Church members and residents of Grants Pen in St Andrew participate in a peace march on Grants Pen Road last Saturday. The march was put on by the Grants Pen Ministers Fraternal. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

In Just under a month since the passing of late retired Director of Public Prosecutions, Glen Andrade, members of the judiciary and the legal profession assembled on Saturday to bid farewell to yet another colleague.

The late Justice Lloyd B Ellis, CD, JP, former attorney-at-law and chairman of the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA), was remembered for his sterling contribution to public service during a thanksgiving ceremony at Hope United Church in St Andrew.

Dr Gordon Evans, who paid tribute on behalf of the Police Public Complaints Authority, remembered the passion Ellis demonstrated while serving as chairman of the PPCA.

Impartial investigation

"He was passionate about the authority's objective of ensuring the impartial investigation of complaints against members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force ... and ultimately, the vision of the authority, which is to create a bridge of confidence between the society and the police," said Evans.

He said the authority remembered Ellis as a consummate professional "who, on the basis of his strong Christian values, added that touch of compassion to his leadership role".

Ellis was eulogised by Justice Lensley Wolfe, OJ, who said his life had been an example. Wolfe recalled that Justice Ellis was appointed puisne judge in July 1984 and senior puisne judge in 1999.

"As a senior puisne judge, he led by example. He worked assiduously at any task assigned to him. As a judge of the Supreme Court, he was noted for his courtesy, his timely delivery of judgement, his patience and willingness to be merciful to those who had been found guilty," said Wolfe.

According to Wolfe, Ellis was never afraid to speak about his humble background. Wolfe said Ellis used his Smithville, Clarendon, upbringing as a source of inspiration for his achievements.

Ellis was also remembered for his dedication to family.

Former government minister and attorney-at-law, K.D. Knight, remembered Ellis for his humility and "wonderful sense of humour".

He said members of the legal profession were saddened at his passing.

Justice Ellis was appointed chairman of the PPCA in May 2002 following an illustrious career in the judiciary. He served in that capacity until his death on October 10.