SOUTHFIELD, St Elizabeth — With books that he has written to be published, a growing son who mirrors his mannerisms, and a plethora of memories not easily erased, those who knew the late Haile Clacken are sure that he will live on for years to come.

Clacken, who struggled with bipolar disorder, recently met an untimely demise in his home parish, St Elizabeth, after climbing on an armoured truck and was allegedly shot by a security guard.

Torn between having too long a service to celebrate his life and the knowledge that those who would like to remember him should not be deprived of that opportunity, his loved ones, ahead of his July 23 farewell, had a tribute night in his honour at the family home in Southfield on Friday July 21.

At the more than three-hour-long event, recollections of his selflessness, empathy, intellect, knack for being a motivator, and interventions to ensure fairness were recounted.

Despite the illness that disrupted much of his adult life, they said that his positive energy did not wane and his presence was deeply felt with everyone with whom he interacted.

The York University, Munro College and Manchester High alumnus is said to have touched lives as a student, as a journalist and educator.

His father Balfour Tony Clacken said as a scientist he had a different outlook on life and character from his son, who was very spiritual.

“Haile was this spiritual person and he always looked at things in a different way. He trust everybody. When I would caution him and say, ‘Haile, sometimes you have to be careful,’ he would say ‘No Pops you accept people first to be good before you think of them any (other) way…” he said.

The elder Clacken said that Haile’s death will cause a change in the way justice is dealt with in Jamaica and the way that “ordinary” people are treated.

“I refuse to think of him in the past as he has an eight-year-old son, he has a wife, he lives. He is a writer and we will be producing his books,” said his mother Lilieth.

She said that even upon her suggestion to him that working outside of Jamaica would possibly yield better career opportunities, he wanted to be in Jamaica.

A teacher who taught him both at Munro Preparatory and Munro College said that he always advocated for his friends and himself and always had ideas.

Clacken was remembered as an active student at Munro College. One of his peers there said that he was always a teacher by his mindset and would stop even a carefree game of basketball to ensure that it was played correctly, much to the chagrin of the other players.

After only two years as a sixth former at Manchester High, he is said to have been a strong voice for students as a president of the students’ council and held other leadership roles.

For Junior Edwards, who left high school without a subject, he said it was through football that he met Haile, but he made him have an appetite for education. So dedicated, he said, Haile was to assist him and his two friends to excel educationally that he assisted them with housing, daily sustenance, and they even had a say in how his salary was carefully budgeted for the cause.

“The essence of Haile lives on; no one can destroy his essence. Somehow I believe that he is a martyr for change,” said his wife Nickeshia Walters-Clacken.

One friend said that though it came at a high cost, the tribute night transcended religion, race and other perceived differences that would normally separate people, and Haile appreciated togetherness.

The band from Manning’s Boys’ Home in the parish and music deemed fitting for the occasion were integrally included in the proceeding meant to be a celebration.