The following is the eulogy delivered by Marcia Sinclair in celebration of the life of her brother Richard Courtney Sinclair.

Richard Courtney Sinclair also known as Dad, Daddy, Bro’, Sinco, Richie, was born on Saturday, October 26, 1963 in St Andrew, Jamaica to Herma and Gladstone Sinclair, the fourth of six children and the third of five boys. His was and remains a closely knit family, providing a constant source of emotional, spiritual and physical support for each other in all areas and especially in times of need or crises.

Like his brothers, he developed a passion for all things sports-related. His siblings, except for two, went to different secondary schools, and the support for their respective alma maters was strong, providing for a very competitive environment. He, his brothers and the many friends in the neighbourhood, enjoyed getting together to opine about cricket, football (yes, not soccer as this audience is wont to describe the world’s most popular sport), basketball, athletics especially sprints and sprint relays. He always enjoyed a good domino game. His siblings will pay tribute to him separately, highlighting his passion for aviation, sports and other interests.

Richard received his education at Shortwood Practising School, followed by Jamaica College and the Institute of Management & Production.

Following his graduation from Jamaica College and completing several modular courses in accounts and information technology at the Institute of Management & Production (acquired by University College of the Caribbean in 1992), he secured permanent employment at Facey Commodity Limited, where he had previously started out as a summer intern. The completion of these courses ensured steady promotions in Facey’s accounts department and he remained with the company for a number of years until the travel bug hit him.

Richard realised that if he secured employment with one of the airline companies which provided service between Jamaica and other destinations, his passion for travel would be financed. And so, he started a new job at American Airlines, Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), Kingston, after completing training at the US legacy carrier’s Dallas Fort Worth location. It was during his tenure at American Airlines NMIA that he married Carol Donna Barclay whom he had first met at Facey Commodity. She had migrated to the United States, and Richard Courtney subsequently joined her in Paterson, NJ.

His migration to the United States saw a successful move to American Airlines’ Newark Liberty International followed by postings at AA’s many stations across the north-east – namely Newark, LaGuardia, New York’s John F Kennedy International, Miami and finally Atlanta. He loved his job and his many colleagues, some of whom are now numbered amongst his closest friends, and are here today celebrating his life.

Carol’s and Richard’s union was blessed with the arrival of their son Jason and five years later, their daughter, Kayla. His offspring became his pride and joy. He lived for his family and bragged at the drop of a hat about his children. He was also extremely proud of his siblings, who reciprocated the passion of a fiercely loyal, always giving (of himself), supportive, humble and caring brother.

His many friends, those of his siblings (both male and female), his colleagues at every job posting, all speak to the characteristics described above. Everything about Richard clearly began and came back to people – his family, his siblings, his friends, the friends of his siblings, etc.

His greatest love (aside from his family) was his relationship with Christ, which was influenced by his parents’ faith. He was a deeply spiritual man, and greatly treasured his relationship with the Lord and was growing to love his new church family at the Conyers Church of God.

Preceding him in death were his parents Gladstone and Herma, along with niece Candice. His earthly departure leaves behind to mourn: his wife Carol, son Jason, daughter Kayla, brothers – Patrick (Liddian), Linden (Paula), Joseph (Vivine) and Andrew (Michelle), sister Marcia, dear friend Richard Montague, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, other dear relatives, friends, and well-wishers.

Richard Courtney, you have left behind an unfillable void and while we mourn this great loss, we are comforted by the thought that you are no longer in pain. The memories you have left us are precious: your smile, your gentle demeanour, your humour, your quiet dignity, your great love for us. All these we will treasure and bear in our hearts while we move forward in the surety that as you rest in the Lord, we will see you again someday.