MOURNERS packed the pews of the Lyndhurst Methodist Church on Saturday, August 16, to pay their final respects to Selbourne Benjamin Carey, a man who had dedicated his life to serving God.

Carey passed away on June 28.

He was 89 years old.

He was remembered as a selfless, loyal and dependable man.

Carey’s granddaughter Shameka Sardo was full of gratitude for the knowledge he imparted to her during their time together.

“Grandpa was a good listener, a good storyteller and a good friend. The time I spent with Grandpa has now turned to precious memories,” she said during the remembrance.

Carey’s grandson Carl Carey Jnr also gave a remembrance and describing his grandfather as having a tremendously positive impact on his life.

“His legacy will live on forever. He was a great inspiration and mentor in my life,” he said.

Selbourne Carey was born in Grateful Hill, St Catherine, the parish where he gained his early childhood education and was taught Christian values.

He moved to the Corporate Area where he perfected his vocation of contractor and master builder. He also became a member of the Lyndhurst Methodist Church.

Members of the Lyndhurst Methodist Church D Tomlinson and M Pinnock gave moving tributes to Carey.

“Brother Selbourne has been an ardent and faithful member of this church for over 60 years. Even when he moved to Linstead he remained a member of the Lyndhurst Methodist Church. He was a member of several committees. He undertook all the repairs of the church. Brother Selbourne was selfless, he possessed a calm disposition, he was loyal, generous, dependable and forthright,” Tomlinson said.

“He was a faithful servant of God. A devoted husband and the consummate father. He was a confidant and a giant of a man,” Pinnock said.

The thanksgiving service at the Lyndhurst Methodist Church was one of two held for Carey.

The other service was held at the St Thomas-Ye-Vale Church at Church Road in Bog Walk, St Catherine later that same day.

Carey’s remains were interred in the church cemetery in Bog Walk.