THE late former policeman, customs broker and businessman Cuthbert “Cutty” Campbell was described as one who led an upright life and believed wholeheartedly in his country and its people.

“A most affable gentleman and a patriot who believed strongly in his country. Jamaica was foremost on his mind,” said Member of Parliament for North West St Andrew and former Cabinet minister Derrick Smith.

“Cutty was a sportsman who was particularly well versed in cricket, boxing, as well as national and international affairs,” Smith said of his friend of over 40 years in his tribute at the service of thanksgiving for Campbell held recently at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in East Kingston.

Campbell, who also operated the popular Trade Winds restaurant and bar along Tower Street in Kingston, succumbed to illness on September 15.

Public defender and good friend Earl Witter, remembered Campbell as a genuine individual who treasured friendship and family, while having some unusual traits.

“Strange enough, he was a man who didn’t attend funerals and that was a characteristic that many held against him. Such was the nature of his human compassion that he could not abide with the thought of not seeing someone again. Even his own father’s funeral … he didn’t go into the church,” Witter said.

‘Them tell too much lie about the dead man’, Cutty gave me as his reason for not attending funerals,” Witter told the mourners.

“He developed a passion early in life for sports and cried bitterly when Malcolm Marshall (former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler) died.

“He was a plain talking and straight dealing advisor to many. We shall see him again, because there is life after life … there is,” Witter said.”

Also paying tribute was friend Joseph Reid.

“He lived with neither a harsh voice nor rough demeanour. He was the epitomy of humility and compassion and was always ready to pass on his knowledge. He was the embodiment of tolerance, tranquility and lived a life that will long echo in the deep recesses of our lives and paths,” Reid said.

Deacon Trevor Graham in his homily bemoaned the tough conditions that continue to affect everyday life in Jamaica.

“When we hate, we go overboard and because of this, murders continue to rise,” Graham said.

“In recent time we hear of some unusual deaths, like mother and daughter’s heads severed.

“You need to live a life that is worthy of the human race … a life that is to be lived as if it was your last day on earth,” Graham said.

Campbell leaves behind widow Ena and daughters Carol Campbell Besley and Charmaine.