REVEREND Hugh Gillett-Chambers made people laugh both in life and in death.

His antics — as told by his brother-in-law, Donald Sharpe, in his remembrance — had his relatives and friends laughing hard during the thanksgiving ceremony for his life at the East Queen Street Baptist Church last Saturday.

Gillett-Chambers, passed away on October 21, following a battle with illness. He was 59 years-old.

At the funeral, which was attended by several of Gillett-Chambers’ colleagues from the legal fraternity, Sharpe spoke of Gillett-Chambers’ devout interest in God, and the well-being of others, especially those of young persons.

The sombre congregation broke out in laughter when Sharpe spoke of Gillett-Chambers’ dressing and culinary capabilities.

“His attempts at culinary independence in the kitchen left you in absolute wonder,” Sharpe said. “We would come home and find the kitchen in total disarray, and spontaneously you would ask ‘what happened here? Why is the floor so slippery’?” he said.

“Then in his quiet demeanour Hugh would respond, he was just trying to make some lunch. As we got to the cleaning up we took consolation in the fact that at least he didn’t burn down the house,” added Sharpe to an uproar of laughter from the congregation.

“I remember my brother-in law not being a slave to fashion,” Sharpe continued. “He was very creative in his various ensembles and didn’t seem to possess the instincts for matching colours and patterns,” he continued, the congregation still laughing.

Gary Soares, deacon at the East Queen Street Baptist Church, described Gillett-Chambers as a “prayer master”.

“Hugh epitomises what is commonly known as the prayer master,” said Soares. “He was a man of prayer, humble, loyal, kind. A man with a genuine concern for others especially the young,” he continued.

“Hugh set the stage for many of us as Christians, dedicated and committed to Christ. His legacy will be hard to fill but I am sure he left a pattern for the younger generation,” Soares, said.

Council member of the Jamaica Bar Association, Arlene Harrison Henry, in her tribute described Gillett-Chambers as a man of patience.

“Our friend had many rare and wonderful qualities… we have never seen him flustered, we have never seen him rushed,” she said.

Henry said Gillett-Chambers, who practised law for much of his life, entered the profession wanting to serve his community and not for financial gain.