resides in Ontario, Canada, and his youngest brother Colin resides in Lanham, Maryland.

In the 1960s, Kenneth, his siblings, and their mother, Pricilla, moved from 81 David Street Kitty to Christiansburg, Linden, and eventually settled in the Corentyne. There, Kenneth started his career as a mail (letter) carrier with the Guyana Post Office. He later joined the Guyana Police Force and became a member of the Tactical Service Unit (TSU); while there, he attained Inspector’s rank, a title he held until he emigrated to the United States in 1984.

Kenneth started working at the Washington, D.C. Omni Shoreham Hotel after he moved to the United States. His personable nature and product management skills gained the eye of the hotel operations team. He was encouraged to take additional classes and trained as a Purchasing Agent. Years working long and demanding hours prompted Kenneth to change careers.

In 2004, Kenneth joined the Security Team at the Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. His calmness, love, and caring spirit were admired by all those who encountered him. 

Kenneth was committed to his family. In 1988 he married Ellen Tappin (nee Franklin, whom he called Lyn). Together the couple raised 3 children: Shawn Glen (Maryland, USA) from Ellen’s prior marriage; Kendra Tappin (Maryland, USA) and Kenneth Tappin Jr; (Maryland, USA). Ken loved his children. He always wanted a daughter, and Kendra was the apple of his eye. Years later, when Kenneth Jr., whom he lovingly called ‘big guy’, was born, he split that attention evenly, and the two of them enjoyed sporting events together. Though Shawn was not his biological son, the two built a strong and admirable father-son relationship and cared deeply for each other.

Kenneth loved his four grandchildren dearly, and they loved him too. They fondly called him Papa, and they surely enjoyed their Papa’s cooking. He was famous for his bakes and curry and was always willing to whip up something special for them.

Kenneth was a member of the Oxon Hill/College Park Wesleyan Church, now called Bread of Life Ministry, in College Park, Maryland. He served as President of the Men’s Ministry and led an annual school supplies and backpack giveaways in Guyana. Committed to growing in faith and sharing God’s word, Kenneth was nearing completion of training to serve as a hospital Chaplain at the time of his death.

Kenneth leaves to mourn: his wife Ellen Tappin; three children; four grandchildren Anthony Glen, Shiloh and Seilah Tappin, and Anjali Glen; his sister Patricia; his brother Colin and sister-in-law Lynette; nieces – Keisha and Ayesha; great niece, Korri; Uncle Cecil Donald Haywood and Aunt Emelda Husband of London; and many other cousins scattered across the globe who will dearly miss him.

We cannot change Kenneth’s sudden passing nor ignore the pain his absence leaves in our hearts and lives. Yet, we can cherish the memories of the times we shared as family and friends.

His journey is over; he fought a good fight, he finished his race, he kept the faith; laid up for him now is a crown of righteousness.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Bridge to Life Ministries, 4915 Edgewood Road, College Park, MD 20740 with visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, and funeral services from 11:00 am until 1:00 PM; interment to follow at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783.

** Gifts can be sent to Kendra Tappin via:

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/Kendra720

or

CashApp: $KendraTT183