FALMOUTH, Trelawny – Late firefighter Carlton Dilsford Hines was eulogised as “a man who was short in stature, but stood tall in life” and whose life was characterised by the comraderie he displayed with people of all walks of life.

“Another feature of his life was his penchant for reading. He had stocks of comic books and novels which he would read, but most of all he would read the daily newspaper everyday… especially the

Jamaica Observer for obvious reasons,” his son Horace Hines, a reporter at theObserver, told scores of mourners during a thanksgiving service for the elder Hines’ life at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny recently.

Born November 6, 1932 in the quiet farming community of Sherwood Content in Trelawny, the elder Hines was said to be one of the top students at the Waldensia Primary School in that district.

The younger Hines said, however, his father was unable to realise his full potential, due to financial constraints.

He noted that years later his father left his native community to seek employment in Trelawny’s capital, Falmouth, where he made his home for many years.

After working at various business establishments in that north coast town, the elder Hines landed a job as a firefighter at the Falmouth Fire Brigade, where he worked until he retired.

An avid sports fan, the late Hines was said to possess a wealth of knowledge on international sporting events, particularly boxing and football.

Church elder Keith Cole in his tribute, described him as “a humble and quiet Child of God,” who was always very punctual for church.

“He was very dear to us and very active in church,” said Cole, adding that Carlton was an active member of the church’s Men’s group.

And Carlton’s niece, Charmaine Peart, in her tribute, said her uncle was very supportive of the family.

“Whenever there was a family function, family issues, death in the family… Uncle Carlton was always there to give encouragement, support…,” said Peart.

A number of other glowing tributes were paid to the late Hines throughout the well-attended service.

They included tributes from his daughter-in-law Jennifer Hines, Goodwill United Church, Veronique Scott and Andrea Crossfield.

The remembrance was delivered by Albert Hines, one of Carlton’s sons.

His body was later interred in the Martha Brae Cemetery.