Family members, relatives, friends, advocates and business associates from all walks of life packed the Foursquare Gospel Church on Cassia Park Road in Kingston on Saturday, October 6 to celebrate the life of Eric Harrilal (Dada), entrepreneur and founder of Harrilal’s Enterprise at 1-3 Toronto Avenue, Kingston.

Harrilal died on September 24 after ailing for some time. He is survived by his widow Clara, daughters Patricia, Pauline, Paulette, Pershah, Paula and Prudence, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers and other relatives.

Eric Harrilal could easily be described as a self-made Renaissance man who embraced the complexities of the automotive services sector to carve a niche in automotive paint, car body parts and accessories from the early 1960s. Later, out of his love for heavy machinery, his portfolio of family businesses grew to include Harrilal’s Wrecking and Towing Service, Harrilal’s Automotive Spare Parts and Hardware Company Limited, Erico Enterprises as well as Harrilal’s Roti Plus.

But it was his role as patriarch and consummate family man for which he was celebrated. Granddaughters Tamar, Pershel, Stacy-Ann, Tracey-Ann and Peta-Gaye recounted valuable life lessons learnt from Dada. Pershel was his chauffeur. “I valued the time spent with him, including the good conversations and the knowledge he shared,” she said.

Hyacinth Knight, his cousin from St Mary and a member of the University Council of Jamaica, said she admired Harrilal as a father figure for his values and family-oriented attitude.

Dalbert Harrilal, a brother who resides in Atlanta, released digitalised doves to signify the “release of the soul” of his dearly departed brother.

Eric Harrilal’s impact on the communities of Drewsland, Maverley, Washington Boulevard and Molynes Road and his contribution to the automotive sector were also highlighted in a tribute by Ewart (Bunny) Buckley, a senior mechanic and close family friend who spoke on behalf of the community. Buckley recalled his association with Harrilal’s Wrecking and Towing Service, which was operated by son Patrick (Peter) Harrilal (now deceased).

“Mr Harry was noted for having a well-maintained fleet with the largest and most powerful wrecking equipment in Jamaica – other than that of the Jamaica Defence Force,” Buckley said.

Tributes were also paid by Oswald Chung of Sherwin Williams, Melissa McHargh from Edgechem and Harrilal’s Enterprise’s employees, past and present.

Eric Harrilal was eulogised by daughter-in-law Myrette Harrilal as “a gentle giant, a wonderful man, with a great sense of humour. He lived a full life, empowering his children to strive for excellence. For those of us whose lives he has inspired, we are grateful to have been empowered by him”.

Born in Tremolesworth, St Mary, Eric Harrilal first moved to Kingston in the 1950s. Later, he moved to Montego Bay to work at the Half Moon Hotel where he met and fell in love with an attractive co-worker, Clara May. Their love blossomed into a marriage that produced seven children.

As a family man, his favourite days must have been on the weekend when he took great pride and joy in being a father, a grandfather and great-grandfather. He took his family on weekend trips, told them stories and taught them poems. Most importantly, he instilled essential principles in them such as discipline and pride.

A highlight of the funeral service was an interjection by Clarendon resident Florence Thomas, a former fruit vendor who supplied Harrilal with his favourite fruit – guineps. From the back of the church she raised her hand to request permission to speak. She said she heard of Harrilal’s passing on the day of the funeral.

“When ah hear seh him a bury today, ah put haan me clothe quick…, walked two miles to the main road to catch di bus to Spanish Town.” She had no more money and someone gave her enough for her bus fare to continue the journey to Kingston. After paying tribute to the memory of Eric and his daughters who she said treated her “very respectful”, Miss Thomas ended: “I don’t have a penny to take me back to Clarendon, so if anybody caan help mi with a fare I would be very grateful.” The congregation erupted in applause and laughter, and before she returned to her seat Ms Thomas received hundreds of dollars from mourners.

A cousin of the deceased, Jackie Thompson, gave Ms Thomas her handbag to secure the funds.

Officiating clergy were Reverends Reuben Davis, Dr Gareth Phillips, Hugh Crosby, Richard Davis and Minister Sylvia Archibald.

Eric Harrilal’s body was cremated.