MONTEGO BAY, St James – For over 53 years Solomon Gardner was the presence and the first voice of the Half Moon Luxury Resort in St James.

Gardner died on October 4 at the age of 68. A service of thanksgiving celebrating his life was held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay on Saturday October 28.

A recipient of the Jamaica Observer Food Awards’ Chairman’s Award in 2013, Solomon was remembered by his eldest son Michael as a stern man who disciplined his children without using corporal punishment.

“Dad was stern. When I was growing up he did not believe in spanking. He would give you that look, and that look would send you a straight message. It’s as if he took out the belt and was getting ready… he didn’t believe in spanking when I was growing up,” said Michael in one of several glowing tributes delivered at the service.

Jason, another of Solomon’s sons, expressed similar sentiments.

“As I reflect on our journey as father and son, it’s filled with great memories. Your life’s journey has inspired me and impacted my life because it taught me dedication, accountability, strength and perseverance. You were a stern disciplinarian, but when I look back in retrospect, your discipline and teachings have made me a better man. No matter how late the previous night at work was, you would always take Shayne (another of Solomon’s sons) and me to school the next day. You’ve been my father, you’ve been my friend, you’ve been my adviser and my confidant. You were always a phone call away, especially when I migrated to Chicago at the age of 18. I had some challenging moments along the way, but you kept encouraging me. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” said Jason.

Jason’s sibling, Joshua, also shared fond memories of his father.

“I have countless fond memories of you, but the one that stands out the most was that day I secretly went to the beach despite your warnings. I went to the bar to see you, and since you were not there, I decided to spend a little time at the beach. When I returned to the bar you immediately asked me if I went to the beach, and I said ‘no.’

“You took a sharp look at me and said, “Then why do you have sand in your ears?”

“You have always been an attentive and meticulous person, and although these traits did not work to my advantage when I was a child or a teenager, I strive to develop them as an adult,” related Joshua.

Shayne said his father was very supportive, and did not hesitate to correct him whenever he made mistakes.

“Your voice gave me peaceful nights when you sorted out my problems. You lent me a sense of support when you told me to stand up for myself.

“You showed me how to be strong when you gave advice and corrected me at every wrong step that I took. Your words gave me a perspective that can never be taught,” Shayne stressed.

Chairman of Half Moon Luxury Resort, Guy Steuart 111, recounted Solomon’s longtime association with the resort.

“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 – he started 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 the Half Moon chairman, noting that within 10 years Solomon had become maitre d’.

“He was a true gentleman, gracious in his words and actions,” Steuart declared during his tribute.

“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, adding, “and one constant throughout was Solomon welcoming guests as they approached: ‘Hello, welcome to the Sugar Mill, my name is Solomon.’”

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