GLOWING sentiments about the life of former well-known St Ann/St Mary business man Owen George Flimn were echoed throughout the Immanuel United Church in Tower Isle, St Mary on Saturday, March 28 as friends, family and colleagues gave their final goodbyes to the man who died on March 15.

Flimn was 86 years old at the time of his death. Flimn, who was born in Oracabessa, St Mary, was one of the earliest businessmen along the north coast, starting a car rental business even before Jamaica gained independence. Flimn, although from very humble beginnings, always aimed to succeed.

In a eulogy read at the thanksgiving service, Flimn’s daughter Deana said her father was a professional person.

“He was a man of principle and avoided doing anything underhandedly. He would always say, ‘Mi a di real McCoy, mi straight like a arrow!’ He strongly believed that your name should stand for something and through his life he ensured that the name Owen Flimn stood for honesty, dignity and pride,” she stated.

Deana said her father “was the type of person who made a success out of whatever he put his hands to”. It was therefore no surprise that the man who started out as a low-level worker in the hotel industry became one of the most successful local business men in both St Ann and St Mary.

Flimn spent most of his young adult life working towards the goal of owning his own business, his daughter said. He worked at a number of hotels including Tower Isle Hotel (now Couples) and Arawak Hotel (formerly Sandals Dunn’s River now Jewel Dunn’s River).

After he resigned from Arawak he started his own rent-a-car business from savings accumulated from bussing tables as well as credit extended from a prominent hotelier. Flimn’s Rent-A-Car operated a limousine service in the Ocho Rios area, traversing the hotel properties.

“Dad always boasted about being the first person to own a Cadillac in Ocho Rios and those who knew him can attest to the fact that he was one of the best dressed gentlemen in town,” his daughter said.

Flimn went on to own successful businesses throughout the Ocho Rios community including Flimn and Flimn Texaco, Flimn and Flimn Construction and the famous Ruins Nightclub and Restaurant, which was featured in the 1973 James Bond movie, Live and Let Die with actor Roger Moore.

Flimn through his company Flimn Construction played an integral role in the infrastructural development of Ocho Rios and its environs, which included the original sewerage lines for Ocho Rios, the former Mallards Beach Hotel South Tower, Ocho Rios Transport Centre, Dunn’s River car park; Mount Edgecombe Housing Scheme and miles and miles of roads for Kaiser.

Deana said her father got the idea to start Flimn Texaco by chance when he encountered a tourist couple whose car ran out of petrol in the Tower Isle area. “They were very disgruntled, complaining about the distance to the nearest gas station. Flimn, being the Good Samaritan, assisted them in typical Owen style,” she said.

It was at that moment that he decided to construct a gas station in White River. This was to be the first building in White River, the first gas station to open 24 hours and the first gas station to employ women at the pumps.

“He was very aware and proud of his successes and accomplishments but never forgot where he came from.” She said her father remained humble even after his success.

Flimn, who was a close associate of former Prime Minister Michael Manley and was also as a friend of the police force.

“He was a friend to the police force and provided support in whatever way he was able to and if he couldn’t provide personal help to anyone, he made calls to get help for them,” Senior Superintendent of Police Coulbourne-White who spoke on behalf of the Immanuel United Church, where Flimn was a member, said.

She said even though he was successful and was a friend of many of society’s most wealthy, he was always humble and treated everyone with respect.

Justice Ian Forte, a longtime friend of Flimn in remembering the close friendship they shared said, “Few people you meet connect to your soul.”

Ambassador Burchell Whiteman also spoke of Flimn’s great personality.

“Despite his political preference, he didn’t exploit the connection for special consideration or treatment. He operated his business honourably and honestly earned a living and had a sense of community and served with true patriotism,” Whiteman said.

Alrick ‘Bobby’ Pottinger, Custos Emeritus of St Mary also remembered Flimn for his great contribution to St Ann and St Mary.

“He was a man with huge ambition, but humble to find enough people to support him in his upward mobility and in his business of construction, Flimn sought and found the best skilled persons to deliver quality service,” Custos Pottinger said.

A tribute was also read from former Prime Minister PJ Patterson. Joelle Flimn and Siphanny Walter, granddaughters, read the first and second lessons respectively. Reverend Trevor Hylton delivered the sermon. Flimn was buried at Canoe Pond, Oracabessa, St Mary.