Kenrick “Lord Creator” Patrick made no secret of his love for Jamaica. Fittingly, the Trinidadian singer, who died June 30 at age 87, was interred at his home in Golden Grove, Hanover, on July 30.

The singer, whose song Independent Jamaica saluted his adopted country’s independence from Great Britain on August 6 1962, was remembered by family and friends during a thanksgiving service at Prosper Seventh-Day Adventist Church with officiating minister Pastor Wayne Clarke.

Widow Neseline Patrick led the congregation, which also included six of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She told the Jamaica Observer that her husband of 31 years was a “jovial, caring person” who “would go to any length to help people”.

At the service, colleagues Lord Laro performed Ma And Pa, one of his biggest hit songs. There were also tributes from his granddaughter, Deandra Patrick-Hines; son Wayne; and daughter-in-law Nicole.

The remembrance was given by Lord Creator’s physician, Dr Annie Anderson-Levene.

American reggae artiste Brad “General Moses” Klein and Japanese deejay Rankin Pumpkin were also in attendance.

Born in San Fernando, Trinidad, Lord Creator was an established artiste in his homeland when he came to Jamaica for Independence celebrations in the summer of 1962. Independent Jamaica, produced by Vincent “Randy” Chin, became a soundtrack for the historic event.

He had several hit singles in Jamaica, including Evening News and Don’t Stay Out Late.

Lord Creator’s biggest commercial seller was Kingston Town, which was later covered by British reggae band UB40.

Lord Creator is survived by his widow, eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.