Obituary – Spirit

Famous smile: Spirit was well-known throughout Hackney. Photograph: Made in Hackney

Lowell Grant, better known by his nickname “Spirit” and a “true community treasure” in Hackney, has sadly passed away at the age of 71 following a short battle with cancer.

Spirit arrived in England from Jamaica as a teenager back in 1964 to join his family.

He quickly became known by his nickname – a school friend coined it after noticing he had a knack for popping up everywhere.

The moniker stuck, and it proved to be fitting, as Spirit later became one of the most recognisable faces in Hackney.

He ran a Caribbean food shop on Broadway Market for 17 years before he was controversially evicted, taught ital cooking at a community kitchen and even emceed for local reggae group Solution Sound.

He could often be found – always with a warm smile and a joke at the ready – at local festivals and events.

Spirit at a protest following the death of Rashan Charles. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Sarah Bentley, a friend of Spirit’s for 15 years and the founder of charity Made In Hackney, where he taught his unique brand of Rastafarian cooking, described him as an “incredible man”.

She said: “He was a true community treasure, loved by so many people. He was always laughing, smiling and making jokes.

“Spirit was extremely passionate about healthy eating and loved sharing his knowledge as a community class teacher at Made In Hackney.

“His ital food classes were really special. People raved about him and loved his banter. He had this amazing ability to connect to everyone with so much warmth and good humour.

“He was an amazing friend.”

People raved about Spirit’s food classes at Made in Hackney. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi

For her wedding day, Sarah remembers Spirit rushing around Hackney with her husband, trying to get hold of a jerk pan for the party.

“That same day, just before the bus taking all the guests to the venue set off, he did an impromptu blessing for everyone, and he insisted he do this before they left,” she said.

“We all loved him so much. He leaves a big hole in our community but his legacy will live on in our hearts and the Made In Hackney kitchen.”

The father-of-nine spent the last decade of his life trying to overturn his eviction from his shop and home on Broadway Market after the council decided to sell it.

On the understanding that he could buy the place for £100,000 by putting down a deposit before it went to auction, Spirit did so.

Whilst his cheque was taken, there was no record of any signed contract, and so it was deemed completely legal for the property to be auctioned off.

It was eventually sold to somebody else for £15,000 less than Spirit had offered.

At a meeting with the Citizen last year, Spirit said the case had taken a toll on him, but he remained determined to carry on fighting for his rights.

Even then, his contagious grin was never far away.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Spirit’s daughter Rebecca said: “He kept us humble and taught us what true hard work is. He was constantly visited by friends and family in hospital, and also members of the Rastafarian community who played drums and chants for their elder.

“Our father loved to cook and had a caring and loving nature. His words of wisdom and legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

She added: “My dad saw the good in everything and everyone. He was a realist and always gave good, honest advice and carried blessings wherever he went.

“He was always there when you needed him and you always felt safe when in his company. His loss will cut deep for all who loved and knew him.”