PHOTO BY ADRIAN FRATER
Mrs. Doris Lue (front left), the 90-year-old mother of the late Lucille Lue; son Richard Lue (centre) and other family members and nourners look on as the casket of the noted hotelier is removed from the St. James Parish Church following yesterday's funeral service.
Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
RENOWNED HOTELIER Lucille Lue, who died on Christmas Day, was yesterday eulogised as a loving, caring and giving person, who served her country well, in a funeral service steeped in glowing tributes and rich entertainment at the St. James Parish Church, in Montego Bay.
In a message from Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, which was read by Dr. Wykeham McNeill, the Junior Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Lue was praised for her dedication and commitment to the development of a world-class hospitality industry in Jamaica.
ATTRACTIVE AND WELCOMING
"She welcomed every opportunity to improve and expand the tourism sector as well as make it more attractive and welcoming," the Prime Minister's message read. "It is, therefore, more regrettable that her death comes at a time of rapid development in the industry, with high expectation of a buoyant winter tourist season."
Lay preacher Mark Guthrie, a nephew of the late hotelier, who delivered the homily, told the audience of government officials, top players in the tourism sector and senior civic, political and social leaders from Montego Bay, that despite her no-nonsense 'Iron Lady' status, to her family and those who were close to her, she was easy going and fun loving.
TOUGH BUSINESS STYLE
"Outside of her tough business style, she was really a giant teddy bear," said Mr. Guthrie. "She was not a religious person, but she spent her life doing good things to improve the lives of her fellow human beings."
Sister Faith Davies, who spoke for the family, described Ms. Lue as one who had made their family immensely proud, because of the rich contribution to Jamaica, which earned her the Order Of Distinction (OD) from the Government of Jamaica in 1992.
"Sister we are very proud of you. You have gone from our presence but not from our hearts," said Ms. Davies, who was clearly shaken by her sister's death. "We will always miss you sister. We will always miss you."
Mr. Lue (Richard), who spoke impromptu, described his mother as a fun-loving person, who had a genuine love for people, entertainment and country. He said that although she had attained lofty heights, especially in the tourism sector, she never lost the common touch.
In the entertainment side of the tribute to Ms. Lue, who was the general manager of the entertainment-oriented Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge at the time of her death, cabaret star A.J. 'Booths' Brown, who got his break in the industry from Ms. Lue, was impressive in offering up a mixed offering of reggae, R&B and Italian-flavoured music.
BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES
Brown's performance was brilliantly complemented by the performances from members of the Coral Cliff Award-winning band Jumanji and L'Antonette Stines and the L'Cadco Dancers, among others.
Following the funeral service, Ms. Lue, who is survived by mother Doris Lue, son Richard Lue, sisters Yvonne Nam, Dorothy Harris, Faith Davies and Alma Baptiste and brother Dudley Lue, was interred at the Dovecot of St. James Memorial Park, near Montego Bay.
