Pall-bearers taking the coffin with the body of former mayor of Black River, Bolivar Hendricks, from the Bethlehem Moravian Church to the hearse, following the thanksgiving service on November 8. - Photo by George Henry

The heavy showers that lashed the island on November 8 were not enough to prevent scores of mourners from paying their last respects to Bolivar Hendricks, former mayor of Black River and councillor for the Malvern division in the 1960s, at his 'going home service' held at the Bethlehem Moravian Church in Malvern, St Elizabeth.

Pouring showers

Just as the showers poured, so were the tributes for a man who was described as a 'workaholic' and served the St Elizabeth Parish Council between 1960 and 1969. He died on October 22 after a long illness.

Tributes came from politicians, clergymen, teachers and other mourners. Almost everyone uttered the same words for a man who worked tirelessly for the people of his division and all in the parish of St Elizabeth.

Former member of parliament for South East St Elizabeth Lenworth Blake, in his tribute, said he met the former mayor when he (Blake) was 15 years old. He said Bolivar Hendricks was like United States President-elect Barack Obama.

Blake pointed out that Hendricks was able to achieve much because he was a humble man who was sincere, gentle and kind. He added that Hendricks was a servant of the people who served the parish of St Elizabeth and Jamaica during a difficult period.

"This good community man will be sadly missed," said Blake.

Member of Parliament for South East St Elizabeth Franklyn Witter, who himself is a former mayor of Black River, said the St Elizabeth Parish Council benefited tremendously from the work done by the former mayor.

Dedicated councillor

He noted that all councillors who served and those who are still serving the parish council have been privileged to work on the foundation laid by the late Hendricks.

The late former mayor's son Howard, said his father was a good man who was a real party man who liked to smoke. Hendricks also stated that his father was known for telling his family not to forget their roots and always seek to tell the truth.

Hendricks noted that his late father was a politician who kept his private life from the public and that he was good at using his charm and charisma to get things done.

Delivering the eulogy, Dr Randolph Watson, a close friend of the Hendricks' family, said many people benefited from Bolivar's generosity. He added that Hen-dricks assisted many people, and especially business people; to keep their books in order, while using his experience as an accountant.

Former civil engineer

He said the former civil engineer and accountant was good at filing tax returns, as well as stock taking.

"In his own unassuming manner, he was the friend of the friendless," Watson said. "Adults today speak of gifts they received from him, including sweets. Bolivar was very independent and sometimes quite reserved. He often liked to be alone with his thoughts. He was a very private person who was deemed quiet and gentle, but could get quite ferocious when provoked."

Bolivar Hendricks was born in the district of Elgin in Malvern, St Elizabeth on December 18, 1924, to Maudel Vincent and William Hendricks. He received his early education at the St Albans' Elementary School where he was a talented student. He pursued studies at the Jamaica Local Examinations level and finished his formal studies at the West Indies College in Mandeville. He also studied at the Jamaica School of Commerce where he received training as an accountant.

Forty-nine years ago he met, fell in love with and later married Enid Green. The union produced one son.

In addition to his widow Enid and son Howard, the late former mayor has left behind to cherish his memory, his daughter-in-law Sandra; grandchildren Indira and Mathew, other relatives and many friends. His body was interred in the Bethlehem Moravian Church cemetery following the service.