MAJOR Percival Benjamin, who passed away a day before his 90th birthday on June 12, was hailed as a man who dedicated his life to the service of mankind.

The St Mary native and a retired official of the Salvation Arm, started out in the organisation as a cadet. He devoted more than 40 years of his life in service to this charitable group.

Major Benjamin, affectionately called, “Uncle Son Son” and “Benjie”, not only worked in several parishes across Jamaica as a Salvation Army officer but also worked in Trinidad, St Lucia and Guyana.

“The Major was totally dedicated to God and the service of mankind through the offices of the Salvation Army,” Lieutenant Colonel Sydney McKenzie, said in memory of Major Benjamin.

On Thursday, family, friends and officers and members of the Salvation Army in Jamaica reflected on the life of Major Benjamin during a lively thanksgiving service at the Salvation Army Church on Mannings Hill Road in Kingston.

He was described as a quiet individual who was very reserved, stern and a stickler for detail; especially those relating to his finances.

Corps Sergeant Major George Reynolds of the Salvation Army Allman Town Corps, a close friend of the deceased, who assisted him in his latter years after he lost his sight, said that Major Benjamin was very quiet and independent even though he was having problems with his sight.

He also recalled with humour, that Major Benjamin was very keen on matter relating to his money.

“He was very technical, if you dealing with his money you have to bring the bills because he would count down the money to the very cent,” he said.

Daphne Forbes also spoke glowingly of her friend and church brother whom she said was well spoken and was a man who had a very strong faith in God.

“Do not weep my friends, but trust in God because one day you will see him again,” she encouraged the congregation.

Major Benjamin’s colleague, Major Kathleen Townsend who delivered a tribute on behalf of the retired officers said, “We remember Major Benjamin as a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ, a faithful husband and faithful Corps officer and social worker.”

Major Benjamin’s niece, Dorothy Gordon, who read the eulogy, said that her uncle was the youngest of five children for his parents. His only sister, 95-year-old Violet Benjamin, who is still in good health, is now the only sibling alive.

Major Benjamin, after attending primary school, moved to Kingston and worked for a short time as a vendor but soon after decided that he needed to choose a different path, Townsend said.

He then decided to become a member of the Salvation Army where he spent most of his life before he retired 25 years ago.

Major Benjamin met his wife Victoria in Guyana, however they had no children.

Townsend said her uncle cared deeply for his nieces and nephews and his family in general and would always visit them whenever he was in the country.

“He really was our real uncle because of the interest he took in us,” she said.

She also mentioned that her uncle was very versed on politics and current affairs and would always listen to his favourite talk show host Mutty Perkins.

“Major was never a sad man, he was always cheerful and even though he lost his sight he never got depressed,” Benjamin’s niece said.

Major Benjamin dedicated his life to the Salvation Army, his life revolved around it and I can say that he did not regret it. He lived a satisfied life,” she added.

Other family members who took part in Benjamin’s thanksgiving service were his niece Enid Clarke, who read the second lesson and a quartet comprising of his nephews and grand nephews who delivered beautiful rendition of the songs, If We Ever Needed the Lord (We Sure do need Him now) and Plenty Good Room In My Father’s Kingdom.

Major Benjamin is survived by his sister, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. His body was interred at Dovecot Memorial Park.