Hiram James FentonJAMAICA LOST an illustrious son recently with the passing of Hiram James Fenton, O.D, known to all as 'Pete.'
Pete died in Florida on May 27 and was buried on May 31 in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. A service of remembrance will be held in Jamaica on Tuesday, June 18 at Christ Church, Vineyard Town, starting at 4:00 pm.
A devoted family man, Pete is survived by Lois, his wife of 38 years, twin daughters, Andrea and Audrey, son, Robert, grandchildren, Samantha, Jared, Lauren, Logan and Emily.
Pete Fenton's expertise in the oil industry was gained from over 40 years of experience. His career in the petroleum industry started in Trinidad in 1961 with Texaco Inc and continued in Jamaica from 1963 to 1982 with Esso West Indies. Promoted to Refinery Manager of the then Esso Refinery in 1981, Mr. Fenton seamlessly continued as the managing director of Petrojam Limited following the purchase of the refinery by the government. He continued to serve in this capacity until 1998.
Born in February 1938 in the parish of Kingston, Pete was educated at Wolmer's Boys School and the University of the West Indies, graduating with a degree in Chemistry. Over the years, Pete became the definitive authority on matters relating to oil purchasing, processing, refinery operation and pricing. His organisation became one of the few highly efficient and profitable government-run enterprises. His innovations are too numerous to mention but include the concept and development of PETCOM, Petrojam, Ethanol, Petrojam Belize and Petrojam Shipping.
The local refinery operations benefitted significantly from his knowledge of the petroleum sector, gained over his years of regional collaboration, particularly in Aruba, Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, Columbia, Trinidad and the United States of America and his constant communications with top industry personnel in the hemisphere.
At home, in an industry vulnerable to international, political and financial issues, his deliberate delivery and analytical mind were greatly appreciated by Jamaican media personnel, in times of crisis, when it was necessary to concisely deliver vital information to the general public.
Those who worked with him respected, admired and loved him for his collaborative approach. Hard working, meticulous and demanding, he expected from his staff no less than he gave to the job. It was not just a matter of long hours. As a former colleague notes, "the refinery was a consuming passion, and he unselfishly gave his all. And, for those of us who learnt from him, we too, came to appreciate the nature of the petroleum industry as one in which only the highest standards were acceptable."
Pete believed in individual effort and hard work and was committed to his vision of a Jamaica in which each person could contribute his or her talent development of the country, sacrificing short-term benefits as they worked towards long term solutions for persistent problems.
He was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica for his pioneering work in the early years of the development of Jamaica's petroleum and energy sector.
and for his dedication, innovation and tireless contribution to the oil industry and the Jamaican economy.
A devoted family man, Pete is survived by Lois, his wife of 38 years, twin daughters, Andrea and Audrey, son, Robert, grandchildren, Samantha, Jared, Lauren, Logan and Emily.
A service of remembrance will be held in Jamaica on Tuesday, June 18th at Christ Church, Vineyard Town, starting at 4:00 pm.
Pete Fenton will be remembered by his colleagues, friends and family as a true example of excellence.
