Hundreds pay final respect as Rudyard ‘Kippy’ Mears is laid to rest

PNP president Dr Peter Phillips was among the many dignitaries from across the political spectrum, the business community, family members and friends who paid their last respect.

Inside the ancient St Dorothy’s Anglican Church in Church Pen, St Catherine, tributes flowed, each speaker chronicling significant aspect of Mears’ contribution to the community as a father, businessman and politician.

Dr Phillips, the country’s opposition leader, says Mears diligence and commitment made him the “consummate political organizer” who gave his best to the community.

“He presented the best of the political process because his commitment to the political life was not borne of any desire for anything for himself but rather was borne of a desire to serve people and make their lives better. Long before he became an activist he was a servant of the community of south west St Catherine which he loved so dearly and served throughout his life,” he said to much applause.

“His values are the values that would make any country, any individual great. And very important, he was a family man who believed in his family and would do anything to protect his family and advance their interest,” added Dr Phillips.

“As we mourn his passing we will also cherish his memory and celebrate his life most of all by trying to be observers, supporters, embodiment of the values that he held dear of service to his fellow man, love of his country and care for his family.”

Reverend Florizel Allen, representing the St Catherine Lay Magistrate Association of which Mears was a member, said the organisation has lost a great member who was a true servant of the people.

Using the Biblical story of Dorcas in the Book of Acts as reference, Rev Allen said “when Mr. Mears died the community wept… because they’ve lost a man who was doing good works and helping the poor”.

“His conduct and character reflected the life of one who loved the people and was loved by the people; a man who respected the people and was respected by the people. He was respected even by the children,” Rev Allen said.

Mears, 50, was the People’s National Party (PNP) chairman of the constituency of St Catherine South West when he died on March 29 in hospital, days after suffering a massive heart attack.

He was a renowned and highly popular public figure in the community, who did a lot of work particularly through sport before venturing into politics in 2014. 

The Island Farm resident was the PNP’s representative in the 2016 General Elections, but suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of incumbent and long-serving Member of Parliament Everald Warmington of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

He’s survived by wife Dahlia and two sons, Rudyard Jr and Michael.