Ambassador Raymond Osbourne Wolfe, a career diplomat who served as Jamaica’s permanent representative to the United Nations, died September 2 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston. He was 71.

His wife, Sharon Wolfe, told the Jamaica Observer that her husband “had been ailing for a bit” but did not disclose a cause of death.

A graduate of Jamaica College and The University of the West Indies (UWI), Wolfe was born in Chapelton, Clarendon and spent his formative years in that parish. He was the youngest of five children for Reverend UC Wolfe, an educator and stalwart of the Jamaica Agricultural Society.

Wolfe joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973, shortly after graduating from The UWI with a Bachelor of Science degree in international relations with a focus on comparative politics, international politics, international economic relations, government and politics of the West Indies.

His first overseas assignment was in Dominica, followed by a stint in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (now Russia). He was first based at the United Nations in New York from 1984 to 1990.

Wolfe next served in Nigeria (1990-92) and Japan (1992-94) where he opened Jamaican embassies. He was Jamaica’s high commissioner to Canada from 1998 to 2003.

Ambassador Wolfe had a long relationship with the International Seabed Authority. He was Jamaica’s permanent representative to that organisation which has headquarters in Kingston.

For seven years (2006-2013), Wolfe was permanent representative to the United Nations.

A handy saxophonist during his years at Jamaica College, Wolfe was a schoolmate of brothers Roger and Ian Lewis and Ibo Cooper, original members of Inner Circle band.

Wolfe is survived by Sharon, his wife of 40 years, sons Marcus and Tarik, granddaughter Rachel, and sister Joy.

— Howard Campbell