Sad News: Daryle Abrahams - Not Just a Leader, An Icon

Dear friends,

It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Daryle Abrahams – a man who inspired so many of us, and whose loss will be felt so deeply today across our entire JLGB family.

More often than not, when JLGB loses one of their own, and I have the unenviable task of sending these sad news emails to you all, there is some comfort in knowing that the person lived a long and complete life. But while many knew this day was coming, following his brave battle with cancer, today we have lost a true legend far too soon, aged just 57.

Daryle wasn’t just a leader, he was an icon. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, it was impossible not to be drawn in by his charm, his trademark cheeky smile, and a confidence that seemed to shine far too effortlessly, especially for a man always walking around in a bright pink luminous jacket.

But beyond his ability to command a room with charisma like few others in our history, Daryle had an unparalleled gift – the ability to make each of us feel seen, valued, and capable of more than we ever imagined.

With individual nicknames that he bestowed upon us all, for me, and for so many of my generation, Daryle was the leader we all aspired to be. He had a rare ability not just to lead but to lift others up. I still vividly remember that summer camp where he first took me under his wing – a shy, uncertain boy wandering aimlessly. It was Daryle who first gave me the confidence to believe in myself, and even tried to teach me how to smile. Whatever attempt at a smile you see on my face to this day, it’s thanks to him – the master of the cheesy grin himself!

His passing leaves a void that will be felt by so many of you reading this today. But while Daryle’s life has been cut way too short, his legacy is anything but small. Through the generations of leaders he inspired, the hundreds of friendships he forged, and the countless lives he touched, Daryle’s giant spirit will continue to live on in all of us for years to come. To that effect, in the days ahead, previously agreed by Daryle and his family, we will be announcing an award in his name, so that future leaders of JLGB will know just how much he meant to us, and through them, how much he will continue to always mean.

To his amazing wife Jemma, and incredible children Samuel, Charles and Alexander, we extend our deepest sympathies. We wish them strength, peace, and the comfort of knowing that Daryle’s impact at JLGB is eternal. He may be gone from us far too soon, but his light will continue to guide JLGB for many more years to come.

With profound sorrow and immense gratitude for the life he lived, on behalf of all of us at JLGB, I’m sure you will join me in wishing all of Daryle’s family a long and healthy life.

With warmest regards to you all,

(AKA Kermit)

Neil Martin OBE
JLGB Chief Executive