MONTEGO BAY, St James — Solomon Gardner, a recipient of the Jamaica Observer Food Awards’ Chairman’s Award in 2013 who died on October 4, has been hailed as a true gentleman who made a lasting impact on those he came across at his workplace of 53 years.

“To say the Half Moon family is saddened by Solly’s passing is an understatement. During the 53 years he spent with us… working for the same enterprise — starting out washing glasses, a craft he mastered within a week before being promoted to waiter … Solomon made a lasting impact on everyone he met,” said Guy Steuart, chairman of Half Moon Luxury Resort in St James, noting that within 10 years he had become maitre d’.

“He was a true gentleman, gracious in his words and actions,” he added during his tribute at the thanksgiving service for the life of Gardner at Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday.

Steurt added that Gardner was a role model and one of Jamaica’s finest ambassadors.

“Think about the span of time for a moment, and the myriad things which have changed… cellphones, drones driverless cars, traffic lights… 53 years: nine different prime ministers, 69 Olympic medals, hundreds of thousands of diners, and thanks in part to his leadership, three awards for the Sugar Mill being recognised as Jamaica’s finest restaurant of the year,” remarked Steurt, who added “and one constant throughout was Solomon welcoming guests as they approached: ‘Hello, welcome to the Sugar Mill, my name is Solomon.’”

Gardner’s niece, Christina Gardner, who read the eulogy, said her uncle, who died at the age of 68 years, wanted to be an auto mechanic, but this she said was shelved when he got his first and only job at Half Moon at the age of 15 years.

She described him as “a known stalwart in the tourism industry”, who was noted for his character, commitment to service, and high level of professionalism.

“In 2013, Gardner was the recipient of the Jamaica Observer Food Awards’ Chairman’s Award. He believes his greatest achievement in his career was for him and his staff to have served Queen Elizabeth II,” said Christiana.

She disclosed that her uncle was also an entrepreneur who, at the age of 18 years old, started Rose Bud Bar on Barnett Street in the second city with friends, much to the dismay of his mother, who thought the idea was not a good one.

Gardner’s pastor, Rev Everton Jackson, who delivered the sermon, said Solomon was an active Christian.

Gardner, who was ailing for sometime, leaves behind wife Pearl, sons Michael, Joshua, Jason and Shayne, and a host of other relatives and friends, as well as the Half Moon family.