Hundreds bade farewell to former Chairman of the RJRGleaner Communications Group Joseph Aloysius Lester Spaulding yesterday in an emotional thanksgiving service held at the Webster Memorial United Church in St Andrew.

Spaulding died November 17 after a period of illness. He was 76.

Colleague and radio personality Norma Brown Bell eulogised the former Half-Way-Tree Primary, Kingston College and College of Arts, Science and Technology student.

“He displayed good judgement, astute management and strategic vision matched only by his consistent dedication to humanity,” Brown Bell said.

“Lester Spaulding was a man of exceptional integrity and character who never sought rewards, but put honour and ethical values before personal benefit in his lifelong service to Radio Jamaica, Jamaica, the Caribbean and our people,” Brown Bell said.

The service was officiated by Rev Norbert Stephens, Rev Gary Harriott, Rev Lembe Sivile, and Rev Canon Major Sirrano Kitson.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness read the first lesson, with Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips reading the second.

Spaulding left behind widow Lindamarie; mother Myrtle; children Darren, Gavin, Stephanie, and Tyra.

The body was cremated.