For many, the name Leonard Percival Martin is synonymous with the LP Martin Funeral Home or the other businesses that he started in Port Maria, St Mary, which bears the name.

However, for LP Martin’s nine children, grandchildren and other family members, he was first a great father and grandfather.

At a thanksgiving service for the 99-year-old held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Port Maria recently, L P Martin was remembered for his many extraordinary ventures. However, his commitment to his family was what many spoke of most in their tributes.

Martin was eulogised by his granddaughters Ruth DeLeon, Sarah-Lou Johnson, Sarah Elizabeth Newcombe and Jewel Martin as a “true legend”.

“A happy, devoted and unapologetic Christian since 1947, Grandpa was a highly respected and renowned citizen of the parish of St Mary and, we dare to say, of Jamaica. In his climb up the ladder, he demonstrated determination, generosity and, most importantly, a very strong commitment to God,” read the eulogy which was also printed.

Martin’s granddaughters remembered him as an honest, reliable and successful businessman who started out learning the trade of carpentry. This trade would later influence his decision to make caskets. He then started providing other funeral services, which included transporting bodies for burial. Out of that venture he started the LP Martin Funeral Home in 1972.

Martin’s success in business took great determination. Born in Sandside, St Mary, in 1918, he started working from a young age to take care of his mother and siblings after the death of his father. His great work ethic continued when he started his own family with Louise Green. That union produced nine children, who all became successful in their different pursuits. The success of his children and other family members was widely attributed to the role that Martin played in their lives.

Dr Yvonne Newcombe, one of eight daughters, said although there is much to celebrate about her father’s life, she was saddened by the death of a great father.

“I have come to the end of an era where the father who was always there for me will be there no more,” she said.

“He was quietly proud of my accomplishments, whatever they were,” she added. She said that her father taught her that she mattered and taught her the values of life.

“With God’s help he successfully raised a large family,” she said.

Lenville Martin, L P Martin’s only son, also remembered his father for his dedication to family.

He said his father’s life was built around his faith, service and unity.

Martin was remembered by his son as a dedicated Christian man who ensured his children learn about God. Lenville Martin said his father prayed about everything he did and asked God to bless everything he got involved in.

His nine children had to take part in the daily morning worship sessions at their home.

“He bought nine Bibles; we would all sit around his bed and he would hand each of us one,” he said.

“He was a man who believed in service,” Lenville stated, emphasising that Martin enjoyed giving to his community.

Martin was so committed to his family that he wanted everyone to unite in the family business. However, some, including his only son, chose other avenues.

Grandson Martin Baxter also shared a close relationship with his grandfather.

“We were friends regardless of the age difference,” he stated in his tribute.

Baxter said that even up to his death he stood in awe of his grandfather, who would always speak glowingly about all his grandchildren.

Martin was also remembered as one who took great pride in his appearance and would often be found wearing “a crisp white shirt, white shorts with seams well starched, white socks, and white shoes.

“L P was one of the most confident men I ever met,” son-in-law Dr David Baxter said.

Richard Hemmings believed his grandfather built his life around three pillars — God, family and business.

“Family was very important to him,” he said.

“Even though he had so many businesses, if I say, ‘Grandpa, let’s go to the beach,’ he would find time,” Hemmings continued.

He remembered L P Martin as one who made time for his grandchildren although he usually had a busy schedule.

In addition to taking them to the beach, or playing dominoes with them, L P Martin gave all the grandchildren who would spend time with him a chance to work in his hardware store.

Sylvester Hemmings also remembered his father-in-law as one who always paid his debt.

“He was careful to pay his debts including his taxes,” he said.

“He never engaged in any underhanded practices,” Hemmings continued.

The businesses that bear his name are an indication that L P Martin had many ideas.

He was also remembered as a great entertainer, mediator and problem solver, and one who always told the truth.

Martin was also remembered for his philanthropy and his role in helping the poor and helping many to start their own businesses.

Martin retired from active duty in his businesses in 2010 at 92 years old. His last business venture was his entry into the real estate development with the aim of providing affordable housing to members of the community.