Former Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston Samuel Carter, second right, sprinkles "holy water" on the casket of the late Dr. Kenneth McNeill as pallbearers take it from the University Chapel yesterday. Monsignor Richard Albert, right, looks on. -Michael SloleyTHE FAMILY and friends of the late Dr. Kenneth McNeill, could not contain their grief as they said farewell, at his funeral service yesterday.
His daughters, Anthea and Fiona, wept quietly behind dark glasses in the capacity-filled University Chapel, Mona, while his wife Valerie and his three sons, Wykeham, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Roger and Davi, maintained a stoic front as the priest blessed the body of their father.
A wide cross-section of Jamaican business and political life, several Government Ministers, including Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Tourism Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Education Minister Burchell Whiteman were also in attendance.
Mrs. McNeill held on to her son Wykeham, as the smell of incense floated around the hall and the congregation focused on the coffin draped in the colours of the Jamaican flag.
In his tribute, Mr. Patterson praised Dr. McNeill for his work in the field of medicine, politics and business.
"Throughout his life, he remained a man of high ideals and a man of compassion. An icon has departed for the shores beyond. The party mourns the loss of a stalwart. I have lost a colleague and a precious friend," said Mr. Patterson
In his tribute, Roman Catho-lic priest Monsignor Richard Albert said, "He certainly lived life to the fullest, not only for himself but for his family and his country."
Dr. McNeill, highly respected surgeon, former Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and Leader of Government Business, died on December 4 at the age of 83. His body will be cremated.
