Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson says the life of former People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western and former Custos of Westmoreland, Dossel Owen Sinclair, affectionately called ‘Hurry Hurry’, is a fine example to many that dedication and work are essential elements for success.

‘Hurry Hurry’, who operated Sinclair’s Bargain Centre stores in several parishes across the island, died on Thursday, February 21, at the age of 86.

“This delectable man is a fine example to many that dedication and work are indeed essential elements for success. His compassion for and assistance to his fellowmen make him an outstanding individual and an exemplary citizen of Jamaica,” Patterson stated in his tribute, during a thanksgiving service for the life of Sinclair, held at the St George’s Anglican Church in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on Saturday.

“Today, we say a final farewell to a pilgrim whose many accomplishments will remain forever etched in the annals of our time. His name will be inscribed on the roll of outstanding sons of the soil, who in their own quiet, but distinctive style, have made a contribution to the progress of our island home by their industry, their perseverance, their charity, but most of all, in what they did to build respect for those who bear the brunt of uplifting our people out of poverty and social degradation.”

The extraordinaire, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man, was born to parents Ethlyn and Dossel Eric Sinclair in Christiana, Manchester.

After attending primary school, he went on to Holmwood Practical Training Centre. He later worked with his parents who operated a bakery, before moving on to Kingston where he worked as a bus conductor during the days, and pursued a course in bookkeeping at evening classes.

Sinclair worked as an insurance sales representative for British American Life Insurance Company from 1954 to 1956, before venturing in his own business — travelling across the island selling fabrics.

In 1977 he opened his first store at 46 Beckford Street in Savanna-la-Mar and later added several branches across the island, which were managed by his children.

Several years later, he constructed the Negril Hills Golf Club, as part of his contribution to the development of the resort town of Negril.

Sinclair’s daughter, Sharon, in her tribute, said her father disliked bureaucratic red tape.

“He strides to be in complete control of every situation and did not take kindly to anything or anyone who tried to control him. He disliked bureaucratic red tape and when his patience was worn thin by rules and regulations that could slow him down, he simply did what he knew needed to be done. Even if it meant stretching the truth,” she told the large number of mourners.

Three large tents with big screen monitors and speaker boxes were erected on the grounds of the churchyard to accommodate the thousands of mourners who could not find seating in the halls of the parish church.

Among those in attendance were Custos of Westmoreland Rev Hartley Perrin, who represented Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Custos of Hanover Dr David Stair, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw who represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar Bertel Moore, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western Wykeham McNeill, who represented Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips, and Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz.

‘Hurry Hurry’ served as MP from 1972 to 1976 and was also a parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education and later communications, during his tenure.

Between 2000 and 2012, he served as Custos of Westmoreland.

Sinclair also served in many other areas, and is a past president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Westmoreland, chairman of the St John Ambulance Association, South West division, and was a member of the Anglican Church, and a Freemason.

During his lifetime, ‘Hurry Hurry’ gave invaluable service to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Llandilo School of Special Education, Jamaica Red Cross Society, Clifton Boys’ Home, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, where he also served as parish chairman, and the Savanna-la-Mar Primary and Holmwood Technical High schools.

In 1995, he received the Order of Distinction (OD) for his invaluable contribution to the community.

Sinclair is survived by daughter Sharon, sons Richard and Junior, and a host of relatives and friends.

His body will be interred later.