Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Family of the late Leslie Ruel Madden, (from left) son, Leslie Madden Jr, wife Janet Madden, son-in-law, Chescott Browne and daughter Isiaa, at the service of thanksgiving at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on Thursday. - Photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Leslie Ruel Madden's job entailed bringing the essence of the human spirit to the outer shell, so people could feel a sense of peace looking at their loved ones in a tranquil and beautiful state of endless sleep.

When the late mortician took his endless sleep last Wednesday, daughter Isiaa touched his head, rubbed his chest and prayed for 10 minutes, while declaring her perpetual love.

"Something beautiful happened when Ruel Madden breathed his last breath," was how Bishop Charles Dufour described the last hours spent with the late businessman, to the huge congregation that turned out to give final farewell at the Liturgical Celebration in Thanksgiving at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay, St James, Thursday morning.

"Earth is a temporary habitat and the time that Ruel Madden spent here remains as a testimony of good," he spoke admirably of the philanthropist, who, although not a firebrand of the church, gave generously of his time to several community charities, including the Good Shepherd Foundation.

Profound simplicity

In a spine-tingling presentation, Maieka St Albin described her late godfather as the "Tangible hero. Whether it was for his bravery, his love for his family, love for friends, humanitarianism, profound simplicity in quality and not quantity, his generosity, confidence or his overall contentment of life; you felt a sense of pride amidst his presence."

Not to be forgotten, she spoke of the artistic skills the former American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service graduate possessed in using lifeless bodies as his canvas.

"Although, this day brings great sadness, we have such significant memories of the man we all love so dearly," St Albin said.

The former operator of Madden's Funeral Parlour, Montego Bay and Master of the Harmony Lodge did not take leave without the presence of his brothers from the Free Mason Society and Dr Basil Robinson, who represented the group, in his tribute said Madden "was affable and approachable and helpful to a fault".

At the end of his tribute, it was obvious that Leslie Ruel Madden's dedication and commitment to helping the less fortunate was unmatched.

Madden died leaving wife Janet, son Leslie Jr and daughter Isiaa.

The service attracted the likes of former Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Energy Clive Mullings, Members of Parliament, Dr Peter Phillips, Robert Pickersgill, Maxine Henry Wilson and Senator Noel Sloley and wife Sharron.