ROSE HALL, St James — Prominent entertainment entrepreneur Walton Bybon Crooks was remembered for shaping the entertainment landscape in western Jamaica during the recent service of thanksgiving for his life at Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James.

In fact, executive director at the Broadcasting Commission, Cordel Green, who was a part of Crooks’ production team while being a high school student in the 1990’s, believes the late entrepreneur extraordinaire’s contribution to entertainment in Montego Bay, is yet to be surpassed.

“I see people here at the top echelon of commerce but no entertainment currently being offered in Montego Bay, none, has surpassed the standard set by Walt Crooks in the 1980s and 1990s,” Green told mourners at the well-attended service, to loud applause.

Affectionately called “Walt Crooks” and “Crooksie”, Green said the late entrepreneur, who died last month at the age of 69, “never give in and he never gave up”.

“The man and his idea was like a Catholic marriage — you couldn’t divorce them,” said Green, who reminded the mourners that Crooks was the best man at his wedding almost two decades ago.

Green, a native of the inner-city community of Glendevon in St James, noted that Crooks brought first class entertainment to the resort city of Montego Bay, stressing that through his instrumentality a number of top local and international acts performed at his Disco Inferno in Rose Hall, and at his other entertainment spots.

“I need not tell this audience about the world-class quality entertainment which was offered through Disco Inferno, the Rendezvous Restaurant, The House of Lords Restaurant, Xanadu Private Members Club, and the Garden Theatre — which was Jamaica’s first permanent international stage featuring local and international starts such a Chaka Khan, Ray Goodman and Brown, Third World, Beres Hammond, the Wailers, Half Pint, Chalice, the Miss World Fashion Show, and the global grand finals of the Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International,” Green noted.

Other top acts like The O’Jays, Billy Paul, Fats Domino and Dionne Warwick also performed at Disco Inferno.

Johnny Gourzong, businessman and founding member of Summerfest Productions — the group that stages Reggae Sumfest — in his tribute, told the gathering that from an early age Crooks showed signs of becoming a businessman.

“When he first entered into business, opening the Happy Gardens club in Falmouth, he must have been no older about 23 years old. He showed signs of a risk-taker, a budding entrepreneur, and the fever was in him to become a successful businessman,” said Gourzong.

“He was definitely a trailblazer and helped to shape the entertainment landscape in Montego Bay. Walt brought considerable experience and expertise to Reggae Sumfest, and was at one time in charge of marketing and public relations — and he did an excellent job in promoting the festival.”

According to Gourzong, Crooks was “always dreaming, always planning his next move, and took a fearless approach to business and life”.

Member of Parliament for St James Central, and former Cornwall College Old Boys Association president, Heroy Clarke said Crooks, who also attended that Montego Bay institution, was involved in a number of programmes at the school.

“He always had the students’ interest at heart,” said Clarke, noting that Crooks assisted with the school’s mentorship programme, breakfast programme, homecoming programmes, and sports day activities.

Last October Crooks, along with three other Cornwallians — Allie McNab, Dr Dwayne Hall and Senator Noel Sloley — were recognised by the Cornwall College Old Boys Association for their outstanding contribution to the school.

Cornwall College Principal Michael Ellis said Crooks’ passing has left a void at the institution.

“You [Crooks] were one of our biggest cheerleaders, you always sought to help others. We will always cherish your memories,” said a saddened Ellis.

Mayor of Montego Bay Homer Davis, who described the late entrepreneur as “a man with a big heart”, said he made the resort city “a better place for entertainment and music”.

National security minister and Member of Parliament for St James North Western Dr Horace Chang, in his tribute, said Crooks laid the foundation for entertainment in St James, and placed Montego Bay on the world stage for entertainment.

Ron Burke, a founding member of the defunct Reggae Sunsplash, stressed Crooks’ support to the event during his existence.

“This man was a friend to have. We will never forget his support, his gentle manner, and we will never stop admire him for never backing down from a challenge. The memory of Walt Crooks will live in our hearts forever,” Burke stressed.

Walt’s sister, Pearl Crooks, in her remembrance, which was interspersed with humour and which elicited laughter in spurts from mourners, described her brother as “a very unique and talented individual”.

She told the gathering that from a tender age her brother undertook several business ventures “among family members”, emphasising that she therefore wasn’t surprised that during his adult years he ventured into several business ventures.

Crooks, born in Mount Zion, St James, attended Mount Zion Elementary School before enrolling at Cornwall College.

He is survived by wife Lorraine and three children.

His body was interred in the Mount Zion United Church cemetery.