MONTEGO BAY, St James — A slew of People’s National Party (PNP) stalwarts including former prime minister PJ Patterson and party leader Portia Simpson Miller, are expected to attend a thanksgiving service for Eric ‘Napoleon’ Vernon at the St James Parish Church next Monday .

Vernon who served as deputy mayor of Montego Bay between 1990 and 1998 passed away nearly two weeks ago, after a prolonged illness.

He was 88.

A former PNP councillor for the Montego Bay South East division, Vernon also served as councillor between 1977 and 1981; and again during 1986 and 1988.

He has been remembered by the PNP as a stalwart who gave yeoman service to the party and communities he served.

And former Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, a former Member of Parliament for North West St James, remembered him as a great orator who touched many lives.

“He was one of the best platform speakers I have seen. He was a street campaigner, was aware of all happenings and knew how to reach the people in all communities,” said Cooke.

Vernon is survived by his wife Albertha and four children, two sons and two daughters.

Clive, his eldest son told the Observer West yesterday that in addition to the large number of politicians, he expects strong representation from business, civic groups and citizens from communities across St James to be at the service.