Red Hills Road pays tribute to 'Lion'

Son of the soil laid to rest

BY KARYL WALKER Online news editor walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, February 05, 2012

RESIDENTS of Red Hills Road came out in their numbers last week Wednesday to pay their final respects to Neville Alfred Sudine.

Affectionately called 'Lion', Sudine passed away suddenly at his home on January 3. He was 58-year-old.

His passing has left a gaping hole in the hearts of many residents of Park Lane and 100 Lane, who were very close to the unassuming 'Lion', whose family operates the Sudine's Hardware which is located close to both communities.

Many of the residents of both communities have benefitted from his benevolence and were overheard expressing gratitude during the thanksgiving service which was held at the St Richard's Church.

Clive Savage, who delivered the remembrance, emphasised that trait in Sudine.

"Neville was a caring and loving individual," he said to nods of approval from members of the congregation.

But perhaps the most fitting tribute came from a woman who lives in Park Lane who shook uncontrollably throughout the ceremony.

"This man was very kind to me and my children and we are very sad to hear that he died. Lion was a good man who don't pass through this earth too often," the grief-stricken woman said.

Neville was the third son of Nathan and Pearl Sudine.

He was educated at the St Richard's Primary and Meadowbrook High Schools. During his stint at Meadowbrook he captained and opened the batting for the Sunlight Cup cricket team and was also a useful wicket-keeper.

He exchanged nuptials in December 1988 with Eulalee, who travelled to Engalnd soon after their marriage.

According to Savage, despite her best efforts, his wife could not get Sudine to reside with her in that country.

Off he went and she thought he would spend five years to become a British citizen, but this was shortlived as after five weeks he was back in Jamaica land we love," he said.

Neville Alfred Sudine, 'Lion' is survived by his wife Eulalee, son Sadekie, brother Keith, sister Enid, nephew Ramesh, nieces Melissa and Kimani and the extended Red Hills Road family.

His remains were interred at the Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.