Today, February 23, 2008 is the 48th anniversary of the death of Leandro de Montbrun, more popularly known as ‘Landy’ de Montbrun. Landy was the second child of Jose Leandro de Montbrun, Barrister at Law and Josephine (‘Josie’) Laughlin-de Montbrun. For almost 30 years, between 1930 and 1960, at almost every major event, charitable or otherwise throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad, Landy de Montbrun would be featured as Master of Ceremonies or a headlining act. On February 21, 1960 the Landy collapsed on stage while cracking his jokes just a half an hour into a Gasparillo Queen show. Landy de Montbrun died two days later on February 23, 1960, in much the same way he lived his life, with drama and flair. The drama and wit of Landy de Montbrun continued even after his death. On his tombstone in the Mucurapo Cemetery (at Landy's request) was written:

Stop, traveler stop,

as you go by ,

for as you are,

so once was I

and as I am,

so shall you be,

prepare yourself,

to follow me.

The headstone on Landy's grave with the inscription disappeared sometime after his death.

Alan de Montbrun

ademontbrun@gmail.com