BY MARC RISDEN

Observer reporter

BARRY Anthony Wade was a man who wore many hats during his 75 years of life. Philanthropist, preacher, teacher, brother, father and friend; many tributes had been appropriately and deservedly paid to Barry in the recent service of remembrance and thanksgiving for his life. These were given for the “diverse ways in which he exemplified extraordinary faithfulness to God and fruitfulness in his service, he was the consummate friend” said Ken and Lilieth Christian, family friends.

The thanksgiving service celebrating the life of Barry was held at The University of the West Indies Mona Chapel. The service was attended by numerous family members, former co-workers and also representatives from the Mona Baptist Church, his mentee programme, ‘Halifax Tuesdays’ and representatives from his consulting company, Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL).

Known by many as “Mr Environmentalist”, Wade was remembered by longtime friend, Las Newman — as “a man who was never self-absorbed”. He also likened Wade’s passing to “a comet in the evening sky, gone too soon”.

Wade, who was a founding member of the Mona Baptist Church and the ESL Company, was recalled as a man of “transparency, honesty”, and one who “possessed a rock-like integrity”.

Barry’s brother Raymond in his tribute revealed that “Barry was the ‘family demographer’ and the one to always plan the family reunions.” He also added that “Barry was an ardent admirer of the Father Richard Ho Lung Ministry” and he often visited Father Ho Lung for advice.

Wade who had several highly distinguished accolades to his name, such as a Doctorate, the Order of Distinction and a Justice of the Peace, was described by longtime colleague, Eleanor Jones, as “a man who exemplified Einstein’s tenancies.” She also added that he was a very spiritual man. “Barry had a brilliant mind, but a very humble spirit. He was not only a giant in academia, but was also big on spirituality”.

Born in Belize on June 6, 1940, to a Belizean father and Jamaican mother, Wade migrated to Jamaica with both parents and this is where he also received his formal education, at the Wolmer’s Boys’ School. Wade was a noted environmental scientist and consultant in the area of environmental science. In 2000, he took time off from his professional practice to work with marginalised men and women in poverty-ridden areas of Kingston, through his church’s HELP Ministry (Healing and Empowerment with Love and Prayer). He retired as director of the ministry after 10 years but continued to serve as a Deacon of Mona Baptist Church. Dr Wade was given the title of ‘Honorary Fellow’ of the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology. He was also a major shareholder and chairman of Environmental Solutions Ltd, a firm he founded with four other partners in 1991.

Dr Wade’s publications included his

last two, Ministry at the Margins, and Journeys with Wolves and Lambs,

in addition to

more than 50 scientific, management and theological peer reviewed articles appearing in professional journals and magazines.

Wade leaves behind his wife of fifty (50) years, Merle, his children, Francis and Ruth, three grandchildren, two brothers and a host of friends.

In a tribute to her father, Ruth described him as a

great father, “who believed everyone should live a full, beautiful and robust life; we’re going to miss Daddy”.