DR Henry James Rainford was a man who lived a full life. In his 85 years, he made outstanding and pioneering contributions to the agricultural and livestock sectors of Jamaica. Described as Jamaica’s “global agricultural ambassador”, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) stalwart died recently.

The thanksgiving service for the life of Dr Henry Rainford was held on Friday, August 21, at The Church of St Margaret’s in Liguanea, St Andrew. The service was attended by scores of family members, well-wishers and friends, as well as representatives from the agricultural and private sectors.

Rainford was born in Trentham Park, Sligoville, St Catherine, on March 29, 1930. He was the fourth of five children for Justin and Matilda. His father, Justin, was a farmer and it was while assisting his father on the farm that Rainford developed his love for agriculture.

He attended Kingston Technical High School and then the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) now UTech. Upon completion of his studies, he started his career at the Cocoa Industry Board in 1954 and joined the Jamaica Livestock Association (JLA) in 1961 — initially as chief accountant and then as CEO.

“Henry was a visionary committed to the development of Jamaica’s agricultural sector and to serving Jamaica’s small farmer. He devoted over 50 years of service to the industry that he loved,” said Dr Franklin Johnston in his remembrance.

Johnston, in his memoriam, also described Rainford as “the most visionary, knowledgeable and influential man in the livestock industry. He was extremely ambitious. He was a contrivance strategist who strived on risks.”

Rainford was honoured at the last Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show by the JAS with the Denbigh Lifetime Achievement Award for long, faithful and dedicated service to the organisation and the annual show. His association with the Denbigh show spanned over six decades, while his work with the JAS was over 65 years. He represented the JAS at the Royal Agricultural shows in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“He has been a leader in the agricultural industry in Jamaica for close to 70 years, and among his most important contributions was the use of his leadership to ensure that the profits from commercial ventures went towards the development of the livestock industry,” explained Senator Norman W Grant, president of JAS.

“He was a global ambassador for Jamaica’s agricultural sector, and the JAS wishes to salute his work as one of our true heroes across the length and breadth of Jamaica. The country’s agricultural sector is better because of his lasting contributions.”

Rainford is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy, and by his children, Andrea, Richard, Angella, Henry Jr, and Judith. He was laid to rest at the St John’s Anglican Church in Sligoville, St Catherine.