FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Royland Barrett, the former Trelawny custos, was laid to rest last Thursday following a service of thanksgiving for his life at the William Knibb Baptist Church.

There were glowing tributes at the jam-packed service for the late custos who served in that capacity for nearly two decades before he died last month at hospital in Kingston after a prolonged battle with renal failure.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding who was absent from the thanksgiving service described Barrett as “truly an exemplar of honour in public service who served the parish with pride and promoted it with a passion”, in a message read by agriculture minister, Dr Christopher Tufton.

Former prime minister PJ Patterson whose message was read by North Trelawny MP Dr Patrick Harris also hailed the late custos for his iconic service to the parish of Trelawny.

“….his commitment to the parish of his birth compelled him to respond when duty called and for nearly two decades he provided exemplary leadership. From every angle, on every occasion he recounted the rich history of Trelawny, the strengths of its people and its abundant natural endowment. His propose was to ensure that Trelawny was no longer left behind,” Patterson’s message read in part.

The late custos, who was a historian, lawyer, champion of volunteerism, insurance consultant, real estate developer, and founder and Chairman of the Falmouth Restoration Company, a non-profit organisation, was also hailed by his judicial contemporaries in attendance at the memorial service.

His former Excelsior High schoolmate, AJ Nicholson, recounted that the former custos who was among the top students at school was “no bookworm but a keen listener”.

Justice Clarence Walker who studied law in the UK alongside the late custos remembered his passion for cricket, among other things.