GREGORY Michael Archer, the 42-year-old murdered technical operations manager at Digicel, was remembered as a committed husband and father who lived a selfless life.

A thanksgiving service celebrating Archer’s life was held at Holy Cross Church on Half-Way-Tree Road in Kingston on April 13.

Archer’s neighbour, Denise Campbell, offered a tribute on behalf of his neighbours at Waterloo Mews, where Archer was the president for the citizens’ association group.

“To us, Gregory meant: G – Great father, a daddy that is irreplaceable; R – Respectful; E – Entertaining and accommodating; he was always ready to offer his hot dogs, grilled chicken and his favourite spirited drink; G – Gracious in giving of himself, his beautiful smile and his love; O – Organiser of great and memorable socials on our recreation grounds; R – Real, what you see is what you get; Y- Youth-oriented, he encouraged and motivated the young and the young at heart,” Campbell said.

“In the latter part of 2009, a group of us met and decided to reignite the community spirit within Waterloo Mews. Needless to say, Gregory was chosen as the president. This was a very easy decision for the group, because long before the association, Gregory was actively doing his part in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the community,” she added.

Campbell said Archer would pay from his pocket to have the lawns of the community’s two parks maintained.

“Gregory was a very effective but unobtrusive president of the citizens’ association. He was indeed the epitome of neighbourly. He had the best interest of all residents at heart, and that was evident in his actions,” she said.

Also offering tributes at the service were: Joanna Charles, friend; Colin Webster, former colleague; Ramon Lewis; Brian McLeod, St Andrew Prep School; Jethro Fraser and his nieces, Althea Ceville; and Deanna Robins.

Ceville and Robins both said they admired Archer’s strong family values and fatherly love and commitments. He was always seen spending time with his sons, a quality they said they wish would permeate through those who witnessed his actions during his life.

“He was the most creative and innovative father. He was always very unselfish. Thank you for being a great uncle to us. You may not be here anymore with us, but you are still here. You will never be forgotten,” the duo interchangeably said as tears streamed down their cheeks.

Archer was employed at Claro Jamaica before Digicel Jamaica took over the operations of the telecommunications company.

According to police reports, shortly after 7:00 am on Good Friday this year, Archer was murdered by armed assailants in the vicinity of upper Montrose Road in St Andrew.

His killers are still at large.

His death leaves a void in the hearts of his widow, Donette, sons Gregory and Brandon, mother Pamela Ali, sisters Desiree Robins, Alison Branker and Carol Ally-Willis and other relatives.

His remains were cremated.