DUANVALE, Trelawny — Alfred ‘Ronald’ Thomas, a former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Sherwood Content division, was remembered as a kind-hearted and humourous person who gave selflessly to almost everyone.

“Ronald hardly had the word ‘no’ in his mouth and he went the extra mile to help people, even if it means depriving himself,” said Gloria East in her eulogy, delivered at the thanksgiving service for the late councillor, at the Faith Tabernacle Church in Duanvale on October 30.

Describing Thomas as a “tower of strength,” East said his commitment, kindness and dedication to his constituents are worthy of emulation.

Thomas, who served as councillor from 1998 to 2003, passed away in the Falmouth General Hospital on October 4 after a prolonged illness.

He would have been 56 on November 30.

Although he did not have any children of his own, he raised 17 and assisted hundreds in the division he represented, as well as other sections of Trelawny.

Chairman of the Trelawny Parish Council, Mayor Colin Gager in a moving tribute described the ex-councillor as “a little giant who left his footprints on every street in his division.”

“With each step he took, he touched a life. His tenure from 1998 to 2003 was marked by sterling service. As a colleague, he raised the bar,” Gager said. “We were always impressed by the conviction with which he shared his vision for the council and the passion with which he lobbied for resources. He set high standards and took pride in performance. Hence when he became ill, he opted not to seek re-election in 2003,” Gager remarked.

Thomas, he said, did his duties with dignity and dedication, noting that he pioneered many social schemes and took the initiative to improve the infrastructure in the areas he represented.

“He lobbied for the lame and fought on behalf of the feeble. He was the voice for those who could not speak, the ear for those who needed to be listened to, and the provider for the poor,” said Gager.

According to JLP Deputy General Secretary, Senator Dennis Meadows, the late councillor will be remembered for his dedication to the less fortunate; his frankness and his ability to bring people together.

“He has left an indelible mark by his sincerity of service and commitment to the people he represented,” he said.

Former JLP vice-chairman for the Sherwood Content division, Michael ‘Briggy’ Williams said the late councillor will be remembered for the tremendous assistance he gave to both the young and old in the division.

“He was a tower of strength; we could always depend on him for excellent representation,” said Williams in his tribute.

Tributes at the well-attended service were also delivered by JLP deputy leader for Area Council Four, Dr Horace Chang; deputy mayor of Falmouth, Steve Warren; councillor for the Sherwood Content division, Fernandez ‘Bingy’ Smith; Marlet Wellington and Garcia McLean.

Thomas’ body was later interred at the Duanvale cemetery.