THE arts community in Jamaica, particularly those from the theatre community, turned out on July 29 to pay their respects to director, actor and playwright Lloyd Reckord.

The Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living on Fairway Avenue in St Andrew resonated with glowing tributes to the man who gave his life in service to film and theatre.

In true Lloyd Reckord fashion this was no funeral, but rather a thanksgiving for his life and work. Family and associates delivered humorous tributes in memory of Reckord.

He was 86. In paying tribute to his uncle, nephew Michael utilised letters Reckord wrote to former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and the late Professor Rex Nettleford which, in his inimitable style, championed the cause of the National Theatre Trust which he founded.

This earned peals of laughter from those gathered. In keeping with his wishes, his family has established a trust in his honour, to assist young people with tertiary education.